Rating: 
Summary: She brings my hometown to life
Review: Lauren Belfer taught me more about the history of my hometown than any text book could. As she described the streets and parks, I began imagining how Buffalo looked before all the highways. Her incredible knowledge and portrayel of a city 100 years ago pulled me in--and the plot and cast of characters kept me reading. I have about 50 pages left, and I'll be sad when the story ends. I'm going to lend this book to all my friends!
Rating: 
Summary: Starts out strong but . . .
Review: City of Light starts out strong with a mysterious story set in Buffalo, NY. There are many sub-plots which evolve throughout the novel which muddy the original plot. At times I lost track of the main story and quite frankly - I lost interest. It is important that readers understand this story is FICTION. The author has used real people in her story and has fictionalized events that occurred in their lives. Some of these people include President Grover Cleveland as well as Buffalo community leaders such as John J. Albright, The Rumseys, etc. I am shocked at the harsh plots the author created using these real people and their names. These fictional stories are unjust and leave readers with a distorted view of the lives of these people. The author includes a 'Historical Note' at the end of her book in which she explains that she fictionalized events in most of these peoples' lives. She neglects to include that the horrid story-line about Grover Cleveland is part of this fiction. She destroys the reputation of this man in her book. It was completely unnecessary for Grover Cleveland to have been the person used for this story-line. A fictional name could have been used and the story would not have been affected. The book's setting is interesting for those of us who have lived in Western New York. If it hadn't been for that, I would not have finished this book.
Rating:
Summary: Very enjoyable
Review: I really enjoyed reading this book, although the first 100 pages or so were rather slow. The things I liked: Belfer writes well and often elegantly; the portrait of turn of the century high society was fascinating; the complexity of the story. The things I didn't like: Louisa Barrett is TOO self-righteous and sanctimonious, and Grover Cleveland's reputation was needlessly besmirched. I don't know much about him and have no special affection for him, but I don't believe such a disparaging portayal of him was called for--a fictitious governor or other figure would have worked. Finally, I could relate to the story well because my grandmother lives on Soldiers Place (mentioned several times), just a few houses down from the Buffalo Seminary (Macauly School).
Rating: 
Summary: Fascinating fictional account of Buffalo in early 1900's
Review: Although the story moves slowly at the beginning, it comes together through a suspense-filled series of subplots. From the middle of the book onward, I couldn't put it down. You don't need to be familiar with the city of Buffalo to enjoy it, but certainly those who have visited there will find some familiar references -- and will perhaps be surprised at the importance Buffalo held in the early part of this century.
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Summary: Characterization of President Grover Cleveland is regretable
Review: Lauren Belfer is gifted with storytelling ability and has developed an intriguing and suspenseful story line. She has invested thought, time and enthusiasm in her subject and availed herself of some of the published research done in recent years by Western New York historians about turn-of-the-century Buffalo. Details of the Buffalo waterfront, neighborhoods, the Pan American Exposition and the development of the electric power industry at Niagara Falls are informative and enrich the narration. With such a good start it is tragic that the personage of Grover Cleveland has been changed from the Cleveland of history to that of a heinous felon. Historians and biographers alike have consistently recognized Grover Cleveland as a champion of the people and their interests, a public servant of scrupulous honesty, even at his own expense, a man of hard work, dedication and fairness, the enemy of machine politics, graft and corruption. The character of Grover Cleveland was not necessary to the success of the story line--a truly fictitious character could have just as well been used to serve as one "villian." Instead the reputation of a life that was based in truth and justice has been seriously tarnished and compromised.
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Summary: Disappointed, this is just a feminist romance novel.
Review: I very much looked forward to a historical novel set in my home city and taking place in my favorite time period. But, this book is more fiction than history. It is nicely written, which is its only saving grace but, it is tainted by the author's very liberal feminist views. I was very disappointed at the predictability of the plot and some of the things she has historical figures doing. If you like romance novels, this isn't too bad. If you like historical fiction--don't bother.
Rating:
Summary: engaging, great, accurate, wonderful!!
Review: I live in Buffalo and attend the school that this book is about. In the book it is called the Macauley School, but its real name is the Buffalo Seminary. Every fact in this book is very accurate, and the story is absolutely great. I couldn't put this book down, I absolutely LOVED it!! Please email me if you loved it too!!
Rating:
Summary: Like pulling teeth
Review: I am currently on page 158 and a forcing myself to finish this pedantic tale of moral and intellectual snobbery. This book is one liberal diatribe after another. If you loved "It takes a village" you will love this tale of the evil rich and how the "vision of the annointed" saved us all from them.
Rating:
Summary: Lame storytelling at its limpest.
Review: There are many great first-novels out there. Go read them instead. Unless you like the tale of a corporate nun bound tighter than her hair bun. There are no surprises to this supposed mystery, because the storyteller has so ineptly tipped you off. I thought I was reading a book version of "Blues Clues". Too bad so much review space has been taken up by this blather. The author must be going to all the right parties.
Rating:
Summary: A good historical novel with a stunning twist.
Review: Anyone that ever thought of Buffalo, NY as the rusty old town on Lake Erie should read this. Anyone from Buffalo HAS to read this. Buffalo becomes vibrantly alive in all her historical glory. And that's just the backdrop... The story is a well developed mystery with a shocking twist that makes it worth the read.
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