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The Address
THE NATIONAL BESTSELLER
Fiona Davis, author of The Dollhouse, returns with a compelling novel about the thin lines between love and loss, success and ruin, passion and madness, all hidden behind the walls of The Dakota—New York City’s most famous residence.
After a failed apprenticeship, working her way up to head housekeeper of a posh London hotel is more than Sara Smythe ever thought she’d make of herself. But when a chance encounter with Theodore Camden, one of the architects of the grand New York apartment house The Dakota, leads to a job offer, her world is suddenly awash in possibility—no mean feat for a servant in 1884. The opportunity to move to America, where a person can rise above one’s station. The opportunity to be the female manager of The Dakota, which promises to be the greatest apartment house in the world. And the opportunity to see more of Theo, who understands Sara like no one else...and is living in The Dakota with his wife and three young children.
In 1985, Bailey Camden is desperate for new opportunities. Fresh out of rehab, the former party girl and interior designer is homeless, jobless, and penniless. Two generations ago, Bailey’s grandfather was the ward of famed architect Theodore Camden. But the absence of a genetic connection means Bailey won’t see a dime of the Camden family’s substantial estate. Instead, her “cousin” Melinda—Camden’s biological great-granddaughter—will inherit almost everything. So when Melinda offers to let Bailey oversee the renovation of her lavish Dakota apartment, Bailey jumps at the chance, despite her dislike of Melinda’s vision. The renovation will take away all the character and history of the apartment Theodore Camden himself lived in...and died in, after suffering multiple stab wounds by a madwoman named Sara Smythe, a former Dakota employee who had previously spent seven months in an insane asylum on Blackwell’s Island.
One hundred years apart, Sara and Bailey are both tempted by and struggle against the golden excess of their respective ages—for Sara, the opulence of a world ruled by the Astors and Vanderbilts; for Bailey, the free-flowing drinks and cocaine in the nightclubs of New York City—and take refuge and solace in the Upper West Side’s gilded fortress. But a building with a history as rich—and often tragic—as The Dakota’s can’t hold its secrets forever, and what Bailey discovers in its basement could turn everything she thought she knew about Theodore Camden—and the woman who killed him—on its head.
With rich historical detail, nuanced characters, and gorgeous prose, Fiona Davis once again delivers a compulsively readable novel that peels back the layers of not only a famed institution, but the lives—and lies—of the beating hearts within.
Fiona Davis, author of The Dollhouse, returns with a compelling novel about the thin lines between love and loss, success and ruin, passion and madness, all hidden behind the walls of The Dakota—New York City’s most famous residence.
After a failed apprenticeship, working her way up to head housekeeper of a posh London hotel is more than Sara Smythe ever thought she’d make of herself. But when a chance encounter with Theodore Camden, one of the architects of the grand New York apartment house The Dakota, leads to a job offer, her world is suddenly awash in possibility—no mean feat for a servant in 1884. The opportunity to move to America, where a person can rise above one’s station. The opportunity to be the female manager of The Dakota, which promises to be the greatest apartment house in the world. And the opportunity to see more of Theo, who understands Sara like no one else...and is living in The Dakota with his wife and three young children.
In 1985, Bailey Camden is desperate for new opportunities. Fresh out of rehab, the former party girl and interior designer is homeless, jobless, and penniless. Two generations ago, Bailey’s grandfather was the ward of famed architect Theodore Camden. But the absence of a genetic connection means Bailey won’t see a dime of the Camden family’s substantial estate. Instead, her “cousin” Melinda—Camden’s biological great-granddaughter—will inherit almost everything. So when Melinda offers to let Bailey oversee the renovation of her lavish Dakota apartment, Bailey jumps at the chance, despite her dislike of Melinda’s vision. The renovation will take away all the character and history of the apartment Theodore Camden himself lived in...and died in, after suffering multiple stab wounds by a madwoman named Sara Smythe, a former Dakota employee who had previously spent seven months in an insane asylum on Blackwell’s Island.
One hundred years apart, Sara and Bailey are both tempted by and struggle against the golden excess of their respective ages—for Sara, the opulence of a world ruled by the Astors and Vanderbilts; for Bailey, the free-flowing drinks and cocaine in the nightclubs of New York City—and take refuge and solace in the Upper West Side’s gilded fortress. But a building with a history as rich—and often tragic—as The Dakota’s can’t hold its secrets forever, and what Bailey discovers in its basement could turn everything she thought she knew about Theodore Camden—and the woman who killed him—on its head.
With rich historical detail, nuanced characters, and gorgeous prose, Fiona Davis once again delivers a compulsively readable novel that peels back the layers of not only a famed institution, but the lives—and lies—of the beating hearts within.
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First published August 1, 2017
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About the author
Fiona Davis
13 books9,100 followersFiona Davis is the New York Times bestselling author of several historical fiction novels set in iconic New York City buildings, including The Stolen Queen, The Magnolia Palace, The Address, and The Lions of Fifth Avenue, which was a Good Morning America book club pick. Her novels have been chosen as “One Book, One Community” reads and her articles have appeared in publications like The Wall Street Journal and Oprah magazine.
She first came to New York as an actress, but fell in love with writing after getting a master's degree at Columbia Journalism School. Her books have been translated into over twenty languages and she's based in New York City.
She first came to New York as an actress, but fell in love with writing after getting a master's degree at Columbia Journalism School. Her books have been translated into over twenty languages and she's based in New York City.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 4,783 reviews
July 22, 2017
One of the reasons I wanted to read this book is because I just love reading about historical New York City. This novel definitely reflects the time of a developing city and a sense of place. Although it begins in England in 1884, the story shifts quickly to NYC when Sara Smythe takes a job at a new upscale apartment building in New York, The Dakota. The Dakota is a real building and still stands. Sara's story alternates with the modern day story in 1985 of Bailey Camden. At first the main connection of the two time frames was The Dakota until Bailey finds Sara's belongings in the basement of the building and their link becomes so much more . The novel is engaging in some ways as Sara's life in her first year in NYC. I felt for Bailey in the modern story as she struggles upon her return from rehab. But after one chapter of the modern day, I wanted to be back a century. It could be that I'm just getting a little weary of dual time frame stories which are hard to escape these days. The thing that kept me from rating this higher was that I just found it too predictable and assumed correctly everything that happens in the end of both stories. Even though I was somewhat disappointed, there are many 4 and 5 star reviews, so I may be an outlier here. You should read those reviews as well.
I received an advanced copy of this book from Penguin First to Read Program.
November 14, 2017
There’s nothing like a dual timeline-family secret-mystery plot to suck me right in!
Certainly, the strongest point of this book was its history - this author has clearly done her research and it shows. I loved learning all about the Dakota, as well as the architectural development of New York City in the late 19th century. The Gilded Age is a fascinating time, and having lived in NYC for four years, I love learning about its rich history.
I was definitely engaged in the mystery and wanted to see how the two timelines would come together. It took a strange left turn about halfway through and from that point, I wasn’t as engaged. The resolution didn’t come together as convincingly as I would have liked, but I thought all in all it was a strong story. 3.5 stars.
Certainly, the strongest point of this book was its history - this author has clearly done her research and it shows. I loved learning all about the Dakota, as well as the architectural development of New York City in the late 19th century. The Gilded Age is a fascinating time, and having lived in NYC for four years, I love learning about its rich history.
I was definitely engaged in the mystery and wanted to see how the two timelines would come together. It took a strange left turn about halfway through and from that point, I wasn’t as engaged. The resolution didn’t come together as convincingly as I would have liked, but I thought all in all it was a strong story. 3.5 stars.
August 13, 2017
THE ADDRESS is an engrossing mystery and family drama with a majestic New York City landmark as its backdrop. The Dakota apartment building on the Upper West Side provides a link between two women one hundred years apart. I enjoyed learning about the history of The Dakota, as well as trying to figure out the century-old murder mystery presented. I loved how the dual time periods were mid-1880s and mid-1980s, so really it's historical fiction inside historical fiction. Sara and Bailey are both sympathetic and relatable characters. I enjoyed the author's straight-forward writing style, and the twists revealed at the end were simply delicious. I missed reading Fiona Davis' debut THE DOLLHOUSE last year, and now I definitely want to pick it up.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book through Penguin's First to Read Program.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book through Penguin's First to Read Program.
April 10, 2018
EXCERPT: London, June 1884
The sight of a child teetering on the window ledge of Room 510 turned Sara's world upside down.
ABOUT THIS BOOK: Fiona Davis, author of The Dollhouse, returns with a compelling novel about the thin lines between love and loss, success and ruin, passion and madness, all hidden behind the walls of The Dakota—New York City’s most famous residence.
After a failed apprenticeship, working her way up to head housekeeper of a posh London hotel is more than Sara Smythe ever thought she’d make of herself. But when a chance encounter with Theodore Camden, one of the architects of the grand New York apartment house The Dakota, leads to a job offer, her world is suddenly awash in possibility—no mean feat for a servant in 1884. The opportunity to move to America, where a person can rise above one’s station. The opportunity to be the female manager of The Dakota, which promises to be the greatest apartment house in the world. And the opportunity to see more of Theo, who understands Sara like no one else...and is living in The Dakota with his wife and three young children.
In 1985, Bailey Camden is desperate for new opportunities. Fresh out of rehab, the former party girl and interior designer is homeless, jobless, and penniless. Two generations ago, Bailey’s grandfather was the ward of famed architect Theodore Camden. But the absence of a genetic connection means Bailey won’t see a dime of the Camden family’s substantial estate. Instead, her “cousin” Melinda—Camden’s biological great-granddaughter—will inherit almost everything. So when Melinda offers to let Bailey oversee the renovation of her lavish Dakota apartment, Bailey jumps at the chance, despite her dislike of Melinda’s vision. The renovation will take away all the character and history of the apartment Theodore Camden himself lived in...and died in, after suffering multiple stab wounds by a madwoman named Sara Smythe, a former Dakota employee who had previously spent seven months in an insane asylum on Blackwell’s Island.
One hundred years apart, Sara and Bailey are both tempted by and struggle against the golden excess of their respective ages—for Sara, the opulence of a world ruled by the Astors and Vanderbilts; for Bailey, the free-flowing drinks and cocaine in the nightclubs of New York City—and take refuge and solace in the Upper West Side’s gilded fortress. But a building with a history as rich—and often tragic—as The Dakota’s can’t hold its secrets forever, and what Bailey discovers in its basement could turn everything she thought she knew about Theodore Camden—and the woman who killed him—on its head.
With rich historical detail, nuanced characters, and gorgeous prose, Fiona Davis once again delivers a compulsively readable novel that peels back the layers of not only a famed institution, but the lives—and lies—of the beating hearts within.
MY THOUGHTS: Just like 'The Dollhouse', 'The Address' had me spellbound for most of its telling.
Although Davis has bent the historical facts a little to fit her timeline, most of the major events backgrounding this story actually happened, just not when they happened in the novel. I am more than prepared to forgive her this.
The Address is told over two timelines, beginning in 1884 and 1984. The characters in the two times couldn't be more different. 1884 - Sara is a hard working young woman determined not to repeat her mother's mistakes. 1984 - Bailey has tumbled ignominiously from the peak of her career and is trying to claw her way back up. Sara is kind-hearted and eager to please. Bailey has been selfish and pleasure seeking, and is now trying to find her feet, playing by a whole new set of rules.
Davis had me unsuccessfully trying to figure out the connection between these two women. The answer, when it came, was unexpected but brilliant. And perhaps that is where the book should have ended, but it didn’t. At this point, I would have awarded it very close to 5-stars. But it went on to tie everything up very neatly into an almost fairytale like ending which, for me, somewhat spoiled the ambience.
I see Fiona Davis has a new novel being released later this year, The Masterpiece. I will be first in line for it. She is a magnificent story teller.
I listened to The Address by Fiona Davis, narrated by Saskia Maarleveld and Brittany Pressley and published by Penguin Audio via OverDrive. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
Please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the 'about' page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com for an explanation of my rating system.
This review and others are also published on my blog sandysbookaday.wordpress.com https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
The sight of a child teetering on the window ledge of Room 510 turned Sara's world upside down.
ABOUT THIS BOOK: Fiona Davis, author of The Dollhouse, returns with a compelling novel about the thin lines between love and loss, success and ruin, passion and madness, all hidden behind the walls of The Dakota—New York City’s most famous residence.
After a failed apprenticeship, working her way up to head housekeeper of a posh London hotel is more than Sara Smythe ever thought she’d make of herself. But when a chance encounter with Theodore Camden, one of the architects of the grand New York apartment house The Dakota, leads to a job offer, her world is suddenly awash in possibility—no mean feat for a servant in 1884. The opportunity to move to America, where a person can rise above one’s station. The opportunity to be the female manager of The Dakota, which promises to be the greatest apartment house in the world. And the opportunity to see more of Theo, who understands Sara like no one else...and is living in The Dakota with his wife and three young children.
In 1985, Bailey Camden is desperate for new opportunities. Fresh out of rehab, the former party girl and interior designer is homeless, jobless, and penniless. Two generations ago, Bailey’s grandfather was the ward of famed architect Theodore Camden. But the absence of a genetic connection means Bailey won’t see a dime of the Camden family’s substantial estate. Instead, her “cousin” Melinda—Camden’s biological great-granddaughter—will inherit almost everything. So when Melinda offers to let Bailey oversee the renovation of her lavish Dakota apartment, Bailey jumps at the chance, despite her dislike of Melinda’s vision. The renovation will take away all the character and history of the apartment Theodore Camden himself lived in...and died in, after suffering multiple stab wounds by a madwoman named Sara Smythe, a former Dakota employee who had previously spent seven months in an insane asylum on Blackwell’s Island.
One hundred years apart, Sara and Bailey are both tempted by and struggle against the golden excess of their respective ages—for Sara, the opulence of a world ruled by the Astors and Vanderbilts; for Bailey, the free-flowing drinks and cocaine in the nightclubs of New York City—and take refuge and solace in the Upper West Side’s gilded fortress. But a building with a history as rich—and often tragic—as The Dakota’s can’t hold its secrets forever, and what Bailey discovers in its basement could turn everything she thought she knew about Theodore Camden—and the woman who killed him—on its head.
With rich historical detail, nuanced characters, and gorgeous prose, Fiona Davis once again delivers a compulsively readable novel that peels back the layers of not only a famed institution, but the lives—and lies—of the beating hearts within.
MY THOUGHTS: Just like 'The Dollhouse', 'The Address' had me spellbound for most of its telling.
Although Davis has bent the historical facts a little to fit her timeline, most of the major events backgrounding this story actually happened, just not when they happened in the novel. I am more than prepared to forgive her this.
The Address is told over two timelines, beginning in 1884 and 1984. The characters in the two times couldn't be more different. 1884 - Sara is a hard working young woman determined not to repeat her mother's mistakes. 1984 - Bailey has tumbled ignominiously from the peak of her career and is trying to claw her way back up. Sara is kind-hearted and eager to please. Bailey has been selfish and pleasure seeking, and is now trying to find her feet, playing by a whole new set of rules.
Davis had me unsuccessfully trying to figure out the connection between these two women. The answer, when it came, was unexpected but brilliant. And perhaps that is where the book should have ended, but it didn’t. At this point, I would have awarded it very close to 5-stars. But it went on to tie everything up very neatly into an almost fairytale like ending which, for me, somewhat spoiled the ambience.
I see Fiona Davis has a new novel being released later this year, The Masterpiece. I will be first in line for it. She is a magnificent story teller.
I listened to The Address by Fiona Davis, narrated by Saskia Maarleveld and Brittany Pressley and published by Penguin Audio via OverDrive. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
Please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the 'about' page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com for an explanation of my rating system.
This review and others are also published on my blog sandysbookaday.wordpress.com https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
August 6, 2017
2.75 stars
Two storylines set one-hundred one years apart and filled with drama!
△ Overall, this was an okay read. The writing style was straight-forward and I liked that part of the story demonstrated exactly how poor decisions are repeated within a family circle, but ultimately, I lost interest after Sara was admitted to the asylum. I liked the idea of this story, but it didn't fully hold my interest and I didn't really connect with the characters.
△ Although this story wasn't for me, I'd still recommend it.
Two storylines set one-hundred one years apart and filled with drama!
△ Overall, this was an okay read. The writing style was straight-forward and I liked that part of the story demonstrated exactly how poor decisions are repeated within a family circle, but ultimately, I lost interest after Sara was admitted to the asylum. I liked the idea of this story, but it didn't fully hold my interest and I didn't really connect with the characters.
△ Although this story wasn't for me, I'd still recommend it.
August 17, 2017
Last year, author Fiona Davis published her wonderful debut, The Dollhouse, rich in history about the Barbizon Hotel in NYC. Keeping with iconic Manhattan landmarks, her fabulous new release, The Address is set in alternating timelines; in the late 1800s during the building of the Dakota, the architecturally stunning residence on the upper west side of Manhattan, Sara, a housekeeper at a fancy London hotel meets Theo, the talented NYC architect, takes a job at the newly built Dakota, and craziness ensues. Their budding relationship remains hidden from his wife and children as they bond, it turns passionate and a crime is committed. In 1985, fresh out of rehab and penniless, designer Bailey, a descendant of the wealthy Dakota architect, without genetic proof, is not in line for the healthy inheritance. Her cousin, Melinda, set to take over the family riches, hires her to orchestrate the renovation of the building and Bailey learns of her architect relative’s murder by a crazy lady named Sara. And so the two compelling stories come together with rich historic detail and wonderfully creative characters, revealing the secrets from inside the unique and wonderful Dakota.
I had a chance to connect with the lovely Fiona Davis and ask her a few questions about her new and successful career as an author.
What has been the high point in your writing journey from the release of The Dollhouse to now? From your first public book talk to a People Magazine feature, you have accomplished so much in such a short time!
I have to say, the first book talk for The Dollhouse seemed so scary! It was at a library in Westport, CT and there were more people than I expected to show up for a debut author. My knees were definitely knocking. But I loved every minute of it, especially answering questions after the reading. Now I adore doing Q&As and book talks, and I think those are my high points. The readers are so knowledgeable and inquisitive and their support has been amazing.
What are you reading now and what do you recommend for the summer?
I’m currently reading Mrs. Fletcher by Tom Perrotta, and next up is Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, by Gail Honeyman. I’d recommend Eve Chase’s The Wildling Sisters, Jamie Brenner’s The Forever Summer as great vacation/beach reads.
Can you tell me a little about what you are working on now?
The next book is a similar structure, two times periods with a connecting mystery, set in Grand Central Terminal, and I’m having such a good time researching and writing it. I won’t give away too much, but I will say I’ve learned some really surprising things about the building that I can’t wait to share with readers.
Are you developing a “formula” or pattern you use for writing?
I do love setting books in architectural landmarks and using dual time periods, so I definitely have a trend going on there. Once the Grand Central book is done, I’ll start thinking about other locales and possibly structures, but so far I’ve been having the time of my life. The pattern for each book, even though it’s similar, is incredibly challenging and rewarding.
I am now officially excited for the new book, I loved The Dollhouse, and I highly recommend the Fiona Davis’ new release. With two connected stories, old New York, ornate architecture, an illicit affair, an illegitimate child, an insane asylum, and the beautiful Dakota on the upper west side, The Address is a perfect mix of history and mystery, fast pace and fun.
I had a chance to connect with the lovely Fiona Davis and ask her a few questions about her new and successful career as an author.
What has been the high point in your writing journey from the release of The Dollhouse to now? From your first public book talk to a People Magazine feature, you have accomplished so much in such a short time!
I have to say, the first book talk for The Dollhouse seemed so scary! It was at a library in Westport, CT and there were more people than I expected to show up for a debut author. My knees were definitely knocking. But I loved every minute of it, especially answering questions after the reading. Now I adore doing Q&As and book talks, and I think those are my high points. The readers are so knowledgeable and inquisitive and their support has been amazing.
What are you reading now and what do you recommend for the summer?
I’m currently reading Mrs. Fletcher by Tom Perrotta, and next up is Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, by Gail Honeyman. I’d recommend Eve Chase’s The Wildling Sisters, Jamie Brenner’s The Forever Summer as great vacation/beach reads.
Can you tell me a little about what you are working on now?
The next book is a similar structure, two times periods with a connecting mystery, set in Grand Central Terminal, and I’m having such a good time researching and writing it. I won’t give away too much, but I will say I’ve learned some really surprising things about the building that I can’t wait to share with readers.
Are you developing a “formula” or pattern you use for writing?
I do love setting books in architectural landmarks and using dual time periods, so I definitely have a trend going on there. Once the Grand Central book is done, I’ll start thinking about other locales and possibly structures, but so far I’ve been having the time of my life. The pattern for each book, even though it’s similar, is incredibly challenging and rewarding.
I am now officially excited for the new book, I loved The Dollhouse, and I highly recommend the Fiona Davis’ new release. With two connected stories, old New York, ornate architecture, an illicit affair, an illegitimate child, an insane asylum, and the beautiful Dakota on the upper west side, The Address is a perfect mix of history and mystery, fast pace and fun.
December 18, 2017
This book kept me guessing, but I was a little disappointed at the abrupt twists and turns of the story for which there were little warning signs. People in the story had dissonant character changes; for example, more than one person seemed to morph into evil beings just to bring the story to the writer's successful conclusions. I really loved the first half until these sudden changes occurred. The story of the modern day girl was more successful than the girl from the past. The woman from the 1880s seemed to fall into bed rather easily for a woman from that era.
September 19, 2024
One day, in fifth grade this boy informed me that he would kick my balls to Africa. Then, I decided that I had enough of his shit and so I went over to where he was seated at his desk and I stamped on his feet and he returned the favor by kicking me in the derrière. A strikingly similar situation occurred in this book as well only it occurred at Blackwells Lunatic Asylum in the 1880s. Also, for some bizarre reason, one of the heroines in this book is rescued by Nellie Bly a very famous and fascinating undercover journalist who was alive during this time and spent time in real life undercover at this same institution. This part of the plot does not strike me as being plausible. What also does not seem believable is that the boy who kicked me in the butt went to a famous music school and became a musician. His name is Jonathan Rapraeger. He is also still a prick and has just been reunited with the young man who called me Carrie. Truly enchanting gentlemen.
May 4, 2020
I really enjoyed this dual story which focused on the history of The Dakota, 100 years apart. The author had me invested during both time periods as well as with the characters involved. I loved the reference to Nellie Bly! This story had a lot of twists that kept me guessing right up to the end! Highly recommend!
August 12, 2017
The first half was entertaining. The second half, not. It became so far-fetched in too many extreme circumstances and most dire possible character outcomes, that I found it basically not believable. And frankly, with several ending detail scenes- it became like a long term soap opera series that jumped the shark.
2.5 star rounded up for the first 1/2 of the book with all the Dakota style detailing and physical world building for the earlier period. The 1985 sections, from the beginning, I had next to no embedding within Bailey's story or even less in her friend Miranda's. Those two protagonists were not core formed to depth characterizations at all- they seemed as merely flat 30 something Manhattan up and coming "cut outs". With all the inherent foaming and emoting ire and angst and graveling for association up sweeps to get ahead. "What can YOU do FOR me, darling!" kind of people.
The formula Fiona Davis holds for the "building category" core of her novels or home place structure- that's a good one and it does work, even here. But that's about the only thing that made for continuity in the larger sense of a credible progression pace, IMHO. Bloodlines might have, but with the depth of those characters connected in particular within this particular "truth" revealed in the last chapter? Nope.
With respect to those who disagree, there is another genre issue here that, for me anyway, is truly misleading. This balance of novel between romance, adventure,mystery etc. is murky to naming! But it certainly is NOT historical fiction as I define historical fiction. It's chick lit period piece with romance and crime highlights to a much farther degree in proportion to inclusion of historical fact quotient.
2.5 star rounded up for the first 1/2 of the book with all the Dakota style detailing and physical world building for the earlier period. The 1985 sections, from the beginning, I had next to no embedding within Bailey's story or even less in her friend Miranda's. Those two protagonists were not core formed to depth characterizations at all- they seemed as merely flat 30 something Manhattan up and coming "cut outs". With all the inherent foaming and emoting ire and angst and graveling for association up sweeps to get ahead. "What can YOU do FOR me, darling!" kind of people.
The formula Fiona Davis holds for the "building category" core of her novels or home place structure- that's a good one and it does work, even here. But that's about the only thing that made for continuity in the larger sense of a credible progression pace, IMHO. Bloodlines might have, but with the depth of those characters connected in particular within this particular "truth" revealed in the last chapter? Nope.
With respect to those who disagree, there is another genre issue here that, for me anyway, is truly misleading. This balance of novel between romance, adventure,mystery etc. is murky to naming! But it certainly is NOT historical fiction as I define historical fiction. It's chick lit period piece with romance and crime highlights to a much farther degree in proportion to inclusion of historical fact quotient.
July 4, 2017
New York City in the 1880’s was on the brink of expansion. Wealthy families had built magnificent homes there, and more construction was underway. The Dakota, was a newly built grand structure. It was one of the first luxury multi family residences to be constructed on the Upper West Side of New York.
Into this setting, Sara Smythe arrives from London where she had been head housekeeper at an elegant hotel. She agreed to come to New York at the request of architect Theodore Camden. He has hired her to be the “managerette” of the Dakota. Sara hopes this new position will provide opportunities for a better life.
The Dakota in 1985 has fallen into disrepair. Bailey Camden, a recovering alcoholic, is trying to reestablish herself as a respected interior designer. Her cousin, Melinda Camden, has hired Bailey to redecorate her apartment in the Dakota. While sorting through items in the Dakota’s storage rooms, Bailey discovers that there are long buried secrets in her family. She decides that it is time to uncover the truth about her family’s history.
Author Fiona Davis’ well written novel evokes a real sense of place as she weaves together a story about two women whose lives are connected even though the distance between them spans a century. This is a fascinating story of love, betrayal, sacrifice, and family ties that is hard to put down.
Thank you to Net Galley, Dutton (an imprint of Penguin Random House), and author Fiona Davis for giving me the opportunity to read the ARC of this novel.
Into this setting, Sara Smythe arrives from London where she had been head housekeeper at an elegant hotel. She agreed to come to New York at the request of architect Theodore Camden. He has hired her to be the “managerette” of the Dakota. Sara hopes this new position will provide opportunities for a better life.
The Dakota in 1985 has fallen into disrepair. Bailey Camden, a recovering alcoholic, is trying to reestablish herself as a respected interior designer. Her cousin, Melinda Camden, has hired Bailey to redecorate her apartment in the Dakota. While sorting through items in the Dakota’s storage rooms, Bailey discovers that there are long buried secrets in her family. She decides that it is time to uncover the truth about her family’s history.
Author Fiona Davis’ well written novel evokes a real sense of place as she weaves together a story about two women whose lives are connected even though the distance between them spans a century. This is a fascinating story of love, betrayal, sacrifice, and family ties that is hard to put down.
Thank you to Net Galley, Dutton (an imprint of Penguin Random House), and author Fiona Davis for giving me the opportunity to read the ARC of this novel.
August 1, 2017
4.5 stars
Fiona Davis’s new novel focuses on The Dakota in New York City. The title is cleverly drawn from a review of the building following its opening in 1885 in which the reviewer stated that “the Dakota will undoubtedly be known as ‘The Address’ of New York’s West Side.” Davis melds historical events with a spectacular tale of greed, passion, love and sacrifice told in a dual timeline format alternating between the mid-1880’s and 1985. While I enjoyed both stories, I preferred Bailey’s in 1985 because I found poor Sara’s story so sad. The ending of The Address was spectacular because Davis cleverly connects the two tales and includes a surprise I never saw coming. It was perfect.
My favorite part of the book was the inclusion of so much historical detail regarding The Dakota. It is fascinating to me that the walls are stuffed with thick horsehair and the space between each floor contains three feet of mud. Davis explains why each apartment is shaped differently, and the complex effort it took to accomplish that feat. She also mentions the ghosts that reside there, and the numerous famous people that lived there over The Dakota’s life. She includes so many more fabulous stories and descriptions, but I do not have enough time nor space to include them all. Her Author’s Note at the end was welcome as she explained the events she altered a bit for the sake of her story. I always appreciate when an author takes the time to elaborate on his or her inspiration and to clarify purposeful historical inaccuracies.
The Address is a superb read. I look forward to my next trip to New York City when I plan to walk by The Dakota and pay attention in person to the many details I learned while reading this wonderful book.
Fiona Davis’s new novel focuses on The Dakota in New York City. The title is cleverly drawn from a review of the building following its opening in 1885 in which the reviewer stated that “the Dakota will undoubtedly be known as ‘The Address’ of New York’s West Side.” Davis melds historical events with a spectacular tale of greed, passion, love and sacrifice told in a dual timeline format alternating between the mid-1880’s and 1985. While I enjoyed both stories, I preferred Bailey’s in 1985 because I found poor Sara’s story so sad. The ending of The Address was spectacular because Davis cleverly connects the two tales and includes a surprise I never saw coming. It was perfect.
My favorite part of the book was the inclusion of so much historical detail regarding The Dakota. It is fascinating to me that the walls are stuffed with thick horsehair and the space between each floor contains three feet of mud. Davis explains why each apartment is shaped differently, and the complex effort it took to accomplish that feat. She also mentions the ghosts that reside there, and the numerous famous people that lived there over The Dakota’s life. She includes so many more fabulous stories and descriptions, but I do not have enough time nor space to include them all. Her Author’s Note at the end was welcome as she explained the events she altered a bit for the sake of her story. I always appreciate when an author takes the time to elaborate on his or her inspiration and to clarify purposeful historical inaccuracies.
The Address is a superb read. I look forward to my next trip to New York City when I plan to walk by The Dakota and pay attention in person to the many details I learned while reading this wonderful book.
March 2, 2021
I’m often drawn to Davis’ historical fiction with their focus on architecture and iconic landmarks. The address to which the title refers, The Dakota, intrigued for its notoriety and its cultural history--home to so many creative people over the years. It’s also a relic of a bygone era in a city of monolithic skyscrapers and modern architecture.
The structure of the novel is now familiar, dual, interwoven timelines, taking place a century apart with real-life characters making brief appearances. The most notable of which, Nellie Bly, was a journalist who exposed the brutality of a women’s asylum on Blackwell’s Island. Her role introduces one of the plot lines, of which there are many, but like so many things in this story, hers is a only a passing mention.
I found the history of The Dakota intriguing, though I would have liked to know more and the Gilded Age timeline lacked a little luster. As with Davis’ other books, I found the characters surface level, the narrative leaning toward the melodramatic and the writing somewhat utilitarian. It’s rare for me to read an entire book without bookmarking at least one well-turned out phrase.
That’s not to say this is a bad book, just left me wanting and after three books by this author, I think I know the score. I could say it’s me, not the book, but then it also might be the book? I liked it well enough to finish, but I would like a little more history with my histrionics.
If, like me, you’re interested in knowing more about this storied building, this article provides a great overview. https://www.architecturaldigest.com/s...
The structure of the novel is now familiar, dual, interwoven timelines, taking place a century apart with real-life characters making brief appearances. The most notable of which, Nellie Bly, was a journalist who exposed the brutality of a women’s asylum on Blackwell’s Island. Her role introduces one of the plot lines, of which there are many, but like so many things in this story, hers is a only a passing mention.
I found the history of The Dakota intriguing, though I would have liked to know more and the Gilded Age timeline lacked a little luster. As with Davis’ other books, I found the characters surface level, the narrative leaning toward the melodramatic and the writing somewhat utilitarian. It’s rare for me to read an entire book without bookmarking at least one well-turned out phrase.
That’s not to say this is a bad book, just left me wanting and after three books by this author, I think I know the score. I could say it’s me, not the book, but then it also might be the book? I liked it well enough to finish, but I would like a little more history with my histrionics.
If, like me, you’re interested in knowing more about this storied building, this article provides a great overview. https://www.architecturaldigest.com/s...
August 28, 2017
The Address is exactly – EXACTLY – the same formula as “The Dollhouse.” I enjoyed The Dollhouse and was forgiving of the [incredibly stupid] actions of the 2 protagonists, 60 years apart. I’m not going to do that again.
The 2 women protagonists (100 years apart) in The Address are of above average intelligence and skills, yet they continuously make poor choices and down right stupid decisions. What is it with Davis and capable women who act like idiots?
The history of the Dakota was interesting as was the history of NYC in 1885. The history of women’s issues in that time period was brought out pretty well, but Davis didn’t really relate or compare and contrast those with issues in 1985.
Sara, our protagonist from 1885, was pretty sympathetic although really stupid. The other characters were just obnoxious. Quite frankly, there was nobody in the whole book I’d want to be friends with. Characterization was “wooden”, I guess.
I do not recommend this book and will probably mark Fiona Davis off my to-read list.
The 2 women protagonists (100 years apart) in The Address are of above average intelligence and skills, yet they continuously make poor choices and down right stupid decisions. What is it with Davis and capable women who act like idiots?
The history of the Dakota was interesting as was the history of NYC in 1885. The history of women’s issues in that time period was brought out pretty well, but Davis didn’t really relate or compare and contrast those with issues in 1985.
Sara, our protagonist from 1885, was pretty sympathetic although really stupid. The other characters were just obnoxious. Quite frankly, there was nobody in the whole book I’d want to be friends with. Characterization was “wooden”, I guess.
I do not recommend this book and will probably mark Fiona Davis off my to-read list.
November 19, 2019
[2.4] I should have known better after the underwhelming Dollhouse. But the NY historical setting - the Dakota- was so tempting! And the bits of history sprinkled about the book are fascinating. Unfortunately the characters, especially in the modern day story, are unappealing and one dimensional. The plot devolves by the half way point into melodramatic silliness.
August 9, 2017
This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life in Books.
I liked this book but I didn't love it. There were parts of the story that I really liked while other sections of the book didn't capture my attention as well. This was a book that was never really hard for me to set aside. I actually started reading it just before bed and never had any desire to read more than one chapter. The story was never one that made me want to put my other reads aside and was really a rather slow start. I didn't have a hard time finishing it but the book seemed to lack that something extra that really seems to grab my attention.
This story is told through dual timelines. The parts of the book that focus on Sara Smythe take place in 1884, while the section of the book from Bailey's point of view occur in 1985. As is often the case with this kind of story, I found myself enjoying one of the timelines much more than the other. Sara's story was really just so much more than Bailey's and anytime the book made the switch to 1985, I found myself wanting to put it down. There were a few times in the book when something that happened in 1985 would hint at an event that was going to happen in the earlier time period which took away some of the excitement.
There were things that I really liked about the story. Sara Smythe was a character that was easy to like. She was very capable and was able to come up with impossible solutions quite quickly. The descriptions in the book were really well done. It was so interesting to see this famous building just as it was starting to be lived in. There were a few times in the book that I was really quite surprised by the turn the story took.
While I thought that the 1985 time period was described quite well, I just had a hard time connecting with anything going on in that timeline. Bailey was not as easy to like as Sara. The Dakota's super and the neighbor downstairs were much easier to like. Bailey did grown on my by the end of the book but I still always preferred Sara's story.
I think that a lot of readers will enjoy this one a bit more than I did. I would recommend that anyone who is interested in this story to give it a try. I would not hesitate to read more from Fiona Davis in the future.
I received an advance reader edition of this book from Penguin Publishing Group - Dutton via First to Read.
Initial Thoughts
I liked this book but found it really easy to put down. This is a book told in two timelines. I found the story set in the 1880's to be so much better than the other set in the 1980's. I did feel a bit surprised a time or two in the book but I found a lot of the story to be rather predictable.
I liked this book but I didn't love it. There were parts of the story that I really liked while other sections of the book didn't capture my attention as well. This was a book that was never really hard for me to set aside. I actually started reading it just before bed and never had any desire to read more than one chapter. The story was never one that made me want to put my other reads aside and was really a rather slow start. I didn't have a hard time finishing it but the book seemed to lack that something extra that really seems to grab my attention.
This story is told through dual timelines. The parts of the book that focus on Sara Smythe take place in 1884, while the section of the book from Bailey's point of view occur in 1985. As is often the case with this kind of story, I found myself enjoying one of the timelines much more than the other. Sara's story was really just so much more than Bailey's and anytime the book made the switch to 1985, I found myself wanting to put it down. There were a few times in the book when something that happened in 1985 would hint at an event that was going to happen in the earlier time period which took away some of the excitement.
There were things that I really liked about the story. Sara Smythe was a character that was easy to like. She was very capable and was able to come up with impossible solutions quite quickly. The descriptions in the book were really well done. It was so interesting to see this famous building just as it was starting to be lived in. There were a few times in the book that I was really quite surprised by the turn the story took.
While I thought that the 1985 time period was described quite well, I just had a hard time connecting with anything going on in that timeline. Bailey was not as easy to like as Sara. The Dakota's super and the neighbor downstairs were much easier to like. Bailey did grown on my by the end of the book but I still always preferred Sara's story.
I think that a lot of readers will enjoy this one a bit more than I did. I would recommend that anyone who is interested in this story to give it a try. I would not hesitate to read more from Fiona Davis in the future.
I received an advance reader edition of this book from Penguin Publishing Group - Dutton via First to Read.
Initial Thoughts
I liked this book but found it really easy to put down. This is a book told in two timelines. I found the story set in the 1880's to be so much better than the other set in the 1980's. I did feel a bit surprised a time or two in the book but I found a lot of the story to be rather predictable.
July 21, 2017
This book bounces between 1884 and 1985. It is centered on the Camden family. The generational connections are brought out as the story unfolds. Also prominent in the novel is the "Dakota", a magnificent apartment building built in New York City in 1885. The first building to be built on Central Park and famous years later as the building that John Lennon lived in when he was killed. As this building passes from generation to generation, within the Camden family, more questions are raised and more answers are found.
Having not read The Dollhouse, this was my first experience with this author. I found her to be extremely readable. Likeable characters, nice plot twists, and just the right amount of side issues put into the story to make it enjoyable. She used a number of real places and situations and real people to tell this story. She does have an addendum explaining what liberties she took in this novel.
Thank you to First-to-Read for allowing me to read and review this book.
Having not read The Dollhouse, this was my first experience with this author. I found her to be extremely readable. Likeable characters, nice plot twists, and just the right amount of side issues put into the story to make it enjoyable. She used a number of real places and situations and real people to tell this story. She does have an addendum explaining what liberties she took in this novel.
Thank you to First-to-Read for allowing me to read and review this book.
May 13, 2021
4.45 ⭐
Книгата е интересна и съдържа всички елементи, които могат да привлекат вниманието- интрига, мистерия, криминална нотка, любовна история...В мен остана приятното усещане от атмосферата в Ню Йорк, от коридорите, стаите и от сърцевината на едноименната сграда Дакота Билдинг. Прекрасно пресъздадена обстановка, която просто ме наелектризира.
Сюжетът се развива в две времеви линии. Едната е от края на 19в, когато икономката на голям хотел в Лондон, Сара Смайт, спасява малката дъщеря на един от великите архитекти в Ню Йорк, Тиодор Камдън, участвал в конструирането и изграждането на Дакота Билдинг. В знак на благодарност, той й предлага невероятния шанс да работи и да поеме организацията в едноименната сграда.
Честно казано, докато четях впечатленията на Сара при пристигането й в Ню Йорк, а още повече след като беше застанала пред Дакота, по средата на нищото, без павирани улици и откъснато от цивилизацията, ми стана смешно 🙂 Усещах шока на младата жена, която от цивилизонания и така добре устроен Лондон, се оказа насред полето в един разрастващ се град, абсолютно сама, далеч от уредеността...
Другата сюжетна линия се развива през 80-те години на 20в, в която интериорната дизайнерка Бейли Камдън се озовава без работа и дом, заради зависимостта си от алкохола. Непряка наследница на великия Камдън, тя стои в сянка на братовчедите си. Единствения й шанс да се изправи на крака обаче, се крепи на благоволението на братовчедка й Мелинда да й възложи реновацията на скъп апартамент в Дакота билдинг. Ровейки се из мазето, тя намира дълбоко пазени тайни, сред които и своята истинска принадлежност.
Дакота Билдинг е една от най- емблематичните и ексклузивни сгради в Ню Йорк, намираща се до Сентрал Парк Уест. В нея са живели много известни личности, сред които Джон Ленън и жена му Йоко Оно( 1972-1980г). Точно там, пред самата сграда, е застрелян великият Джон Ленън.
Дакота Билдинг отваря врати през 1884г и съдържа 65 апартамента, които е можело да бъдат наети от малцина. За да може човек да притежава имот и да живее в Дакота Билдинг, е било необходимо не само да има много пари, но и безупречна репутация.
Дакота билдинг още в самото начало е била толкова отдалечена от сърцето на Манхатън, че се е създавало усещане, че се намира извън покрайнините на Ню Йорк. Тогава градът все още се е разраствал, и то с доста бързи темпове:
[image error]
[image error]
Дакота билдинг през 70те години като фон на известната снимка на Джон Ленън и Йоко Оно:
По време на цялата история се разкриват и разплитат много взаимовръзки и тайни, които ме държаха заинтригувана.
Не мога да каза, че книгата е литературен шедьовър. Имаше си своите слаби места на моменти, но определено ме развълнува, а за мен това е достатъчно показателно, че си заслужава, и то много!
Книгата е интересна и съдържа всички елементи, които могат да привлекат вниманието- интрига, мистерия, криминална нотка, любовна история...В мен остана приятното усещане от атмосферата в Ню Йорк, от коридорите, стаите и от сърцевината на едноименната сграда Дакота Билдинг. Прекрасно пресъздадена обстановка, която просто ме наелектризира.
Сюжетът се развива в две времеви линии. Едната е от края на 19в, когато икономката на голям хотел в Лондон, Сара Смайт, спасява малката дъщеря на един от великите архитекти в Ню Йорк, Тиодор Камдън, участвал в конструирането и изграждането на Дакота Билдинг. В знак на благодарност, той й предлага невероятния шанс да работи и да поеме организацията в едноименната сграда.
Честно казано, докато четях впечатленията на Сара при пристигането й в Ню Йорк, а още повече след като беше застанала пред Дакота, по средата на нищото, без павирани улици и откъснато от цивилизацията, ми стана смешно 🙂 Усещах шока на младата жена, която от цивилизонания и така добре устроен Лондон, се оказа насред полето в един разрастващ се град, абсолютно сама, далеч от уредеността...
Другата сюжетна линия се развива през 80-те години на 20в, в която интериорната дизайнерка Бейли Камдън се озовава без работа и дом, заради зависимостта си от алкохола. Непряка наследница на великия Камдън, тя стои в сянка на братовчедите си. Единствения й шанс да се изправи на крака обаче, се крепи на благоволението на братовчедка й Мелинда да й възложи реновацията на скъп апартамент в Дакота билдинг. Ровейки се из мазето, тя намира дълбоко пазени тайни, сред които и своята истинска принадлежност.
Дакота Билдинг е една от най- емблематичните и ексклузивни сгради в Ню Йорк, намираща се до Сентрал Парк Уест. В нея са живели много известни личности, сред които Джон Ленън и жена му Йоко Оно( 1972-1980г). Точно там, пред самата сграда, е застрелян великият Джон Ленън.
Дакота Билдинг отваря врати през 1884г и съдържа 65 апартамента, които е можело да бъдат наети от малцина. За да може човек да притежава имот и да живее в Дакота Билдинг, е било необходимо не само да има много пари, но и безупречна репутация.
Дакота билдинг още в самото начало е била толкова отдалечена от сърцето на Манхатън, че се е създавало усещане, че се намира извън покрайнините на Ню Йорк. Тогава градът все още се е разраствал, и то с доста бързи темпове:
[image error]
[image error]
Дакота билдинг през 70те години като фон на известната снимка на Джон Ленън и Йоко Оно:
По време на цялата история се разкриват и разплитат много взаимовръзки и тайни, които ме държаха заинтригувана.
Не мога да каза, че книгата е литературен шедьовър. Имаше си своите слаби места на моменти, но определено ме развълнува, а за мен това е достатъчно показателно, че си заслужава, и то много!
July 23, 2017
This is a good old fashioned historical novel centering around the a young woman in service trying to better her lot in life at the Dakota in NYC during the gilded age and another young woman trying to do the same during the 1980's. It has the requisite events that echo through the decades. Prepare yourself for a good ride.
June 26, 2017
This is an engaging work of historical fiction and a great travel read if you want to escape for a few hours. The dual-timeline story begins in 1884 as the Dakota is about to open for residents in New York City. We are introduced to Sara Smythe in London while some life changing events happen, that ultimately lead her to a new job and residence at the Dakota. The additional timeline is approximately 100 years later as Bailey Camden recovers from her own life-changing events that lead her to a job and temporary residence, overseeing a renovation at the Dakota in 1985.
Bailey and Sara are both searching for answers and doing their best to take control of their own lives. The novel is well researched, and a fun read. I love old buildings and can easily get lost in imagination, just thinking of what may have taken place within their walls through so many generations. The Address tells a rich story of New York, alternating between the gilded age of the late 1800s and the "Greed is good" indulgences of the 1980s.
Thank you to Penguin's First to read program for providing me with an advance copy for review.
Bailey and Sara are both searching for answers and doing their best to take control of their own lives. The novel is well researched, and a fun read. I love old buildings and can easily get lost in imagination, just thinking of what may have taken place within their walls through so many generations. The Address tells a rich story of New York, alternating between the gilded age of the late 1800s and the "Greed is good" indulgences of the 1980s.
Thank you to Penguin's First to read program for providing me with an advance copy for review.
April 18, 2019
Overall: A somewhat interesting dual timeline historical fiction novel focused on the Manhattan apartment house, The Dakota. Overall I found it very predictable and overly dramatized. The story as a whole was interesting enough to keep my attention throughout but I can't say too much was good beyond that. 4.5/10 (2.5 stars rounded up)
The Good:
The novel has two storylines both focused on the apartment house, the Dakota. The Dakota is a prestigious Upper West Side residence that opened in 1884 and was made infamous almost a century later as the location of John Lennon’s murder.
The two heroines are Sara Smythe, the head housekeeper at London’s Langham Hotel who comes to America in 1884 to work at the Dakota, and Bailey Camden, a young interior designer struggling with addiction and trying to make a decent life for herself in New York of 1985. I enjoyed Sara's story much more than Bailey's though Bailey's component is essential in understanding the entire story.
I liked the architecture component and also enjoyed the historical aspects about Blackwell’s Island Insane Asylum. I wish they had expanded more on Nellie Bly (who is a real person) and the history of the asylum.
The Bad: The writing is not great. I really did not like Bailey's story at all... it annoyed me and I kept wanting to get back to Sara's part. The novel as a whole is extremely predictable, not serious, obnoxious romances, overly dramatized, and a bit unbelievable.
Favorite Quote:
“We all have our own magnificent prisons, even the queen, I’d venture.”
The Good:
The novel has two storylines both focused on the apartment house, the Dakota. The Dakota is a prestigious Upper West Side residence that opened in 1884 and was made infamous almost a century later as the location of John Lennon’s murder.
The two heroines are Sara Smythe, the head housekeeper at London’s Langham Hotel who comes to America in 1884 to work at the Dakota, and Bailey Camden, a young interior designer struggling with addiction and trying to make a decent life for herself in New York of 1985. I enjoyed Sara's story much more than Bailey's though Bailey's component is essential in understanding the entire story.
I liked the architecture component and also enjoyed the historical aspects about Blackwell’s Island Insane Asylum. I wish they had expanded more on Nellie Bly (who is a real person) and the history of the asylum.
The Bad: The writing is not great. I really did not like Bailey's story at all... it annoyed me and I kept wanting to get back to Sara's part. The novel as a whole is extremely predictable, not serious, obnoxious romances, overly dramatized, and a bit unbelievable.
Favorite Quote:
“We all have our own magnificent prisons, even the queen, I’d venture.”
November 9, 2019
I have found a new favorite author! This historical fiction was absolutely awesome, it also has a little bit of mystery and family drama. It has two alternating timelines, 1885 and 1985, which was well executed. The 1885 story is of Sara who lives in England and is head housekeeper at a posh hotel and is offered a job in America being the managerrette of the newly built "The Dakota" building in NYC. Be sure to Google pics of this real and famous building, which is also where John Lennon was killed. The period detail was very interesting. 1885 is when NYC was still just beginning to grow. The 1985 storyline is of Bailey, an interior designer, just out of rehab, who gets hired to modernize The Dakota. Their stories complement each other's and intertwine. This was a beautiful story and so well written, I highly recommend.
July 11, 2017
I liked reading about the Dakota, a building I've always wanted to visit but I don't generally like dual timeline stories. I find them contrived and one is always better than the other. In this case I preferred the story set in 1884 to the one set in 1985 until it turned into a romance novel with obvious consequences. At that point I gave up on it. Women's fiction and I just do not get along. I should have been warned. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.
August 2, 2017
The Dollhouse by Fiona Davis was a book that I had seen over and over again in the past year, so, when I found out that Davis had her sophomore novel, The Address, publishing this month, I added it to my top of my TBR pile and hopped on the Fiona Davis bandwagon.
I do not read a ton of historical fiction so I wasn’t sure what to expect; however, when I started reading, I quickly discovered that Fiona Davis is a masterful storyteller with the capability to completely entrance her reader.
I was transported back to 1884, where, after a chance run in with a wealthy American family, Sara decides to back up her life and move to America to be the head of house at The Dakota. Flash-forward about a hundred years, in the autumn of 1985, Bailey is out of rehab, fired from her job and without anywhere she goes. In a panic, she turns to her cousin and finds herself in The Dakota. The novel goes back and forth between these perspectives where Davis weaves a tale of love, the quest for success and betrayal within one of New York’s most famous residences.
I sometimes find myself disconnected when I read historical fiction. I think it comes from the fact that I am unable to relate to the characters due to language or general situations; however, in this case, I found the opposite to be true. I was fully connected with both Sara and Bailey throughout my reading. Both of these characters are sort of lost and trying their best to make it with what they have, struggling to fit in, struggling to find their place and struggling to ensure they pretend they know what they are doing with their lives. Amen to that. David does a fantastic job at staying historically accurate while keeping her characters realistic and relevant.
I knew that this book was sticking with me while I found myself wondering about what would happen during my lunchtime fitness class. I really loved the shape of how this one unfolded; Sara’s story is moving linearly while Bailey is discovering hers in reverse. Therefore, most of the twists happen fairly early on and it is clear that an incident occurred but Davis slowly draws out the pieces and weaves the plot slowly while building tension. By the end of the novel, when these two parallel worlds finally collided, I felt like I would burst if everything wasn't revealed.
Overall, I can now say with confidence that I am pretty much obsessed with the work of Fiona Davis and will anxiously await her next novel; in the meantime, you’ll find me hunting down a copy of The Dollhouse. If you are a fan of any sort of historical fiction or a story that builds tension while focusing on character relationships, you will absolutely devour The Address. I know I did.
5/5 stars. Highly recommended
I do not read a ton of historical fiction so I wasn’t sure what to expect; however, when I started reading, I quickly discovered that Fiona Davis is a masterful storyteller with the capability to completely entrance her reader.
I was transported back to 1884, where, after a chance run in with a wealthy American family, Sara decides to back up her life and move to America to be the head of house at The Dakota. Flash-forward about a hundred years, in the autumn of 1985, Bailey is out of rehab, fired from her job and without anywhere she goes. In a panic, she turns to her cousin and finds herself in The Dakota. The novel goes back and forth between these perspectives where Davis weaves a tale of love, the quest for success and betrayal within one of New York’s most famous residences.
I sometimes find myself disconnected when I read historical fiction. I think it comes from the fact that I am unable to relate to the characters due to language or general situations; however, in this case, I found the opposite to be true. I was fully connected with both Sara and Bailey throughout my reading. Both of these characters are sort of lost and trying their best to make it with what they have, struggling to fit in, struggling to find their place and struggling to ensure they pretend they know what they are doing with their lives. Amen to that. David does a fantastic job at staying historically accurate while keeping her characters realistic and relevant.
I knew that this book was sticking with me while I found myself wondering about what would happen during my lunchtime fitness class. I really loved the shape of how this one unfolded; Sara’s story is moving linearly while Bailey is discovering hers in reverse. Therefore, most of the twists happen fairly early on and it is clear that an incident occurred but Davis slowly draws out the pieces and weaves the plot slowly while building tension. By the end of the novel, when these two parallel worlds finally collided, I felt like I would burst if everything wasn't revealed.
Overall, I can now say with confidence that I am pretty much obsessed with the work of Fiona Davis and will anxiously await her next novel; in the meantime, you’ll find me hunting down a copy of The Dollhouse. If you are a fan of any sort of historical fiction or a story that builds tension while focusing on character relationships, you will absolutely devour The Address. I know I did.
5/5 stars. Highly recommended
September 16, 2017
The Dakota, also known as Dakota Apartments, is a cooperative apartment building located on the northwest corner of 72nd Street and Central Park West in the Upper West Side of Manhattan in New York City, United States. It was built in 1884 and advertised as "The Address". When it was built the only thing in the neighborhood was Central Park. It took courage in those days to move to an area so far away from everything else.
The plot flip-flops between 1885 and 1985.
The main characters 1885 are (and probably all fictional)
Theo Camden, a talented employee of the architectural firm Henry Janeway Hardenbergh, firm in a real architectural firm in NYC.
Sara Smythe, plucked from her head housekeeper job at a plush hotel in London to become the 'managerette' of the Dakota
The main characters of 1985 are
Bailey Camden, thinly related to Theo because her grandfather was a ward of the 1885 Camdens
Melinda Camden, related to Theo legitimately; her great grandfather was Theo Camden.
This book was superb. The ins and outs of the interrelationships of the two generations really grabbed me. The ins and outs of the interrelationships WITHIN the generations were pretty entertaining too.
I want to tell you which characters I empathized with and those I ended up disliking. Read it and you will see, and if you are easily fooled (like me), probably be surprised.
Happy reading!!
The plot flip-flops between 1885 and 1985.
The main characters 1885 are (and probably all fictional)
Theo Camden, a talented employee of the architectural firm Henry Janeway Hardenbergh, firm in a real architectural firm in NYC.
Sara Smythe, plucked from her head housekeeper job at a plush hotel in London to become the 'managerette' of the Dakota
The main characters of 1985 are
Bailey Camden, thinly related to Theo because her grandfather was a ward of the 1885 Camdens
Melinda Camden, related to Theo legitimately; her great grandfather was Theo Camden.
This book was superb. The ins and outs of the interrelationships of the two generations really grabbed me. The ins and outs of the interrelationships WITHIN the generations were pretty entertaining too.
I want to tell you which characters I empathized with and those I ended up disliking. Read it and you will see, and if you are easily fooled (like me), probably be surprised.
Happy reading!!
July 4, 2017
Thank you Prenguin RandomHouse for the ARC.
When this book comes out try and find a copy.
Fiona Davis has written another fast paced and engaging story about the city of New York. This time the story was based around the famous apartment building The Dakota. I have been wanting to see the inside for years because I am interested in Guilded Age/Victorian Era architecture. And this building probably has some great stories to tell.
This story grabs you at first go an immerses you into a world brilliantly written by Davis.
When this book comes out try and find a copy.
Fiona Davis has written another fast paced and engaging story about the city of New York. This time the story was based around the famous apartment building The Dakota. I have been wanting to see the inside for years because I am interested in Guilded Age/Victorian Era architecture. And this building probably has some great stories to tell.
This story grabs you at first go an immerses you into a world brilliantly written by Davis.
October 23, 2017
I literally just turned the last page and let me just say - WOW. I'm usually not big on historical fiction. It's probably one of my least favorite genres.. however, when Dutton Books sends you a book, you READ IT. I've never been disappointed with their books and this is no exception.
The character build in this book is astounding. You really feel for Sara back in 1884/1885 and for Bailey, a hundred years later, in 1985. To see how their lives intersect is extremely well done by the author. For the first 50 pages I was wondering where this could possibly be going. So I took a little break and opened it this morning and never looked back.
I think one of my favorite moments in the book was the reference to Nellie Bly. I learned about her last year around this time and have her book, 10 days in a Mad House, and love that she is brought into this book as a part of this history. I have this book and still need to read it and this now just propels me to do so.
Back to The Address. Reading about Sara's life - she just wanted to do better for herself after a horrid experience at an internship that she had. She vows not to follow in her mother's footsteps and yet finds herself in love with a married man, who is in an "arrangement" with his wife. The standard tale or so it seems. Her strength as a woman shines through as the story unfolds and goes in a direction that I completely did NOT see coming.
Bailey also has had a rough go at life and is also trying to do better for herself as well. In the mid 80s in NYC, there's Limelight (LOVE this reference as well) and the inability almost to keep away from drinking and drugs and the nightlight this city offers at all hours of the day and night. Bailey's journey to the end of the book was also a pleasure to watch.
The author really brings you a sense of both historical times - the 1880's and the 1980's to where you feel like you're right there - a fly on the wall watching the scenes in front of you. Some horrific, some beautiful and all too realistic.
While it did take me a little bit to get into the story and you could see where a certain plot line was going, all of the sudden BAM, this one hit me right in the face and I was pleasantly and lovingly surprised. Certainly didn't see a couple twists in the midst. There's a thousand things I could go on and on about this book but I fear it would spoil it for those of you who haven't read this yet. And if you haven't, I suggest you do.
Thank you so much to Dutton Books or this copy!
The character build in this book is astounding. You really feel for Sara back in 1884/1885 and for Bailey, a hundred years later, in 1985. To see how their lives intersect is extremely well done by the author. For the first 50 pages I was wondering where this could possibly be going. So I took a little break and opened it this morning and never looked back.
I think one of my favorite moments in the book was the reference to Nellie Bly. I learned about her last year around this time and have her book, 10 days in a Mad House, and love that she is brought into this book as a part of this history. I have this book and still need to read it and this now just propels me to do so.
Back to The Address. Reading about Sara's life - she just wanted to do better for herself after a horrid experience at an internship that she had. She vows not to follow in her mother's footsteps and yet finds herself in love with a married man, who is in an "arrangement" with his wife. The standard tale or so it seems. Her strength as a woman shines through as the story unfolds and goes in a direction that I completely did NOT see coming.
Bailey also has had a rough go at life and is also trying to do better for herself as well. In the mid 80s in NYC, there's Limelight (LOVE this reference as well) and the inability almost to keep away from drinking and drugs and the nightlight this city offers at all hours of the day and night. Bailey's journey to the end of the book was also a pleasure to watch.
The author really brings you a sense of both historical times - the 1880's and the 1980's to where you feel like you're right there - a fly on the wall watching the scenes in front of you. Some horrific, some beautiful and all too realistic.
While it did take me a little bit to get into the story and you could see where a certain plot line was going, all of the sudden BAM, this one hit me right in the face and I was pleasantly and lovingly surprised. Certainly didn't see a couple twists in the midst. There's a thousand things I could go on and on about this book but I fear it would spoil it for those of you who haven't read this yet. And if you haven't, I suggest you do.
Thank you so much to Dutton Books or this copy!
April 20, 2019
In 1884, Sara Smythe averted a tragedy and becomes acquainted with Theo Camden. This meeting presents Sara with an incredible job opportunity, and she sails from London to New York City to manage The Dakota, a soon-to-be opened apartment house. In 1984, Bailey, an interior designer fresh out of rehab, is overseeing renovations to an apartment with a dark history tied to Sara Smythe and Theo Camden.
Of all the genres I read, historical fiction remains a particular favorite. There is nothing I enjoy more than settling in with a novel so well written that it's easy to 'see' everything in my mind's eye. Mix in a dual timeline and a seemingly mysterious long ago event, and my eyes are guaranteed to remain glued to the page. The Address combined all these elements and easily swept me back to the ostentatiousness of the Gilded Age and the indulgences of the 1980s.
I didn't remember that The Dakota was an actual apartment building, having forgotten that John Lennon was murdered there. (I was a child when it happened, so the where didn't stick in my memory as much as the what of how he died.) Realizing the location actually existed added an extra bit of enjoyment, because I could find out how the building looked around that time period.
The Dakota c. 1890 (Photo via Wikipedia)
The blurb gives no indication that the story has a dual timeline, and I was initially confused by it. I expected the entire story to center around Sara, and didn't understand Bailey's presence in the story. Her purpose came to light fairly quickly, however, and proved to have a crucial role in the story, in this reader's opinion.
That said, I preferred reading about Sara—the historical setting and its characters will always take precedence over the more recent for me. More importantly, Bailey is left not knowing all the answers readers are privy to from reading things from Sara's point of view, which gives her storyline the edge in terms of which was more captivating. Bailey's story had a satisfying resolution as well, that I found to be particularly enjoyable.
This is the first book I've read by Davis, but it most certainly won't be the last. If you love historical fiction, I think you'll enjoy reading this book.
I received an advance reading copy of this book courtesy of Dutton via Edelweiss.
Of all the genres I read, historical fiction remains a particular favorite. There is nothing I enjoy more than settling in with a novel so well written that it's easy to 'see' everything in my mind's eye. Mix in a dual timeline and a seemingly mysterious long ago event, and my eyes are guaranteed to remain glued to the page. The Address combined all these elements and easily swept me back to the ostentatiousness of the Gilded Age and the indulgences of the 1980s.
I didn't remember that The Dakota was an actual apartment building, having forgotten that John Lennon was murdered there. (I was a child when it happened, so the where didn't stick in my memory as much as the what of how he died.) Realizing the location actually existed added an extra bit of enjoyment, because I could find out how the building looked around that time period.
The Dakota c. 1890 (Photo via Wikipedia)
The blurb gives no indication that the story has a dual timeline, and I was initially confused by it. I expected the entire story to center around Sara, and didn't understand Bailey's presence in the story. Her purpose came to light fairly quickly, however, and proved to have a crucial role in the story, in this reader's opinion.
That said, I preferred reading about Sara—the historical setting and its characters will always take precedence over the more recent for me. More importantly, Bailey is left not knowing all the answers readers are privy to from reading things from Sara's point of view, which gives her storyline the edge in terms of which was more captivating. Bailey's story had a satisfying resolution as well, that I found to be particularly enjoyable.
This is the first book I've read by Davis, but it most certainly won't be the last. If you love historical fiction, I think you'll enjoy reading this book.
I received an advance reading copy of this book courtesy of Dutton via Edelweiss.
August 8, 2017
All of my reviews can be found on www.novelgossip.com
Last summer I had the pleasure of reading Davis’ debut, The Dollhouse and I was so impressed. I was never a huge fan of historical fiction before I read her books and I have her to thank for opening my eyes to yet another amazing genre. I’ve read so much more HF this past year and I don’t know if I would’ve without reading The Dollhouse, so thanks Fiona Davis for expanding my world!
Having been such a fan of her debut I had that nervous feeling I always feel when I’m about to read an authors sophmore book. Well, I shouldn’t have worried at all, I ended up liking this one even more than her first, it was mesmerizing, full of detailed historical descriptions, an amazing setting and two characters that I fully connected with.
This is told using dual narratives set one hundred years apart. Sara is a thirty year old woman who moves from England to New York for a job opportunity in 1884 and Bailey is also thirty and living in NYC in 1985. Both of the timelines were equally fascinating for me, they were both mainly set in the famed Dakota Apartments and Davis truly brought this wonderful setting to life. Most of the book was historically accurate and the liberties she took fictionally were perfectly executed. I really felt like I was beside both women in the Dakota, it was such an immersive, engrossing setting.
Sara and Bailey had many similarities despite being from two completely different worlds. They both have struggles and difficulties to overcome and I was rooting for them the whole way. I found myself sympathizing easily with both of them and couldn’t wait to find out what would wind up happening with their lives.
This is one of those books that will truly sweep you away to another time, there is such a strong sense of place that really worked well for me. While this isn’t a traditional mystery there were some surprises along the way that add another layer to the wonderful plot. If you loved The Dollhouse you’ll like this one as well, and if you haven’t read it but enjoy HF what are you waiting for?!
Last summer I had the pleasure of reading Davis’ debut, The Dollhouse and I was so impressed. I was never a huge fan of historical fiction before I read her books and I have her to thank for opening my eyes to yet another amazing genre. I’ve read so much more HF this past year and I don’t know if I would’ve without reading The Dollhouse, so thanks Fiona Davis for expanding my world!
Having been such a fan of her debut I had that nervous feeling I always feel when I’m about to read an authors sophmore book. Well, I shouldn’t have worried at all, I ended up liking this one even more than her first, it was mesmerizing, full of detailed historical descriptions, an amazing setting and two characters that I fully connected with.
This is told using dual narratives set one hundred years apart. Sara is a thirty year old woman who moves from England to New York for a job opportunity in 1884 and Bailey is also thirty and living in NYC in 1985. Both of the timelines were equally fascinating for me, they were both mainly set in the famed Dakota Apartments and Davis truly brought this wonderful setting to life. Most of the book was historically accurate and the liberties she took fictionally were perfectly executed. I really felt like I was beside both women in the Dakota, it was such an immersive, engrossing setting.
Sara and Bailey had many similarities despite being from two completely different worlds. They both have struggles and difficulties to overcome and I was rooting for them the whole way. I found myself sympathizing easily with both of them and couldn’t wait to find out what would wind up happening with their lives.
This is one of those books that will truly sweep you away to another time, there is such a strong sense of place that really worked well for me. While this isn’t a traditional mystery there were some surprises along the way that add another layer to the wonderful plot. If you loved The Dollhouse you’ll like this one as well, and if you haven’t read it but enjoy HF what are you waiting for?!
September 22, 2018
3.5 rounded up. I liked this book well enough although maybe not as much as The Dollhouse. I enjoyed reading about the history of the Dakota and might have been happier if the whole story took place in the 19th century and maybe delved into the lives of the residents rather than bringing the story 100 years into the future. Still I'd recommend this book to others and look forward to reading The Masterpiece.
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