Fiona Davis has quickly become one of my favorite authors, even if this is only the 2nd book I read by her. I read "The Dollhouse" almost THREE years ago (I had no idea it was that long) and loved it!
"The Address" is very similar to Davis' first book and I can see that her two newest books, "The Masterpiece" and "The Chelsea Girls" are following a similar format. Fiona Davis writes what I consider historical fiction, but more fiction than history, that take place in old timey New York with a modern twist.
"The Address" starts out in England in the late 1800s with Sarah meeting a big time New York architects, Theodore Camden. After she saves his child's life, he repays her by bringing her to the city to be the manager of a new hotel, The Dakota. However, this 'hotel' is not even that... it's one of Manhattan's first apartment buildings that have a full staff. It's in a rundown part of the city but Sarah agrees and sets her sights on New York.
While we are learning about Sarah's life in the late 1800s, we also switch back to semi modern New York in 1985 with Bailey as the center of it. Returning from rehab and trying to get back to her life, we find out that Theodore Camden was murdered right in his Dakota apartment, where Bailey's 'cousin' Melinda currently lives and is renovating.
You see, Bailey is the granddaughter of Christopher Camden, the ward of Theodore Camden. She isn't a real Camden but after finding a few old things of Theodore's and Sarah's in the basement of The Dakota, Bailey begins to wonder if she is a real Camden or not.
As the book progresess we see Sarah's life in New York come to life; she is tempted by the riches and handsome men and eventually, finds herself in deep trouble. The same goes for Bailey... as she is tempted by alcohol and drugs, she is trying to find herself in the city and come to terms with her true identity.
The book is slightly predictable on Bailey's part, however the final twist is pretty satisfying. However, when it comes to Sarah, things don't go as planned. You are follow the story, and are rooting for Sarah but her bumps along the way only strengthen her as a person. It's all very interesting how the two sides of the story come together.
"The Address" was a really great book. It was a little slow for my liking but it just reinforced how much I enjoy Fiona Davis' writing. It's poetic in a way, shows the struggles of modern and old timely woman and how similar life actually is as years pass. I love the way she incorporates history and how it tells it's own story, whether it's true or not.
I was never someone who liked historical fiction but the more I read it, the more I become intrigued. I already can't wait to read the next Fiona Davis book!
Have you read anything by Fiona Davis? What are your thoughts?
xoxo
B
Book Review Wednesday: The Address by Fiona Davis
in book blogger, book review, book review wednesday, fiona davis, the address, by RoyallyPink, 5:30 AM
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