What do you think?
Rate this book
The Glory Cloak: A Novel of Louisa May Alcott and Clara Barton
From childhood, Susan Gray and her cousin Louisa May Alcott have shared a safe, insular world of outdoor adventures and grand amateur theater -- a world that begins to evaporate with the outbreak of the Civil War. Frustrated with sewing uniforms and wrapping bandages, the two women journey to Washington, D.C.'s Union Hospital to volunteer as nurses. Nothing has prepared them for the horrors of this grueling experience. There they meet the remarkable Clara Barton -- the legendary Angel of the Battlefield -- and she becomes their idol and mentor. Soon one wounded soldier begins to captivate and puzzle them all -- a man who claims to be a blacksmith, but whose appearance and sharp intelligence suggest he might not be who he says he is.
Through the Civil War and its chaotic aftermath to the apex of Louisa's fame as the author of Little Women and Lincoln's appointment of Clara to the job of finding and naming the war's missing and dead, this novel is ultimately the story of friendship between women -- women who broke the mold society set for them, while still reckoning with betrayal, love, and forgiveness.
Through the Civil War and its chaotic aftermath to the apex of Louisa's fame as the author of Little Women and Lincoln's appointment of Clara to the job of finding and naming the war's missing and dead, this novel is ultimately the story of friendship between women -- women who broke the mold society set for them, while still reckoning with betrayal, love, and forgiveness.
368 pages, Paperback
First published April 6, 2004
10 people are currently reading
770 people want to read
About the author
Patricia O'Brien
104 books20 followersPatricia O'Brien is the author of the critically acclaimed novel The Glory Cloak and co-author of I Know Just What You Mean, a New York Times bestseller. She lives in Washington, D.C.
Writes also under the pseudonym Kate Alcott.
Writes also under the pseudonym Kate Alcott.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
March 28, 2022
New York, 1858. After typhoid epidemic claims Susan’s parents, she moves in with her Alcott cousins in Concord, Massachusetts. Susan always loved the warmness that Alcott’s house offered. Her cousin Louisa helps supporting family by teaching, but that’s not where her heart is. She wants to do it with her writing. She scribbles away as much as she can. After selling a small book of fairy tales, she is on fire. Susan becomes useful by fashioning dresses for the Alcott girls for different occasions.
In 1861, when men leave the town for war, women get busy knitting socks, sewing shirts for soldiers, rolling and preparing bandages. But Louisa is not good at those things and she gets restless. She wants to do more and seeks a nursing commission for both, her and Susan. Their adventure takes them to Washington City, which quickly turns out to be a deplorable place, missing essentials, reeking of bad odor. It’s dirty and overcrowded. Caring for wounded soldiers turns out to be more challenging. Coming from a sheltered life and small town, they have some catching up to do. But with the appearance of Nurse Clara Barton, their level of confidence is lifted.
As the story continues, it focuses on caring for the soldiers, how some improve and others deteriorate, about interactions with different nurses and doctors. It gives a vivid portrayal of their work at hospital, but I found the pace slow. There was not much new happening to move the plot forward. With their return home and growing popularity of Louisa’s writing, I hoped that the pace would pick up, but it remains slow.
At the beginning of the story, I loved the atmosphere of Alcott’s home. I wanted to be part of it myself. The sharing of morning coffee, conversations, plays, and politics. In inspiring times, Louisa is penning some stories; Susan is reading and amusing herself with crafting hats. In sad times, when Louisa receives mostly rejections, Susan is there to lift her spirits up. They don’t always see eye to eye, but there is a mutual respect. However, when the girls return home, I didn’t feel that atmosphere any more. It got lost during the war.
The story is beautifully written and vividly presented and as much as I loved the beginning, the rest of it I found slowly progressing.
In 1861, when men leave the town for war, women get busy knitting socks, sewing shirts for soldiers, rolling and preparing bandages. But Louisa is not good at those things and she gets restless. She wants to do more and seeks a nursing commission for both, her and Susan. Their adventure takes them to Washington City, which quickly turns out to be a deplorable place, missing essentials, reeking of bad odor. It’s dirty and overcrowded. Caring for wounded soldiers turns out to be more challenging. Coming from a sheltered life and small town, they have some catching up to do. But with the appearance of Nurse Clara Barton, their level of confidence is lifted.
As the story continues, it focuses on caring for the soldiers, how some improve and others deteriorate, about interactions with different nurses and doctors. It gives a vivid portrayal of their work at hospital, but I found the pace slow. There was not much new happening to move the plot forward. With their return home and growing popularity of Louisa’s writing, I hoped that the pace would pick up, but it remains slow.
At the beginning of the story, I loved the atmosphere of Alcott’s home. I wanted to be part of it myself. The sharing of morning coffee, conversations, plays, and politics. In inspiring times, Louisa is penning some stories; Susan is reading and amusing herself with crafting hats. In sad times, when Louisa receives mostly rejections, Susan is there to lift her spirits up. They don’t always see eye to eye, but there is a mutual respect. However, when the girls return home, I didn’t feel that atmosphere any more. It got lost during the war.
The story is beautifully written and vividly presented and as much as I loved the beginning, the rest of it I found slowly progressing.
August 20, 2008
This was an interesting novel and kept me entertained throughout. I have to admit not being a fan of Alcott, I may have read Little Women when I was younger, but I don't recall it. That will be to be on my TBR list for the future.
The story is told in the first person by Alcott's fictional cousin, Susan Gray. She recounts their childhood, family and famous residents of Concord. As adults, the Civil War begins and Mary and Louisa volunteer as nurses in a Washington DC hospital, where they meet the famous nurse and activist Clara Barton, and the mysterious patient John Sulie, who Louisa is strongly attracted to. Do be warned, this was not a pretty war, nor was the aftermath on the wounded soldiers. The author doesn't pull any punches here. The story then shifts to the aftermath of the Civil War, and Clara Barton's mission to account for all the missing and dead soldiers, which the government would prefer to remain unaccounted for. The book finishes with the remainder of Louisa's life in Condord until her death.
While Susan is a fictional cousin, it was a good way to bring the reader closer to Alcott's inner circle and know her better. Some parts of the story play a little loose with known history, which are acknowledged in the author's notes at the end of the book. All in all an entertaining read, but as I previously noted, I'm not a huge fan of Alcott. Good read, but not one I'm likely to take off the shelf and read again every few years.
The story is told in the first person by Alcott's fictional cousin, Susan Gray. She recounts their childhood, family and famous residents of Concord. As adults, the Civil War begins and Mary and Louisa volunteer as nurses in a Washington DC hospital, where they meet the famous nurse and activist Clara Barton, and the mysterious patient John Sulie, who Louisa is strongly attracted to. Do be warned, this was not a pretty war, nor was the aftermath on the wounded soldiers. The author doesn't pull any punches here. The story then shifts to the aftermath of the Civil War, and Clara Barton's mission to account for all the missing and dead soldiers, which the government would prefer to remain unaccounted for. The book finishes with the remainder of Louisa's life in Condord until her death.
While Susan is a fictional cousin, it was a good way to bring the reader closer to Alcott's inner circle and know her better. Some parts of the story play a little loose with known history, which are acknowledged in the author's notes at the end of the book. All in all an entertaining read, but as I previously noted, I'm not a huge fan of Alcott. Good read, but not one I'm likely to take off the shelf and read again every few years.
April 29, 2009
***Possible Spoilers***
First of all, this is not really the story of Louisa May Alcott or Clara Barton, it is LMA's fictional cousin Susan's story as told through her eyes. That did not have a negative effect on how I liked the story. In fact I thoroughly enjoyed Susan's character and she is the main reason why I gave the book 5 stars, though it's more like 4 1/2.
Susan has spent many a-month during her childhood with the Alcott's. She is more like their 5th sister than cousin. The book starts out showing the Alcott sisters being as lively and fun as the March sisters in Little Women. From the beginning, we see that Louisa and Susan share a close friendship. Time passes and the Civil War has officially begun. Louisa longs for adventure and Susan is only too happy to accompany her to Washington to volunteer as nurses and aid wounded soldiers.
Their time at the hospital opens their eyes to the real world and the two "high bred" ladies from Concord mature very quickly. If you are squeamish you will probably not enjoy reading the numerous descriptions of soldier's wounds. But this was wartime, and this was what it was like for nurses during that time. Thinking back, I'm glad the author included all the gory stuff.
While at the hospital, Louisa falls in love with a soldier who is suspected of being a rebel. As the story progressed I ended up liking this guy very much, although we never really got to know him that well (don't worry, he didn't die in the hospital). Meanwhile Susan, totally devoted to her friendship with Louisa, doesn't even realize that she, too, is in love with John until one fateful night when they share a passionate kiss. John will end up playing a significant part in both their lives.
Clara Barton, the woman famous for her devoted humanitarianism, is also a nurse at the hospital, and the three women become close friends. We see her as the fiercely independent woman she was, a rarity indeed during those times.
There is a lot going on in this book. LMA lived during such a significant time in American history. She was neighbors with Emerson and Thoreau; she and Susan experienced firsthand the truths of a terrible war, and they saw the breakthrough of the women's suffrage movement. The book is well researched and nearly all of the events that take place are fact. We get to understand Louisa through Susan, but if you want "The Story of LMA" you won't find it here.
I went into it thinking I'd learn about LMA, and I did, but I came out of it in awe of Susan and all the many things she experienced during this incredible time in history. 4 1/2 out of 5 stars.
First of all, this is not really the story of Louisa May Alcott or Clara Barton, it is LMA's fictional cousin Susan's story as told through her eyes. That did not have a negative effect on how I liked the story. In fact I thoroughly enjoyed Susan's character and she is the main reason why I gave the book 5 stars, though it's more like 4 1/2.
Susan has spent many a-month during her childhood with the Alcott's. She is more like their 5th sister than cousin. The book starts out showing the Alcott sisters being as lively and fun as the March sisters in Little Women. From the beginning, we see that Louisa and Susan share a close friendship. Time passes and the Civil War has officially begun. Louisa longs for adventure and Susan is only too happy to accompany her to Washington to volunteer as nurses and aid wounded soldiers.
Their time at the hospital opens their eyes to the real world and the two "high bred" ladies from Concord mature very quickly. If you are squeamish you will probably not enjoy reading the numerous descriptions of soldier's wounds. But this was wartime, and this was what it was like for nurses during that time. Thinking back, I'm glad the author included all the gory stuff.
While at the hospital, Louisa falls in love with a soldier who is suspected of being a rebel. As the story progressed I ended up liking this guy very much, although we never really got to know him that well (don't worry, he didn't die in the hospital). Meanwhile Susan, totally devoted to her friendship with Louisa, doesn't even realize that she, too, is in love with John until one fateful night when they share a passionate kiss. John will end up playing a significant part in both their lives.
Clara Barton, the woman famous for her devoted humanitarianism, is also a nurse at the hospital, and the three women become close friends. We see her as the fiercely independent woman she was, a rarity indeed during those times.
There is a lot going on in this book. LMA lived during such a significant time in American history. She was neighbors with Emerson and Thoreau; she and Susan experienced firsthand the truths of a terrible war, and they saw the breakthrough of the women's suffrage movement. The book is well researched and nearly all of the events that take place are fact. We get to understand Louisa through Susan, but if you want "The Story of LMA" you won't find it here.
I went into it thinking I'd learn about LMA, and I did, but I came out of it in awe of Susan and all the many things she experienced during this incredible time in history. 4 1/2 out of 5 stars.
October 14, 2010
First half of the book: 5 stars. Second half of the book: 3 stars, so it averages out to 4 stars. The good: I really liked how O'Brien wove historical facts into her story, without stepping aside to give the reader a history lecture. She obviously did her research, particularly on Louisa May Alcott, who comes to life in this story. The descriptions of the nurses' lives in the Civil War hospital are taken almost directly from Alcott's Hospital Sketches, a very fine book, but The Glory Cloak gives the reader an even more real sense of the medical horrors suffered during the war. Alcott seems to be the heroine for the first half of the book, and I read this part eagerly. The second half of the book deals with Clara Barton and her efforts to identify the Civil War dead. This part of the book is less successful. O'Brien does not make Barton as three-dimensional as she does Alcott, and this section of the book sags. I also had a hard time liking the fictional characters in the book: Louisa's cousin Susan and the Union soldier (who is based on two real persons). Much of the dialogue in the second half made me gag--the soldier particularly reminded me of a bad Errol Flynn movie. I highly recommend reading this book up to chapter 12.
July 10, 2025
Really somewhere between 2.5 and 3 stars. My grandmother gifted me this book because I love Little Women. The book was giving ~grammie~ vibes which is sweet but I never got enthralled with the story.
May 10, 2009
When I was a kid, I went through a phase where all I read were biographies of famous women. Amelia Earhart, Hellen Keller, Molly Pitcher and of course Louisa May Alcott and Clara Barton. I have very strong and fond memories of reading Invincible Louisa in the library of my elementary school. So the thought of reading the Glory Cloak, with its historical fiction take on not one but two of my childhood heros, certainly appealed to me.
For the most part, I think the book works. Adding the fictional character of Susan allowed the author to connect Alcott and Barton and to go back and forth between them as the story progressed.
Using Alcott's novels, letters and family diaries, the author did a fairly decent job in recreating some points in Louisa's life... particularly the Hospital Sketches era where she served as a nurse in the Civil War.
However, I think the author tried too hard to explain why Alcott never married. She depicts Louisa as depressed and emotionally stunted both by a pathological need to provide for the family (since her father was ill equipped to do so) and by her father's disapproval and inability to love her. As a result, in O'Brien's view, Louisa chases after emotionally unavailable men (like Thoreau) and is unable to pursue a man who is willing and able to return her love. The love triangle and resulting betrayal that came out of all this was, in my opinion way too melodramatic and what's more it was just plain uncessary. But I have decided to consider it a homage to Alcott's sensational "pot-boilers" and move on.
Clara Barton is treated better in the story and I enjoyed reading about her post-war activities since most of what I knew about her focused on her nursing and the founding of the American Red Cross than her efforts to locate the missing and name the dead.
All in all, The Glory Cloak was a good book.... a grown up version of the idealized biographies that I read as a girl. I have my doubts as to whether Louisa, herself, would have liked it and there are aspects that I have decided to take with a grain of salt but it was definitely worth my time.
For the most part, I think the book works. Adding the fictional character of Susan allowed the author to connect Alcott and Barton and to go back and forth between them as the story progressed.
Using Alcott's novels, letters and family diaries, the author did a fairly decent job in recreating some points in Louisa's life... particularly the Hospital Sketches era where she served as a nurse in the Civil War.
However, I think the author tried too hard to explain why Alcott never married. She depicts Louisa as depressed and emotionally stunted both by a pathological need to provide for the family (since her father was ill equipped to do so) and by her father's disapproval and inability to love her. As a result, in O'Brien's view, Louisa chases after emotionally unavailable men (like Thoreau) and is unable to pursue a man who is willing and able to return her love. The love triangle and resulting betrayal that came out of all this was, in my opinion way too melodramatic and what's more it was just plain uncessary. But I have decided to consider it a homage to Alcott's sensational "pot-boilers" and move on.
Clara Barton is treated better in the story and I enjoyed reading about her post-war activities since most of what I knew about her focused on her nursing and the founding of the American Red Cross than her efforts to locate the missing and name the dead.
All in all, The Glory Cloak was a good book.... a grown up version of the idealized biographies that I read as a girl. I have my doubts as to whether Louisa, herself, would have liked it and there are aspects that I have decided to take with a grain of salt but it was definitely worth my time.
July 10, 2009
I am sort of a sucker for a book about the Civil War, and I grew up infatuated with Louisa May Alcott and Little Women, so I went into this one with pretty high hopes.
I have to tell you, I was not disappointed.
In this book, Susan- a cousin of Louisa May Alcott, moves in with the Alcott family when her parents die. Through Susan's eyes, we see what life is like for the Alcotts. She and Louisa May Alcott decide to go to DC to work in a war hospital, and there is where we meet Clara Barton. It was fun to see other cameos of famous people too- Nathaniel Hawthorne, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thorou.... at first I thought that this was just a writing ploy, but then I looked it up and it turns out that all these people were buddies. It is not known if Clara Barton and Louisa May Alcott ever came in contact, although they did work at the same war hospital, so it is likely.
I know that I've said this before, but I really think that historical fiction has done its job when you love the story AND are totally intrigued by the history and want to learn more. This book was both of these things for me. The writing was really pretty and flowed nicely. The characters came alive, and I felt like I was in Civil War times.
I thought it was fascinating too, that the prologue really happened. In 1997, a government worker was digging around in an abandoned house, and found a whole floor sealed up with all of Clara Barton's records and her office. This was a whole part of her life that was pretty much unknown until that point. Isn't that amazing?
Anyway, really good stuff. Highly recommended. Read it.
I have to tell you, I was not disappointed.
In this book, Susan- a cousin of Louisa May Alcott, moves in with the Alcott family when her parents die. Through Susan's eyes, we see what life is like for the Alcotts. She and Louisa May Alcott decide to go to DC to work in a war hospital, and there is where we meet Clara Barton. It was fun to see other cameos of famous people too- Nathaniel Hawthorne, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thorou.... at first I thought that this was just a writing ploy, but then I looked it up and it turns out that all these people were buddies. It is not known if Clara Barton and Louisa May Alcott ever came in contact, although they did work at the same war hospital, so it is likely.
I know that I've said this before, but I really think that historical fiction has done its job when you love the story AND are totally intrigued by the history and want to learn more. This book was both of these things for me. The writing was really pretty and flowed nicely. The characters came alive, and I felt like I was in Civil War times.
I thought it was fascinating too, that the prologue really happened. In 1997, a government worker was digging around in an abandoned house, and found a whole floor sealed up with all of Clara Barton's records and her office. This was a whole part of her life that was pretty much unknown until that point. Isn't that amazing?
Anyway, really good stuff. Highly recommended. Read it.
May 5, 2009
It pains me that I didn't love this book; it's about Louisa May Alcott and Clara Barton, after all. But, I put it down to read something else and then never picked it up again. That says it all.
March 16, 2010
Great story premise but the writer just doesn't deliver.
Easy, quick read but don't bother.
Easy, quick read but don't bother.
June 27, 2020
wildly interesting.
Susan Gray and Louisa are cousins. after Susans parents die she is welcomed into the Alcott home and
becomes one of the family. Civil War is going on and people are hurting financially. Susan and Louisa decide to become nurses to help the "cause" and go to Washington DC.
and that is where the fun begins. They definitly go into something they had not expected.
Good read
Susan Gray and Louisa are cousins. after Susans parents die she is welcomed into the Alcott home and
becomes one of the family. Civil War is going on and people are hurting financially. Susan and Louisa decide to become nurses to help the "cause" and go to Washington DC.
and that is where the fun begins. They definitly go into something they had not expected.
Good read
September 3, 2021
This novel is a fictional account of life with Louisa May Alcott told by her fictional cousin Susan Grey. The story also covers the Civil War period and includes a friendship with Clara Barton. It is well written and gives some insight as to the experiences during the war of caring for the wounded and dying soldiers. The fictional relationship between the cousins Susan and Louisa from the time they were young until later in life seems to show Louisa the successful author later in life. It also gives insight into the evolution of Clara Barton during the war and the struggle to identify so many of the unknown dead from the war. An insightful fictional account with historical references into a period of history in our country that touches on many of struggles that this country experienced during this time.
April 13, 2009
The problem I have with this publication is the marketing. I'm sure this is more the publishers fault than the author but I felt misled. The front cover of the paperback promises a story of Clara Burton and Louisa May Alcott, but it's more the story of LMA's fictitious cousin's dealings with LMA, Clara Burton and a number of Civil War folks. The story was interesting. A number of characters were of interest, too. I did learn something of the character of Louisa and Clara, but the author stressed the work as fiction, so I'm not certain what I garnered from the reading is actual. But still an interesting story well told.
Read
March 15, 2017I worked my way through this with a sense of suspicion about its research methods. Apparently I'm less willing to give an author license when it comes to more well-known historical figures like Louisa May Alcott and Clara Barton. However, I was pleased to discover that the book does conclude with a discussion of her sources and how fictional and historical elements were blended.
September 20, 2017
This is the type of book you read when you are looking for a solid story, and one that will also give you a personal connection to the characters. It takes you into the lives of Clara Barton and Louisa May Alcott, and the struggles they went through.
April 18, 2012
The Glory Cloak by Patricia O’Brien is an historical novel featuring Louisa May Alcott and Clara Barton. It covers the Civil War through the eyes of a fictitious Alcott cousin, Susan Gray, who comes to live with the Alcotts after being orphaned. Susan becomes Louisa’s constant companion, confidant and critic. Together they volunteer to serve as nurses in the Civil War where they meet Clara Barton; eventually Susan will work with Clara to continue her service in a most extraordinary way.
The Glory Cloak moves so quickly that I could have read it in one sitting if the time had presented itself. It was a blessing at the gym, seeing as I hadn’t worked out in three weeks. I was so engrossed in the story that I forgot all about my aches and pains!
The story begins with a 1997 discovery of Clara Barton’s office on the third floor of a building in Washington slated to be torn down. This is the office where Barton, with just a handful of volunteers, sought (successfully) to find and identify thousands of missing dead soldiers. This story, based on fact, is crucial to the plot.
Through her made-up characters (Susan Gray, John Sulie (based on the real life character of John Suhre from Hospital Sketches), Belle Poole, Liddy Getty), O’Brien takes the reader deep into the horror of a Civil War hospital inundated with wounded. She also takes us into the minds of her real characters, most especially Louisa May Alcott and Clara Barton.
I have never read anything before on Clara so I cannot judge how realistic her portrayal was in the story. However, my interest was piqued and I plan on finding out more about her.
I do know Louisa fairly well and was intrigued with the theories that O’Brien floated about her throughout the story. I am going to explore those theories in detail on my blog at http://louisamayalcottismypassion.wor....
Susan Gray and her family visited the Alcotts for a week or two twice every year. Outspoken and spirited like her cousin, she and Louisa, ten years her senior, became close life-long friends. When Susan’s family was wiped out by a typhoid epidemic, she wrote to Louisa, asking to be taken in.
Susan delighted in Louisa’s brash and boyish ways. In one scene, the two girls are sitting in an apple tree; Louisa dares Susan to climb to a high branch and hang upside down by her knees. Eager to please though terrified at the thought, Susan complies and is secretly proud of herself for being so audacious.
It was this theme of the “dare” that would be repeated throughout the book.
The title of the book refers to a special real-life cloak made for the Alcott girls for their theatricals. Louisa came to use it whenever she wrote (complete with a hat) and while stories abound as to how it came into her possession, it was Lizzie (aka Beth in this story) who bequeathed the robe to Louisa despite her own fondness of it:
“Beth laughed, removing the wrap. ‘Oh girls, it’s too much for me. Lou, you’re the only one who can wear this and do it justice. You have the flair for it.’
‘No –’ Lou began to protest.
Beth was firm. “It’s your cloak, It’s your glory cloak. You will do wonderful things wearing it, I am sure of it.’ “
It continued to be Louisa’s costume of choice whenever she would disappear into her vortex of writing.
Susan came to live with the Alcotts shortly after Lizzie had died. Louisa was establishing herself as the breadwinner of the family through her writing, and Susan, wishing also for purpose, used her talents as a hat maker in the local shop in downtown Concord.
Susan noticed immediately how duty-bound and somber her cousin had become. Scarred and yet motivated by all she had lost, Louisa was bound and determined to be the Alcott breadwinner and even tried to discourage Susan from working in the local shop, claiming that the Alcotts were “above” being merchants.
As the Civil War began to rev up, Louisa and Susan became restless, eager to become a real part of the action. Hearing that nurses were needed, they volunteered and set off together on their grand adventure to Washington, D.C. (known as Washington City at the time). They had no idea what they were getting into.
Both sheltered and prim, Susan and Louisa see a much broader view of the world at the Union Hospital. Here O’Brien introduces several colorful characters including the worldly Liddy Getty and the unscrupulous assistant head nurse, Belle Poole.
The Glory Cloak uses Louisa’s Hospital Sketches and greatly expands upon the descriptions of pain, horror and death. Details are gruesome – there is no romanticizing here, especially when the wounded begin streaming in from the disastrous Battle of Fredericksburg.
It is here that we meet the focal point of the novel, John Sulie.
O’Brien describes John as Alcott described him: large, manly, exceedingly handsome. But while Louisa’s description in Hospital Sketches is that of a noble saint, O’Brien’s Sulie is rougher, mysterious and very well-read. Louisa is immediately attracted to him and the feeling is mutual. It begins with discussions of Milton and Whitman (Walt Whitman even makes a cameo appearance) and soon the chemistry between the two is obvious.
However, Louisa is not the only one attracted to Sulie – so is Susan. John Sulie becomes a major test to their friendship.
Eventually Louisa is sent home nearly dying of typhoid and Sulie disappears. Both she and Susan are greatly changed by their “grand adventure” and the deep sorrow that came of it. Louisa loses herself in her writing and Susan seeks greater purpose. Enter (again) Clara Barton.
Clara Barton has achieved a noble reputation for her nursing of the wounded in the field. Now she is obsessed with finding all the missing soldiers.
Susan offers to help but this time Louisa does not follow her cousin. Instead she goes to Europe as a companion to invalid Emma Weld (based on Anna Weld). Duty supersedes adventure for Louisa.
Clara and Susan, along Liddy Getty and Tom Cassidy, a soldier Susan had nursed who was sweet on her, work to answer thousands of letters from distraught families looking for their husbands and sons. Enter again John Sulie who holds the answer.
What follows is a breathtaking series of events (some tragic) that test the mettle of Susan’s friendship with Louisa. These events also demonstrate the amazing strength of one woman, Clara Barton, and the astonishing things she was able to accomplish.
I loved this book! I haven’t lost myself in a story this much since reading Gone with The Wind. The Glory Cloak is not nearly so epic, but it is powerful. I am so glad I had read Gone with the Wind because The Glory Cloak gives a decidedly northern point of view on the war. I found myself thinking of the southern side as presented through Scarlett O’Hara while reading O’Brien’s take.
The historical details are fascinating, especially the many references to personal feminine life such as hygiene and the change of life. I had always wondered how women in the 19th century dealt with these issues – now I have an idea.
Susan Gray proved to be a terrific vehicle for getting in the heart, mind and soul of Louisa as well as other members of the Alcott family. It’s obvious which members of the family O’Brien found most interesting. Younger sister May was very Amy-like, yet still quite likable. Lizzie was hardly mentioned as if O’Brien didn’t know what to do with her. Anna played a small role but was beautifully presented.
O’Brien’s contempt for Bronson was palpable – the man could do nothing right! I found her presentation of Abba to be quite curious at first and couldn’t really figure out what she thought of her until I reached the end of the book.
If historical fiction is meant to tempt us to find out more then O’Brien did her job well. Clara Barton was very interesting to me. The second half of the book focused on her and what a powerhouse she was! She lived the life of an autonomous, fiercely independent spinster woman with nobility and power. All I can say is, “Wow!”
I appreciated that O’Brien could be provocative without openly poking the reader with jabs (which is what I am finding with Geraldine Brooks’ March). The Glory Cloak showed this newbie writer just how bold one must be to write convincing historical fiction, especially if that fiction is based upon real-life, well-loved characters. O’Brien’s theories were backed up with thoughtful, well-executed and believable scenarios. She reinforced what I’ve long suspected, that one must dig very deep and set the imagination free to succeed at writing something that will carry the reader away and touch the heart. Writing is not for the fainthearted!
The Glory Cloak moves so quickly that I could have read it in one sitting if the time had presented itself. It was a blessing at the gym, seeing as I hadn’t worked out in three weeks. I was so engrossed in the story that I forgot all about my aches and pains!
The story begins with a 1997 discovery of Clara Barton’s office on the third floor of a building in Washington slated to be torn down. This is the office where Barton, with just a handful of volunteers, sought (successfully) to find and identify thousands of missing dead soldiers. This story, based on fact, is crucial to the plot.
Through her made-up characters (Susan Gray, John Sulie (based on the real life character of John Suhre from Hospital Sketches), Belle Poole, Liddy Getty), O’Brien takes the reader deep into the horror of a Civil War hospital inundated with wounded. She also takes us into the minds of her real characters, most especially Louisa May Alcott and Clara Barton.
I have never read anything before on Clara so I cannot judge how realistic her portrayal was in the story. However, my interest was piqued and I plan on finding out more about her.
I do know Louisa fairly well and was intrigued with the theories that O’Brien floated about her throughout the story. I am going to explore those theories in detail on my blog at http://louisamayalcottismypassion.wor....
Susan Gray and her family visited the Alcotts for a week or two twice every year. Outspoken and spirited like her cousin, she and Louisa, ten years her senior, became close life-long friends. When Susan’s family was wiped out by a typhoid epidemic, she wrote to Louisa, asking to be taken in.
Susan delighted in Louisa’s brash and boyish ways. In one scene, the two girls are sitting in an apple tree; Louisa dares Susan to climb to a high branch and hang upside down by her knees. Eager to please though terrified at the thought, Susan complies and is secretly proud of herself for being so audacious.
It was this theme of the “dare” that would be repeated throughout the book.
The title of the book refers to a special real-life cloak made for the Alcott girls for their theatricals. Louisa came to use it whenever she wrote (complete with a hat) and while stories abound as to how it came into her possession, it was Lizzie (aka Beth in this story) who bequeathed the robe to Louisa despite her own fondness of it:
“Beth laughed, removing the wrap. ‘Oh girls, it’s too much for me. Lou, you’re the only one who can wear this and do it justice. You have the flair for it.’
‘No –’ Lou began to protest.
Beth was firm. “It’s your cloak, It’s your glory cloak. You will do wonderful things wearing it, I am sure of it.’ “
It continued to be Louisa’s costume of choice whenever she would disappear into her vortex of writing.
Susan came to live with the Alcotts shortly after Lizzie had died. Louisa was establishing herself as the breadwinner of the family through her writing, and Susan, wishing also for purpose, used her talents as a hat maker in the local shop in downtown Concord.
Susan noticed immediately how duty-bound and somber her cousin had become. Scarred and yet motivated by all she had lost, Louisa was bound and determined to be the Alcott breadwinner and even tried to discourage Susan from working in the local shop, claiming that the Alcotts were “above” being merchants.
As the Civil War began to rev up, Louisa and Susan became restless, eager to become a real part of the action. Hearing that nurses were needed, they volunteered and set off together on their grand adventure to Washington, D.C. (known as Washington City at the time). They had no idea what they were getting into.
Both sheltered and prim, Susan and Louisa see a much broader view of the world at the Union Hospital. Here O’Brien introduces several colorful characters including the worldly Liddy Getty and the unscrupulous assistant head nurse, Belle Poole.
The Glory Cloak uses Louisa’s Hospital Sketches and greatly expands upon the descriptions of pain, horror and death. Details are gruesome – there is no romanticizing here, especially when the wounded begin streaming in from the disastrous Battle of Fredericksburg.
It is here that we meet the focal point of the novel, John Sulie.
O’Brien describes John as Alcott described him: large, manly, exceedingly handsome. But while Louisa’s description in Hospital Sketches is that of a noble saint, O’Brien’s Sulie is rougher, mysterious and very well-read. Louisa is immediately attracted to him and the feeling is mutual. It begins with discussions of Milton and Whitman (Walt Whitman even makes a cameo appearance) and soon the chemistry between the two is obvious.
However, Louisa is not the only one attracted to Sulie – so is Susan. John Sulie becomes a major test to their friendship.
Eventually Louisa is sent home nearly dying of typhoid and Sulie disappears. Both she and Susan are greatly changed by their “grand adventure” and the deep sorrow that came of it. Louisa loses herself in her writing and Susan seeks greater purpose. Enter (again) Clara Barton.
Clara Barton has achieved a noble reputation for her nursing of the wounded in the field. Now she is obsessed with finding all the missing soldiers.
Susan offers to help but this time Louisa does not follow her cousin. Instead she goes to Europe as a companion to invalid Emma Weld (based on Anna Weld). Duty supersedes adventure for Louisa.
Clara and Susan, along Liddy Getty and Tom Cassidy, a soldier Susan had nursed who was sweet on her, work to answer thousands of letters from distraught families looking for their husbands and sons. Enter again John Sulie who holds the answer.
What follows is a breathtaking series of events (some tragic) that test the mettle of Susan’s friendship with Louisa. These events also demonstrate the amazing strength of one woman, Clara Barton, and the astonishing things she was able to accomplish.
I loved this book! I haven’t lost myself in a story this much since reading Gone with The Wind. The Glory Cloak is not nearly so epic, but it is powerful. I am so glad I had read Gone with the Wind because The Glory Cloak gives a decidedly northern point of view on the war. I found myself thinking of the southern side as presented through Scarlett O’Hara while reading O’Brien’s take.
The historical details are fascinating, especially the many references to personal feminine life such as hygiene and the change of life. I had always wondered how women in the 19th century dealt with these issues – now I have an idea.
Susan Gray proved to be a terrific vehicle for getting in the heart, mind and soul of Louisa as well as other members of the Alcott family. It’s obvious which members of the family O’Brien found most interesting. Younger sister May was very Amy-like, yet still quite likable. Lizzie was hardly mentioned as if O’Brien didn’t know what to do with her. Anna played a small role but was beautifully presented.
O’Brien’s contempt for Bronson was palpable – the man could do nothing right! I found her presentation of Abba to be quite curious at first and couldn’t really figure out what she thought of her until I reached the end of the book.
If historical fiction is meant to tempt us to find out more then O’Brien did her job well. Clara Barton was very interesting to me. The second half of the book focused on her and what a powerhouse she was! She lived the life of an autonomous, fiercely independent spinster woman with nobility and power. All I can say is, “Wow!”
I appreciated that O’Brien could be provocative without openly poking the reader with jabs (which is what I am finding with Geraldine Brooks’ March). The Glory Cloak showed this newbie writer just how bold one must be to write convincing historical fiction, especially if that fiction is based upon real-life, well-loved characters. O’Brien’s theories were backed up with thoughtful, well-executed and believable scenarios. She reinforced what I’ve long suspected, that one must dig very deep and set the imagination free to succeed at writing something that will carry the reader away and touch the heart. Writing is not for the fainthearted!
June 20, 2018
Historical fiction centering on two remarkable American women of the 19th Century -- Louisa May Alcott and Clara Barton.
O'Brien ties the two together with a fictional character, Susan Gray, who accompanies Alcott when she worked as a nurse in Washington, DC, during the Civil War, then later works with Barton in her unflagging efforts to identify the Civil War dead.
Both Alcott and Barton are crisply and believably drawn; however one does wish that somewhere along the way an editor would have picked up O'Brien's confusion between coal and kohl, as it was repeatedly jarring to read how Barton "outlined her eyes with coal".
O'Brien ties the two together with a fictional character, Susan Gray, who accompanies Alcott when she worked as a nurse in Washington, DC, during the Civil War, then later works with Barton in her unflagging efforts to identify the Civil War dead.
Both Alcott and Barton are crisply and believably drawn; however one does wish that somewhere along the way an editor would have picked up O'Brien's confusion between coal and kohl, as it was repeatedly jarring to read how Barton "outlined her eyes with coal".
September 4, 2021
I the historical parts of this a great deal about Barton and Alcott. There were parts of the fictional story I also enjoyed. I think I would have enjoyed it better if it were two separate books rather than mixing so much fiction with real events.
January 6, 2018
I may have enjoyed this more than I enjoyed Little Women. A great combination of fact and fiction that I found truly entertaining.
May 5, 2018
Thoroughly enjoying
February 3, 2019
3.5 Liked this.
Want to Read
February 4, 2023KU
April 4, 2021
This was a great book, women of all ages will get something from it. You feel like you are literally right their with these women. The story line is so powerful.
May 5, 2011
Like many girls, I fell in love with Little Women and all the following books written by LMA when I was young. Additionally, I read many biographies of women who helped shape our country. I had great hopes for this story, knowing it was fiction, but hoping there was a real tie between two of my childhood heroes. Unfortunately, this is where the author gets off track. The link between the two women is tenuous at best. LMA was only in DC as a nurse for 6 weeks at the beginning of the Civil War. It would seem more likely that they might have met later as they spoke for women's rights.
However, as a novel, this story was a glimpse into the hospital conditions of the war, the indifference of the politicians to those who had sacrificed so much on both sides, and the home life of LMA and her family's relationships with the Transcendentalists who lived around them. As we broach the sesquicentennial of this war, it is a book that hopefully will whet the appetite to read more non-fiction about this era. While LMA is an interesting personality as an author, Barton is truly a heroine to our country in her efforts to give an identity to the dead of the war, and for the founding of the American Red Cross. It was sad to see her used as just a literary device. She deserves better.
However, as a novel, this story was a glimpse into the hospital conditions of the war, the indifference of the politicians to those who had sacrificed so much on both sides, and the home life of LMA and her family's relationships with the Transcendentalists who lived around them. As we broach the sesquicentennial of this war, it is a book that hopefully will whet the appetite to read more non-fiction about this era. While LMA is an interesting personality as an author, Barton is truly a heroine to our country in her efforts to give an identity to the dead of the war, and for the founding of the American Red Cross. It was sad to see her used as just a literary device. She deserves better.
July 5, 2013
I did enjoy this book to an extent, but it sure has its downfalls. The story that O'Brien has crafted is wonderful and she filled "The Glory Cloak" with a fulfilling literary sense of wonder. Catching the exact spirit of Louisa May Alcott through her golden times and then through her crumbling final years. The descriptions of the D.C. hospital during the Civil War was informative, and I so clung to all. The introduction of Clara Barton as a character was eye-opening, and I learned a lot about what that strong woman did for our country. The author did so well in weaving the pivotal events of the war into the timeline of the plot, and I really felt immersed into the time period.
What I didn't like? The stray remarks made here and there, gossip mostly. A couple other scenes to make the reader blush fiercely. The obsessive question of whether Louisa ever loved a man. Why did completely inappropriate material have to make it's way into an otherwise "glorious" novel? Because of these things, I cannot recommend the book to any of my friends, even as much as I enjoyed the rest of the story.
What I didn't like? The stray remarks made here and there, gossip mostly. A couple other scenes to make the reader blush fiercely. The obsessive question of whether Louisa ever loved a man. Why did completely inappropriate material have to make it's way into an otherwise "glorious" novel? Because of these things, I cannot recommend the book to any of my friends, even as much as I enjoyed the rest of the story.
February 11, 2017
I really enjoyed this book! Great read!
May 3, 2009
Well, a shock to me, I absolutely loved this book. I read Little Women in elementary school, and while I remember enjoying it, I haven't thought much of that experience since. Now I'm excited to research her other novels, and more obscure works. This book pulled me in from the first page, and the addition of other well known literary and historical figures just made me consume this book wholly. I loved it, and would recommend to any woman. Uplifting though sad, very emotionally written, a wonderful fantastic book.
I have to add an addendum. I researched some other online sources this book referred to, and this book is definitely more fiction than anything. I did like the way the author wrote, but the information was a little misleading. Clearly the main character was fictional, but so many other things made little sense to me when researching. Anyway, bottom line is good book, just read it for fun and not fact.
I have to add an addendum. I researched some other online sources this book referred to, and this book is definitely more fiction than anything. I did like the way the author wrote, but the information was a little misleading. Clearly the main character was fictional, but so many other things made little sense to me when researching. Anyway, bottom line is good book, just read it for fun and not fact.
April 29, 2013
Susan Gray, the orphan cousin of Louisa May Alcott tells the story in this book. The time ranges from when she was a young girl, through the Civil War, till Louisa's death. It has a fascinating look at life during the Civil War, as seen by Louisa and Susan. Wanting to do something constructive to help the war effort, the two young girls decide to work in a hospital to help the wounded. What they find is almost too horrible to believe...Beds with filthy sheets, amputations without anesthetics, poor food, bodies thrown in a pile outside. Through it all they do what they can, and find friendships and love. When Louisa becomes sick, they return home
Susan later returns to Washington, D.C., to help Clara Barton in her desire to record the names of the soldiers who died in the Andersonville prison camp.
This is a really fascinating peek into the lives of Louisa and Clara. Some of the story is factual, but much is speculative.
Susan later returns to Washington, D.C., to help Clara Barton in her desire to record the names of the soldiers who died in the Andersonville prison camp.
This is a really fascinating peek into the lives of Louisa and Clara. Some of the story is factual, but much is speculative.
February 10, 2014
The telling thing for me when reading a book is that if I put it down and don't go back to it for over a week, it must not be that good. And when I look at it and then choose to read something else I know it's not a good book.
The story takes place in Boston, Concord and surrounding areas is interesting only because I grew up there.
Susan is the fictional friend of Louisa Alcott and together they go off as nurses at a Civil War hospital. Mildly interesting but very flat, predictable characters throughout. Lousia fall in love with one of the soldiers who then disappears.
The glory cloak is a gift to Lousia to empower her to better writing. Alcott struggles with writing and publishing and Susan is there to encourage her and cheer her on.
To sum up, Louisa is a mediocre writer who managed in her life to write a few entertaining pieces and then forevermore yearns for fame and in her melodramatic way believes she deserves it
The story takes place in Boston, Concord and surrounding areas is interesting only because I grew up there.
Susan is the fictional friend of Louisa Alcott and together they go off as nurses at a Civil War hospital. Mildly interesting but very flat, predictable characters throughout. Lousia fall in love with one of the soldiers who then disappears.
The glory cloak is a gift to Lousia to empower her to better writing. Alcott struggles with writing and publishing and Susan is there to encourage her and cheer her on.
To sum up, Louisa is a mediocre writer who managed in her life to write a few entertaining pieces and then forevermore yearns for fame and in her melodramatic way believes she deserves it
May 9, 2008
I was very impressed with this book. It was a historical fiction book. I really liked how the fictional character, Susan, made me feel as if I was experiencing the story myself. It made the plot seem more real and it really brought to life the characters of Louisa May Alcott and Clara Barton. I was so excited about this book when I finished it that I made my husband read it so I would have someone to discuss it with. I would reccomed this book to anyone because I think it can teach us more about the history of the United States as well as the relationships that people of the civial war era might have had. I would caution parents of younger readers because there are a few sexual scenes and adult themes that take place in this book. However, overall I did not think that it was offensive and those scenes and themes are important to the plot. A very good and quick read.
July 29, 2009
I really loved this book. Louisa May Alcott's Little Women was a huge part of my life growing up in many ways: It was my grandma's favorite book, she named my mother Amy Jo after two of the characters, and I also read it/watched the movies periodically as a child and young adult. So Louisa May Alcott has always been a part of my life, and to read a book about HER life was truly fascinating.
I loved the details of this book. I thought Susan was an amazing character, and I thought she played her role well of revealing who Louisa was in real life. The historical details were lovely, and it was a wonderful read overall.
I loved the details of this book. I thought Susan was an amazing character, and I thought she played her role well of revealing who Louisa was in real life. The historical details were lovely, and it was a wonderful read overall.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews