Ravenscraig

by Sandi Krawchenko Altner

Brilliant and charismatic, Rupert Willows is among the best of liars. Not even his wife knows his true identity. Overnight fortunes are being made in1890s Winnipeg and Rupert wants his share of the action. Known as the Chicago of the North for its grand theatres and elegant architecture, Winnipeg is also a raucous, bawdy boomtown with a taste for fast money, loose women, and dirty politics.

Rupert boldly schemes his way into the ranks of the elite class of men who run the city when he beats out the competition to buy the mansion, Ravenscraig Hall. True power and vast riches can be his, as long as his secret stays buried. Across town, Zev Zigman mounts a desperate struggle to bring his family out of tsarist Russia to settle in the overcrowded squalor of Winnipeg’s North End. His young niece, a plucky orphan, arrives from London and risks everything when she hides her Jewish roots to enter the world of “The English” as Maisie, the new maid at Ravenscraig. Scandal, romance, and the Titanic tragedy will determine the fates of both families as their lives become entwined in this historical romance and family saga.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Ebooks

530 pages, Paperback

First published November 24, 2011

About the author

Sandi Krawchenko Altner enjoyed an award-winning career as journalist in Canadian television and radio before following her passion for history and writing fiction. Born and raised in Winnipeg, Sandi is very proud of her roots; her family descended from the first group of Ukrainian pioneers who settled in Manitoba in 1896.

In approaching historical fiction writing, Sandi is deeply committed to building stories on a rock solid foundation of facts and is particularly happy on days that involve wearing white gloves and diving into the old files of an archive collection.

Sandi and her husband have two daughters and make their home in Florida, with two happy dogs who are just a wee bit spoiled. Connect with Sandi at www.SandiAltner.com.

Reviews

[sarahromeo · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really, really, really wanted to like this book. I am a transplant to Winnipeg (my husband is a native to the city) and I was interested to read a book set here and steeped in the history of the area.

First of all, I will commend the author: the book was obviously written with a lot of love for the history of Winnipeg and a desire to dessiminate its singular story. It is obviously well-researched, the historical data is interesting and compelling.

This said... I feel it is a poorly written novel. I find many of the characters, situations and dialogue terribly contrived. This left me with a constant struggle to take this novel seriously while I was reading it. Also: the editing is atrocious. There are a plethora of obvious errors, and it needs to be re-edited desperately.

Had this been a work of non-fiction, I feel that Altner would've excelled. Winnipeg has an interesting history, and it is on display in this book. I found myself too distracted with the writing to really enjoy it as I feel I should have.

I read this for my book club and am quite interested to see what others thought of the work.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always loved history. I like it best when imagination and history intersect. This new author has done a superb job of telling the story of immigration to Canada by Russian Jews in the late 1880's. It actually followed a wealthy family and a poor Russian immigrant family and described life as it was experienced for both. My heart felt their story of fear mixed with hope. The story included the good, the bad and the ugly parts of history. My only disappointment was that I wish I knew before I read it how much historical research had gone into this. The research aspect of writing is always fascinating to me. I enjoyed discovering, after I read the book, just how close the book was parallel to actual historical events. Well done Sandi Altner. I will anticipate a sequel.
Barbara Anne Waite- Author Memoir "Elsie-Adventures of an Arizona Teacher 1913-1916"

[Myron Lezak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent historical fiction with a surprise ending

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely worth reading if you have a strong connection to Winnipeg, which I do. The story had a few too many coincidences in bringing the characters together, but this is Winnipeg after all where there is never more than two degrees of separation between people (and often just one). However, I enjoyed reading about the history of the city at the turn of the twentieth century.

[Julia Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a refreshing change...an historical novel in Canada that isn't wilderness. I learned a lot of history and met some interesting characters. Well written and easy to read. The ending is a bit of a puzzle but still a 'hoot' of a ending.

[Katherine Coble · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book came up when I searched for Downton Abbey. Since I love historical fiction, especially novels about the immigrant experience I jumped on it. I really wanted to love it.

I didn't. It was full of info dumps, lectures on Canadian politics masquerading as dinner conversation, and cartoonish characters. The author does a passible job at taking the reader through the historic events of the 20 years from 1895-1915. There are two sets of characters--rich and poor. The poor but earnest immigrants have a good story. If she'd stuck to that this could have been a good 3-4 star book. Instead, the author decided to introduce a melodramatic villain in the person of the wealthy antagonist. Everything this stupid guy does is clownish and contrived.


It just wasn't a fun read, given that we spent half the book with this awful man and his schemes. Not only is he a bad character, the contrivance of his involvement in one of the major historic events of the time period was an excruciating shark jump. If the book had ended before that or had not included it, it would have redeemed it for me. As it is, however, this book just ruined a good tale of immigrants with buffoonery.

[Kjirstin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was intrigued by the idea of a novel set in Winnipeg, Manitoba as it grew into one of the larger Canadian cities. On that score, the book delivered, showing many sides of people's experiences in that city -- both the poor and the rich. Fires, epidemics, waves of immigration, secret pasts and men creating their own futures from nothing... it's all to be had in this book.

However, the book didn't achieve the same success with the plot and the characters. It was a little hard to tell whose story we were following, or why we should care about what's happening as we shift from one perspective to another, and the characters themselves were a bit cartoonish. The final stages of the book are in the summer of 1914 which strikes me as an odd time to leave off a story in historical fiction, since we know that WWI is going to turn Canada upside down in a few months' time.

I'm glad to have had the chance to read a little about the history of a place that I know next to nothing about, and I'll definitely be looking up more info on the history of western Canadian cities, now.

[Kelly Heslip · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an interesting and enjoyable read! Very rich in history of the Jewish Russians, Ukranians and from other countries and how they made their voyage to Canada and claimed land in Manitoba. It follows a family in the upper echelons of society (although, there's a little something secret to the patriarch's past), and a Jewish family that escaped from the Russian Czar. Starts in the late 1800's and even takes you through the sinking of the Titanic. I highly recommend this to history buffs (there's a little romance, but very clean and not stifling)

[Carson hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

So far my favorite book I have read this year.

[Estott · Rating 2 out of 5]

Readable, but after a while I got tired of the infodumps. I was very annoyed that Rupert Willows spends a lifetime trying to hide a secret, and at the end he gets away with it. The author isn't a bad writer, this could have been better.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ravenscraig begins in a poor village in Russia. It is the late 1800's and the czar has ordered the destruction of a Jewish village once again. The Zigman family, struggling to survive has made the brave decision to escape their brutal existence in Russia and travel to Zevs father who awaits them in Canada. Even though the journey is risky and they will be separated for a long period of time, the family believes they will be together again and find the peace and happiness they desperately seek. The Willows family is on their way up. Rupert Willows has reinvented himself and is enjoying one success after another as Winnipeg grows by leaps and bounds. His unending desire for wealth and celebrity nourishes his scheming, shallow ways and he will not stop until he's reached the top. Over many years and many miles, these two families live and love, win and lose and their paths cross in the most unexpected ways. From the pogroms of Russia, the exciting growth of Winnipeg all the way to the maiden voyage of the Titanic, this novel spans across generations of families, friendship, and survival. Highly recommend this captivating novel which is rather long but completely enjoyable the entire way through. Do not miss this page turner filled with inspirational characters and the simplest of themes, hope. BUT TODAY!! Ravenscraig

[Diana-Michaela Shaffner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ravenscraig is a historical novel with multifaceted plots. The book transports us back into a time during which the Canadian government aggressively tried to populate the west by bringing in immigrants from Europe, many of which originated from eastern Europe. Ravenscraig tells the story of multiple families from radically different socio-economic backgrounds. In fact the title of the book is the name of an enormous super mansion in Winnipeg. However, the same city, which experienced near explosive growth, during it's early boom years, was also home to extensive slums in which the housing conditions, filth, and suffering was horrendous. As a result deadly illnesses spread like wildfire. On top of these circumstances, some suffered additional hardships because of their Jewish heritage. Jews were thought of as inferior beings. The book switches us back and forth, giving us glimpses of vastly different life styles. There are times during which these lives cross paths and overlap. Ravenscraig is a tale of unbearable hardship, human heroism, perseverance, love, and evil ... such was live in Winnipeg, Canada.

[Bluejay44 · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was very interesting to read about life in Winnipeg, seeing it from different angles - the wealthy and the poverty of the immigrants.
The story follows Rupert Willows and his climb to escape and cover up his roots. Seeking wealth and approval from the elite, aims that he covets and will use any means to attain.
Also the life of the Zigman family and their struggles to escape from Tsarist Russia and to be together in a safe environment, where there is hope of building a better future.
These lives intertwine as the younger generations when Malka Zigman takes employment with the Willows, using the name of Maisie Rosedale, knowing she would not get such work as a Jew. She certainly never expected to be travelling on the Titanic.

[Heather(Gibby) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. Reading it was like having a conversation with an old dear friend. There are so many interesting historical references to the settling of Winnipeg. My Google search engine has been busy looking up references made in the book. I also thought the characters were very well developed and believable. There was a comment in another review that there were too many coincidences in the book, but if you are from Winnipeg, you know everyone is only separated by two degrees of separation. I am sure it was even more so when the population was only 75,000.
If you have nay interest in the history of Winnipeg, I highly recommend this book.

[Mickey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed this book and found it very hard to put down. My eyes could not read fast enough and at times I was annoyed that I could not continue to just sit and read. The scenes on The Titanic were heart wrenching even though it is a story many have heard before. I enjoyed learning about the immigrants from Winnepeg Canada. I knew little of these people. The author knows how to hold your interest with clear and comprehendable descriptions of the era and people. I will seek out more books by this author as her writing style draws you in to explore and learn whilst increasing your appetite for more.

[Peg · Rating 3 out of 5]

New territory for me - historical fiction centering on Winnipeg around the turn of the 20th century. Highlighting the Russian Jewish population of immigrants, the book gives an interesting view of lives being carved out by newcomers, at both ends of the socio-economic scale in that far off Canadian city. The details are well crafted; the dialogue sometimes a bit stilted. All in all, I enjoyed the book. When some primary characters found themselves on the Titanic, I thought, here we go again, but the details of that tragedy were realistic and interesting.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story filled with so much history. I really enjoyed the development of the characters. I thought the author made an interesting choice to change the main characters from the beginning of the novel to supplementary characters at the end. The author could have easily split this novel into a few shorter novels, but I'm glad she didn't do that. I really enjoyed watching the young characters grow from children to adults.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting and informative book about immigrants in Winnipeg almost 200 years ago. I gained an appreciation for their struggles both in coming to Canada and trying to make a home there. I enjoyed the characters--both the poor Jews and the rich white men who obliviously made life difficult for them. I highly recommend this book for a snapshot view of what is probably representative of immigrant trials when coming to a new world.

[Shell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Award winning book that is an amazing historical/fictional telling of the stories of the early immigrants to a prospering,young Winnipeg. A good read that even has the Titanic thrown in for good effect. Realistic, and I think it would make a hell of a TV series. Recommended reading, and Shell approved! Good job Sandi Krawchenko-Altner.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Not being Jewish myself, it was interesting to read about their traditions, not to mention the trials and tribulations of the families around the turn of the century. There seemed to be a lot of characters to keep track of and I had to concentrate a little when I was reading, so I wouldn't call it light, but it was very enjoyable.

[Carol Burrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rupert was a greedy, rotten scoundrel. I couldn't believe the ending. So far in life he has gotten away with everything. Someday, hopefully, he will either learn or he will pay. I hoped that when he was praying for the first time, I think it was on the Titanic, he would have a change of heart. But, no, not him. I hope Beth and all his children will have some happy years without him.

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Malka / Maisie is a wonderful character. She hides and selectively reveals her heritage. She learns medical information by reading discarded texts enough to become the secret study partner of her employer's son, and finally his wife and business partner.

I did not like the end. RJW should not get a free pass to start over.

[Jeannine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent historical in a place I'm totally unfamiliar with, Winnipeg, Canada. Follows the lives of two families, one of Ukrainian Jewish immigrants fleeing persecution, and one of a seemingly upper class rising businessman. Lots of local color and history, well-rounded characterizations, a very absorbing story, all in all excellent historical fiction.

[Mariah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being from the United States, I don't know much about Canadian history. It was fun to read about and see the similarities and differences. I liked how the characters were developed and likeable (most of them). I was very happy with the way the plot flowed and kept me involved. Great book.

[Jenni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not my usual choice of genre, but I enjoyed it, learnt something about the history of Canada and the Jews who arrived looking for the roads paved with gold !

The romance side was a little predictable, but I liked getting it right !!

Well written, a good read.

[Robbi Leah Freeman · Rating 3 out of 5]

April 15, 2013


This review is from: Ravenscraig (Kindle Edition)
Many plots and sub plots but draw together well. Loved all characters except one. Is there another book? Several questions left unanswered but a great read.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome story with crazy ending :)

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and have recommended it to many of my friends. I can't get the characters out of mind. I was lonely when the book ended!

[Amie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was really enjoying the book, until they added the Titanic to it. I dislike drama, and though I am a history buff, anything overly dramatic just ruins the whole story.

[Magda · Rating 2 out of 5]

The historical fiction part was pretty darn good, but the "upper crust" characterization and dialogue were abysmal. I liked the other characters, though.