Scan barcode
thain's review
3.0
A vivid depiction of Chicago at the time of the Columbian Exposition with insights into labor issues, but a bit heavy going in terms of narrative and lacking in plot.
nqcliteracy's review against another edition
4.0
I just finished the beautiful story of Chaya and Asher, which I absolutely loved. I was lost in an old Chicago world for the past few days, torn between love and distaste for Asher, commiserating deeply with Chaya and her predicaments throughout, smitten by Gregory and at the same time, learned a ton about a time period in our city I know relatively little about. It was beautifully written and so much of the description still sits with me, hours after I finished: describing Chaya's mother as constantly in motion (I wonder if that's how my kids see me?); watching as Asher grew into a young man enamored with words - lulled by lethargy, loved that. And was grateful when Chaya was reconnected with her mother. The last letter resonated fully with the Asher you developed and made for an untidy (disconnected though he remained from his found parents!) yet perfect ending.
lilianaag's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
anarag's review against another edition
4.0
I just finished The Lake on Fire by Rosellen Brown last night, so am still mulling over this richly rendered novel of 1875 Chicago. The World's Fair is transforming the city's landscape with its huge Ferris wheel, but beneath the gleaming white facades is naught but flimsy lath and cardboard. A metaphor for the city itself, in which the very rich enjoy luxuries while thousands starve in the streets. Chaya and her odd, genius brother flee to the city but find it difficult to do more than survive, he as a child pickpocket, she at two jobs, rolling cigars. Like Cinderella, a wealthy man might rescue her from her drudgery, but she can barely stand the inequity of leaving everyone else behind. A novel written by a poet, who clearly loves language.
abeanbg's review against another edition
2.0
This novel sort of frustrated the hell out of me. In all honesty, I likely wouldn't have finished if not for some odd loyalty to Chicago history being used as the backdrop. And the research here is the best part of it! Brown does a very fine job bringing parts of Gilded Age Chicago to interesting life.
The trouble is that this is a novel, not a history book. As a novel, I just don't think it works. The main character, Chaya, drove me quietly crazy with her boring refusal to be anything but a stick in the mud. Her brother, Asher, is intriguing and certainly more lively, but makes little actual sense as a character. He's a collection of odd traits who doesn't behave like a real person, but as a collection of traits whom acts and feels as the plot occasionally requires. It's sort of a mess. I rather think the different moments and segments might've worked better as a collection of interwoven short stories.
The trouble is that this is a novel, not a history book. As a novel, I just don't think it works. The main character, Chaya, drove me quietly crazy with her boring refusal to be anything but a stick in the mud. Her brother, Asher, is intriguing and certainly more lively, but makes little actual sense as a character. He's a collection of odd traits who doesn't behave like a real person, but as a collection of traits whom acts and feels as the plot occasionally requires. It's sort of a mess. I rather think the different moments and segments might've worked better as a collection of interwoven short stories.
north_willow's review against another edition
This shit is boring! The concept is interesting but the writing style? Christ, it's so dense!
2 paragraphs of absolutely nothing.
2 paragraphs of absolutely nothing.
geriatricgretch's review
4.0
I’m not totally sure about this book but I did find it compelling. One of the better Chicago historical novels I’ve read, and would highly recommend it for anyone interested in stories of the WCE/Progressive Era time period. Parts do seem to go on at times, but the philosophical debates are also quite fascinating.
More...