Girl in the Glass Coffin: The Tonkin Affairs

by Lee Ellen Hickey, William P. Warford (editor), Brian D. Hickey (contributor)

280 pages, Paperback

Published February 2, 2024

Reviews

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love historical books that are set around the area where I live and this did not disappoint. True to the title, there was a girl in a glass coffin. The Tonkin Family was wealthy, but all their wealth could not keep their older son from making a total fool of himself or keep their 11 year old daughter alive. I was not much of a fan of the Tonkin parents. There were/are worse parents out there, but their motives were questionable. Their 11 year old daughter Virginia became sick with appendicitis. 3 doctors were brought in, 1 from Syracuse, a surgeon who adamantly said that the child need surgery because her appendix had ruptured. The other 2, from Oswego had a wait and see attitude despite that poor baby being so sick with a fever and pain that she was delirious. When the 2 dr's decided it was time for surgery, it was too late. Sepsis had already set in from the busted appendix and her organs began to shut down. By morning Virginia had died. To make a long story short, a special coffin was made for Virginia. The top portion was glass. Instead of having her interred into the mausoleum, her mother insisted that the coffin be kept in Virginia's room and also insisted the family hold vigils twice a day withe the top open. Meanwhile, their son was running around wild, drinking, getting married 3 times before he was 22 and relying on his father to support him. I have no idea why they put up with his behavior or gave him the money to act as he did. This family was a bit wild. Their neighbors were also the same way. The mothers of both households had been friends, but turned into bitter enemies and did all sorts of horrible things to each other. None of these people knew how to act right. Their behavior was horrible, however it did ot keep me from reading the book. The whole thing was like a train wreck. You know you should look away, but you just can't. I highly recommend this book.

[Mary Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I learned a great deal about Oswego that I did not know, and this book has sparked an interest in me to dive farther into local history this summer. The book, however, was kind of dry and confusing at times. I also was not a fan of the editing on the pages and found several places that need to be revamped and looked back over grammatically.

[Kassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

We’ve all looked at beautiful historic mansions and daydreamed about what life was like for the wealthy families who lived in these homes in previous generations. I’m sure the beautiful Tonkin Mansion, which still stands in Oswego, NY, has been the subject of many such fantasies. While shows like Downton Abbey and The Gilded Age give us a little glimpse into their respective time periods, The Girl in the Glass Coffin shows us that sometimes reality can be even more dramatic and full of twists and turns than fiction. Set in Oswego, NY at the very beginning of the 20th Century, this book examines the tragic death of young Virginia Tonkin and her family’s shocking grief response, as well as other details of her rich playboy brother’s affairs and further trauma their family and neighbors endure in the following years. Lee Ellen Hickey has done a lot of research to fill this book with interesting facts and information that keep you turning pages to find out what happens next.

[Janet Hutcheson · Rating 4 out of 5]

When your favorite genre is historical fiction and the setting of the book is your hometown of Oswego, New York, you must read “Girl in the Glass Coffin” (such a great title hook!). The story of the death of the Tonkin girl that happened over 100 years ago is still told today in legend form to new generations of curious listeners. Lee Ellen Hickey takes us from hearsay to a well researched version of why this event happened. However, the book is more than just a retelling of Virginia’s death. It brings to life the scandals of the famous and wealthy Tonkin and Conde families.

I was glad the author included photographs and short biographies of the people and places involved in this intriguing story. There were a few first time author/editorial hiccups but in the future, I look forward to reading more local historical fiction books by this author!

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can find my review on my book review blog as well: https://nancyrbooks.blogspot.com/2024...

In the late 1800s, the Tonkin family of Oswego, New York - rich, privileged, high-society folks - embarked on a nightmare-like series of events that were the stuff of tragic fiction. They began with a riding accident involving the teen-aged son of the family, showing off for pretty young girls, resulting in the death of a working-class woman. While the event was, historically, unconnected to the other strange and bitter occurrences documented in this work, the writer has posed the questions what if, and why - and created a compelling piece of historic fiction based upon fact that truly keeps the pages turning as you follow the plot.

The bones of the story were gleaned from local history and lore: the wealthy Tonkin family had several children: Florence, Harold, Virginia and Rosamond. Harold inadvertently kills a woman as he rides somewhat recklessly, Virginia dies of appendicitis, Florence suffers a broken engagement, Harold engages in a number of scandalous relationships (and marriages) with show-girls, and Rosamond is hidden away as the family is plagued with blackmail letters threatening her life. Oh, and Mrs. Tonkin, the matriarch, refuses to let her precious child be buried, but seals her away in a glass coffin until a mausoleum can be built to allow her to inter her child in a proper fashion.

The writer has chosen to share with us both her research, and her speculation, as she unfolds the events much as an average Oswego citizen might have gathered them - by dates, incidents, and from what she could find as she researched the story in newspaper articles and historic resources.

Her job, then, in fictionalizing the story, was to connect a series of indirectly related events; to imagine the motivating emotions and create the invisible conversations, encounters and quirks of personality that might have led from one real event to the next. How could one family have endured so many sad and devastating moments? Why would a young man engage in such self-destructive behavior, and a mother be so determined not to let a child go? What motivated two wealthy families (the Tonkins and their neighbors and erst-while good friends, the Condes) to cut one another so cruelly in their times of sorrow? And who and what was behind the blackmail attempt that tortured the Tonkin family by the beginning of the new century?

At a recent book talk at the Onondaga Historical Association (a real treasure of an organization for Syracuse and Onondaga County), writer Lee Ellen Hickey expanded on her work by sharing her goals, investigative techniques, and the background she uncovered as she explored the actual events that informed her novel. Was it merely "life" that crashed in upon the otherwise idyllic existence of Oswego's leading (and wealthiest) family, or did they somehow author their own difficulties? Hickey provides some speculative motivations: Harold perhaps suffered from a form of traumatic guilt over the death of the woman he rides over in the street; a little girl's doctors dispute a diagnosis and course of action to the point of losing the child's life; Virginia Tonkin dotes on her namesake child to such an extent that she can't look on her face in death and instead keeps her "alive" in a glass coffin in her home for more than a year. The events are on the record - the "story" is the product of a writer imagining the details.

Hickey shared with her audience at the talk photos not included in the book (though there are a generous number included to help the reader imagine the splendor in which the Tonkins and Condes lived), and she went into additional detail about the families, the size of their fortunes, and the manner of their lives as they encountered the Gilded Age in Oswego and New York City. Her presentation was staged with the doomed little girl's favorite flower and color - violet - as a set dressing, and showed off a doll much like the one Hickey imagined the child might have played with, dressed, and loved. For this writer, the talk came at a perfect three-chapters-in moment in the book, as it provided context and additional visuals to intrigue the reader even more than the story already did.

The book is a fascinating tale, dealt out in days, months, and characters in a compelling morality play. We meet the Tonkins, their friends the Condes, the women Harold woos and his best friend, Tommy Conde, we watch Florence move from the sorrow of a broken engagement to happiness when she finally weds. We watch as the young men drink and debauch. We witness the misery of two grieving mothers at losing family members untimely. We see family relationships strained to the breaking point, and wonder at the power of love and money to determine fates. And best of all, we absorb some (relatively) local history as easily as we can turn the pages of an excellent work of fiction.

[Jes Pappalardo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Given that this happened next door to my hometown, it made it a little more special to me. This is a story about a wealthy family living in Oswego, NY, in the late 1800s. Though, at times, it was a little hard to get into, most likely due to time period, i truly found it very fascinating. Definitely recommend for any locals!

[Jessika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review for Goodreads: Girl in the Glass Coffin by Lee Hickey
WILL HAVE SPOILERS PLEASE BE WARNED.
I am not a professional review writer, but I am on that path to becoming one. Please check out my website for more updates. https://www.bookwormmusings.com/
Eventually I will have an editor one day lol. This dream is becoming bigger and more vivid. Every dream begins with an idea and the courage to pursue. I hope I did the review with justice and grace. <3


We can agree that there are some books that arrive unexpectedly. These books often leave impressions on the reader that they will not forget. I have had several of these moments when reading something that challenges my mind. Some books are quiet until you realize that they lodge themselves deep into our hearts. Girl in the Glass Coffin is one of those rare works. Hickey delivers a sprawling, meticulously researched novel. The novel blends the grandeur of intimacy and family life in the Gilded Age. This story is a transformative novel one that is rooted in family tragedy, human condition, the way mortality is fragile, and our complicated loyalties within the human spirit. This is exactly the kind of tale that becomes both salvation and a cuse. While reading, I was in a world not only of history but where weath and status promise security while danger is lurking behind every corner leading to devastating loss. This book had an uncanny ability to hold tension in perfect place.
From the very first chapter, Hickey gives a careful tone to mourning. The tonkin’s family dealt with questionable things the moment Virginia Tonkin fell ill with appendicitis. The story unfolds from there like a Greek Tragedy. There is a plethora of doctors who hesitate and debate the urgency of the young girl’s condition and one surgeon is torn between social hierarchy and professional knowledge in which I am sure EVERYONE has been there in life when moral’s are at stake. The reader is helpless watching that moment unfold. In my mind, the haunting tableau of her death, was what followed after.
Her mother holds the Anna doll, sings lullabies as a way of her love tethering to the child’s spirit no longer of this world in the physical sense. A mother is a mother no matter what. There are very few novels that capture that grief in a gentle way and we can all learn something from Hickey that it’s ok to feel grief despite the contradictions in the face of societal rumors. This is the epitome of being a mother. Those blissful moments of peace we feel when we are standing on the precipice of despair. Despite everything and advocating for my daughter fiercely I have also felt that despair. That I was stuck. There was no way out.
Grief becomes the architecture around the Tonkin’s recovery. Virginia’s death affects everyone including siblings and every decision regarding family relationship. The metaphor with the glass coffin is not only clever but it shows how the past remains visible encased but never gone. I have been in new york since 2024. It took a lot of time adjusting and learning and getting my footing again being a military family and being a new state I was excited for and NERVOUS about. Oswego has been friendly, and opened to newcomers as long as you keep the respect and your ego in check. We all have an ego when something get’s threatening or we lack understanding on a subject matter. If everyone can learn to keep tones cool, and how their behavior can come across the world would be in a better place. I admit I’ve made mistakes in life. I was raised with mistakes being held over me but now I use it as a learning curve and once learned I NEVER REPEAT the same mistake twice. That guilt won’t let me.
Grief and guilt are the emotional backbone that overshadows wealth. The Tonkins are known for their lavish social events, carriages, and mansions. They were loved in the public eye. The pursuit of happiness for them was rooted in social standing and stability.
Yet Hickey never lets us forget how fragile wealth really is. The Condes, once equals to the Tonkins, fall spectacularly from grace, their mausoleum flowers standing as desperate attempts to maintain dignity amid ruin. Tommy Conde loyal, flawed, increasingly bitter, embodies the dangers of excess and entitlement without discipline. By contrast, John Jay Tonkin represents the industrious, civic-minded ideal of Gilded Age success, pouring energy into the YMCA project and attempting to instill responsibility in his son Harold.
The irony, of course, is that no amount of wealth can shield the Tonkins from tragedy. Money cannot save Virginia. It cannot protect Rosamond from blackmail letters or prevent the specter of kidnapping. In this way, Hickey dismantles the myth that fortune equals safety. Instead, wealth becomes both a blessing and a curse attracting envy, schemes, and danger while offering only the illusion of control. No character is more complex or frustrating than Harold Tonkin.
Harold is the archetype of the prodigal son. Harold is charming, brilliant, handsom, and a deeply flawed character. The relationship he has with Eugenia is toxic, passionate and destructive. His affairs reveal that he is a man desperate for more then the superficial and he craves a deeper love. Harold is not only a cautionary tale. He is an example that we are all human beings who are struggling to understand our needs and how to communicate them when the world shuts us out. With Gloria, Harold becomes sincere, tender, and that tells the reader there is hope for redemption for all of us love. True love is patient and kind. We as human beings always want to believe the best in someone and that’s ok. That’s human. Old habits take time to break and heal. If you resonate with this know that you are not alone. Hickey saw the inner turmoil that Harold exposes when Georgia falls pregnant. That duality makes Harold masculinity flawed, and unforgettable.
Now, let’s focus on Mrs. Tonkin. She is feuding with Mrs. Conde. Florence is balancing a new role as wife while her youngest daughter Rosamond becomes a symbol of innocence when it’s under siege by a dark force. Virginia is a child confined and lonely. Eugenia has a fiery personality. She is manipulative, and thrives in chaos. Gloria has a quiet strength despite her declining health yet she is able to reveal a different side of Harold when no one else could. Her connection with Harold and the pregnancy becomes the boundary that tests love against fear. Hickey places these women as an illustration reminding us that behind every prominent man’s story there are women who shaped and ENDURED IT.
What elevates Girl in the Glass Coffin is its ability to move beyond its historical setting into timeless truths: Grief is never buried. Virginia’s death haunts every page, reminding us that loss is never something we “get over,” but something we live with. Wealth cannot shield us. The Tonkins’ fortunes may secure mausoleums and mansions, but they cannot buy safety, peace, or happiness. Love is complicated. Whether maternal, romantic, or platonic, love drives characters to both noble and destructive ends. Society judges harshly. Appearances matter too much. From funerary displays to marital scandals, reputation becomes a battlefield.
Mortality is universal. No amount of privilege spares us from illness, violence, or heartbreak.
Finishing this book, I sat in silence for a while, just letting it settle. What struck me most was how Hickey manages to turn a very specific story one family in turn-of-the-century New York into something that speaks to all of us. We may not know what it’s like to live in a mansion or face blackmail letters, but we all know fear. We all know the ache of losing someone we love, the weight of choices we regret, and the longing for redemption that may never come.
This book lingers because it doesn’t offer easy answers. It doesn’t tidy grief into neat packages or punish villains with satisfying justice. Instead, it gives us people messy, flawed, desperate, loving, cruel, tender people we recognize, even across a century’s distance.
Girl in the Glass Coffin is not a book you simply read; it’s a book you live inside. It is a story of glass and shadow, of roses and graves, of wealth and ruin, of mothers who sing lullabies and sons who flee from love. It asks us to look through the glass at Virginia’s coffin, at Rosamond’s endangered childhood, at Harold’s broken promises and to confront the fragility of life itself. Lee Ellen Hickey has given us a voice, and a mirror into our humanity. The book deserves to be read, cherished and honored. I give the story 5/5 for it’s careful research, consideration to emotional intelligence, every thing plays a role into the decisions we make as human beings, and for the love and care she placed into her debut novel. I love Oswego, NY and I’m happy to be part of the community. Girl in the Glass Coffin is a story that will give the reader not only historical knowledge but an experience that reads as fiction too.

⭐ Rating: 5/5

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Checked this for me for AI usage. None was used. Entirely human written for transparency.

[Anjali Sura · Rating 3 out of 5]

I bought this book on a whim from the author, who was visiting Barnes & Noble. I learned a lot about our local history and these 2 interesting families but she was overly forgiving of Harold, who I felt was a terrible person.

[Tatra Cooley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok I'm really nervous to write this review because it just came out and there are only a few goodreads reviews so far. I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings, but I want to be honest also.

First the good:

I LOVED the historical fiction of the book. The outfits they wore, the carriages, the games they played. The way they sent telegraphs and the frustration of being a doctor in 1898. Historical fiction is so my favorite, and this was a definite fun historical read.

I love the connection to Oswego. The descriptions of the town, the house, the cemetery. Reading a book that is set in my home town is so cool, especially a historical fiction one like this. Knowing that people used horse and buggy to get around, that some places that were here then, are still standing. Thinking who I know with certain last names. Visualizing the famous Oswego sunsets.

The Story is amazing. Life is stranger than fiction, you couldn't believe all this happened if it was fiction, but all these events really happened to this family. The glass coffin is a story I've heard about before, but I was never able to really find a good story about it, only rumors, so I really appreciate the author writing a story about such an interesting local event. As a mother, I can't even begin to imagine the pain of losing a child (especially to something as simple as an appendix!) And I can't imagine how I would behave if I was in her shoes, and if I had the money to do what I wanted. Who's to say more mothers wouldn't keep their children in glass coffins?

That's another good point, the conversations about how if you have enough money, and enough stature, you can get away with an awful lot. Harold especially did. (Poor tortured Harold. He needed a therapist!)

Ok, the negatives:

In some parts, I feel the author lost sight of where she wanted the story to go- we would be talking about one thing, and then it would jump to something entirely out of left field. There was some run on sentences (much like this review..) and some grammar things that I noticed. I think these are all things that the writer will learn to improve as she continues to grow as an author.

I think the story could have been condensed a little, some spots felt rambly and I wanted to get to the main story.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book, and I told all my friends, all my co-workers about it. Also, my sister in law, and my aunt. I want to go for a walk at West Park and look at the Tonkin House (respectfully of course, I know someone lives there haha) and I want to go for a long stroll at Riverside cemetery. I so appreciate the author writing a book about our small community and giving a view into life at the turn of the 1900s.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lee Ellen Hickey's "The Girl in The Glass Coffin" mesmerizes with its gripping portrayal of a little-known yet haunting piece of Gilded Age history. Set against the opulent backdrop of Oswego, NY, this historical fiction delves into the tragic tale of Virginia Tonkin, whose untimely death and unconventional burial in a glass coffin in her own home shocked and captivated a nation. Hickey weaves together elements of tragedy, intrigue, romance, scandal, and even murder, painting a vivid portrait of the Tonkin family and their luxurious yet tumultuous existence in "The Tonkin Mansion." The narrative unfolds with meticulous detail, drawing readers into a world where wealth and privilege are overshadowed by dark secrets and emotional turmoil. What sets this book apart is its seamless blend of fact and fiction; Hickey's exhaustive research and compelling storytelling make for a compelling read. The epilogue, supported by historic photographs, further enriches the narrative, providing a satisfying conclusion to a tale that lingers in the mind long after the final page is turned. "The Girl in The Glass Coffin" is not just a historical novel; it is a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring allure of mysteries from the past. Hickey's masterful prose and attention to historical detail ensure that this book will leave a lasting impression on anyone who ventures into the captivating world of the Tonkin family.

[Maryclaire · Rating 5 out of 5]

I attended the author's presentation of the book in Oswego. She delivered a fascinating speech about the book, the families involved, and the area. I started to read the book and it kept my attention just like the author during her presentation. It is a look into the lives of the wealthy in the 1800's. The book is full of local history. The author's husband is a historian and was very helpful in the detail of the accuracy of the events, buildings, and people in the book.
I am not from Oswego, and I feel a great addition to this book would be a map of Oswego streets with marked locations of the houses, cemeteries, and accidents involved. The book contains beneficial photos of the houses. It is a very well-written book. I would recommend it for all who love history and the 1800's.

[Chloe Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fascinating story! Reading this book felt like I was reading a long gossip tabloid in the best possible way, except that it was written with such sensitivity and empathy for the people involved. The affairs of the Tonkin and Conde families unfold right before the reader's eyes and the history is brilliantly brought to life! I especially appreciated the way the story touched on themes of grief, loss and death and how each person goes through those processes differently. You can obviously tell that lots of research and passion was put into this book, making it an engaging, insightful read for any lover of historical fiction, the Gilded Age, true crime and scandal! I highly recommend checking out this book, and now I want to visit the locations where the story took place.

[Deale Hutton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I live in the area, and the house still stands. I've always loved the house, which is now apartments, and now I know the history. The section about the child's death was very well written and disturbing. I actually had to put the book down for a few days. The priviledge of the elite, while true to this day, was really disgusting. Yet, the author makes them sympathetic.
Following the death of the child, the book gets a tad confusing and ponderous in places. Could be just me. On the other hand, readers find out more about the impact of the death and lives of the family and friends.
The author includes photos/drawings and summaries of 'what happens to...' at the end of the book. The end section added to the book.

[Emalee Herrington · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love that there is a book written about this important part of history from Oswego and I love that it’s fictionalized to make it more of a story! Although I learned a lot about the life of the Tonkin’s, I found this book hard to read. It was quite confusing at times and there were a couple sections where it felt the author didn’t know where to go. Certain parts of the story felt overdone and others felt unfinished and rushed.

I loved that in included character descriptions and pictures to help with the visualization. I did find many grammatical and spelling errors. I also felt like the use of adjectives was just too much for the story, it was distracting and unnecessary. There were several words I had to look up that could’ve been put more simply in the book.

I love this feature on the unique history of Oswego and i’m glad this story got spotlighted!

[Lydia · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️
The story itself is incredibly fascinating but I feel as if Virginia’s story was only perhaps 1/3 to 1/2 of the book. There were also quite a few grammatical errors and other small things that I won’t nitpick at but did take my attention away from the book. With all that being said, I enjoyed learning about the history of Oswego & the Tonkin Family.

In November I am attending a historical presentation at my local library led by the author so I am excited to hear more.

[Fxaixy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was an amazing concept and part of historical history inside of upstate New york, although I'd rather have it explained in a more in-depth way, as well as I don't understand why it's classified as "historical fiction" because it was true and was a true event that hapend, to accurate as possible as this was set inside of the 19th century.

[Branigan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored every part of this very true story in a little town I live in! Lee included so many vivid details and truly made this book so enjoyable. it was so great i finished it in 6 days ! I would recommend this book to absolutely anyone and everyone in the town of the book or far away! 11/10

[Alexandria Stancliffe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing. I read this book in two days. I couldn’t put it down. This book deals with grief, Also scandal within a small town. It also captures the time period of the Gilded Age. And high society. I highly recommend reading this beautifully written book.

[Sarah Fay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Althought not what I would call great writing, I had to give this book a 4 because of all the work that went into it. Great research and written in a way that kept you coming back to follow the Tonkin family!!
Good job on a first historical fiction book. I hope to read more from this author.

[Kathy Sipling · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oswego, NY is full of history- with a fort from the Revolution, a Holocaust Museum, a harbor on Lake Ontario and more. Lee Ellen takes us into the homes of two very wealthy family's from the late 1800s. Their stories will keep you reading. I would recommend this book to all of my friends.

[Jill Wilde · Rating 4 out of 5]

4+ I loved this. Living in this area I was definitely more invested in the story than some may be. The start was a little slow for me, but then I couldn’t put it down. I loved that pictures were included at one point of the houses and families. Very interesting !

[Mary Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I stayed up all night just to finish it. I have read both her books and finding out some of the history of the town I live in was awesome, and the story was just heartbreaking,. Can't wait for her next book!

[Kellie Copperwheat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down! It kept me turning pages until I completed the entire thing in one sitting! Loved that she followed up at the end with what happened with the people in this book as well as the homes and buildings etc. ten stars!!

[Ally · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. It was well written and researched. It was also very entertaining and I look forward to more books from this author.

[Tammy Goins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book !! Very interesting and intriguing. I could hardly put it down. The fact it took place in my hometown made it that more interesting.

[Bragg · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books ive ever read....love the fact that its about a family from whete i live... cant wait for the author to wtite another

[Hilda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting history of Oswego, NY, a once prosperous little place. Loved the history lesson of a place I love. Fast read

[Jennifer Mcgowan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Historical truth that reads like fiction. Excellent.

[Ally Pasco · Rating 3 out of 5]

Super interesting read about my hometown! I found it confusing at times but still very interesting to read about events that happened right here in Oswego. Loved the inclusion of photos as well!

[Mary Losurdo · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the content but this book could have used a few more proofreads. I was consistently distracted by the writing. But enjoyed learning about this story from my home town!