Tuesday, September 12, 2017

Love and Other Consolation Prizes by Jamie Ford


Leaving your mother at age five, going with a stranger, and living in the bowels of a boat to America was not something anyone would wish for a child but what was done back in 1909.

Yung had to leave his mother because they both were starving, and her hope was for a better life for her son.

When Yung got to America, his name was changed to Ernest, and he spent his first few years at a school where he was always the underling even though a rich woman, Mrs. Irvine, was paying for his room and board.

One day Mrs. Irvine told Ernest she was taking him to the World's Fair.  She didn't take him to enjoy it, but to be auctioned off in a raffle as a strong, healthy boy.


Ernest ended up being won by the owner of a brothel as a houseboy, and the place he met his wife.

Now his childhood and his life before children and marriage were coming to light.  His daughter is a reporter and is investigating the World's Fair and stories she heard about those who attended.  She knew her father had been there and wants to know everything.

Ernest didn't want to tell his daughter his story because then she would find out about her mother's life at that time.  It was a life that wasn't anything to be proud of.  Gracie was now suffering from dementia, and Ernest was hoping she wouldn't accidentally remember the life she led when she was young and tell her daughter.

We follow Ernest from his childhood to present day and learn what life was like for him in both times.  We get a well-researched glimpse into everyday living during the early 1900’s as well as the life in a brothel.

LOVE AND OTHER CONSOLATION PRIZES is another marvelous, stunning, beautifully told story by Jamie Ford with  characters that will steal your heart.

Mr. Ford knows how to tell a story and keep your interest with his meticulous historical research, his history lesson, and his superb writing style.   


I thoroughly enjoyed this book - I hope you are able to also read it.  5/5

This book was given to me free of charge and without compensation by the publisher and Net Galley in return for an honest review.



16 comments:

  1. Oh my, I can see it would be riveting, but so tough and sad as well.

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    1. It was very good.

      I think you would like the book.

      Thanks for commenting, Kathryn.

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  2. Hi Elizabeth, thanks for the book love :)

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  3. I can't wait to read this! I met Jamie at BEA and he made the book sound so good!

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    1. It is VERY good.

      Really enjoyed the story line and the characters.

      Thanks for commenting, Kathy.

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  4. This one sounds pretty good even though I haven't read this author before.

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    1. All of his books are fantastic.

      I hope you get to read this one and his others.

      Thanks for commenting, Ti.

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  5. This is really good news. I loved his first 2 and a waiting for my local bookstore to tell me this one is in. It will go right to the top of the TBR pile!

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    1. I know you will LOVE it, Sarah.

      Thanks for commenting.

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  6. What a captivating story! Great review, and thanks for sharing.

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    1. Captivating is the perfect word, Laurel.

      Thanks for the compliment on my review and for commenting.

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  7. Sounds like a wonderful novel. And how great the author stopped by to comment. Love when that happens!

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    1. It was very good.

      Very nice of the author to stop. Love that too.

      Thanks for commenting, Mary.

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  8. Elizabeth,
    This really sounds like a great story! I enjoy this author's work a lot. Excellent review!

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    1. It was wonderful, Suko.

      Thanks for commenting and for the compliment on my blog.

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