City of Light

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Summary: Couldn't put it down
Review: This is an engrossing and wonderful novel, unusual in its combination of page-turning plot twists, lyrical prose, and depth of character development. As if that were not enough, Ms. Belfer has so well researched her underlying subject mater (Buffalo in the early 1900s and the development of electric power) that she is able to bring a life and richness to the book that infuses her characters and plot with an historical reality as well as informing her readers. I highly recommend it to all.

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Summary: city of light
Review: hard to comment on contents, when there are no contents

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Summary: It is, after all, an historical novel
Review: What I think a lot of the previous reviewers, particularly those who didn't like this book, miss is the fact that this is an HISTORICAL novel. It gives not only a picture of another time but also the feel of it: the difference in sensibility and expectations, the difference in writing style (what a pleasure to read something NOT influenced by television and the movies), the refreshing lack of the all-pervading irony we must live with. This novel is written in the form of a woman's memoirs, a woman who lived at the turn of the century. Naturally it would be written differently than what one would write now. Those who complain that the book moved too slowly shouldn't expect a fast-moving hard-boiled modern thriller. It isn't that kind of book. I loved it in the same way I loved "Ragtime" or "Voyage of the Narwhal" or "Kalimantaan" or "Lidie Newton" or "Cloudsplitter." And I was very impressed at Belfer's neat trick of keeping an essentially passive character--one who is acted upon rather than acts--continually interesting. Of course there are flaws. What first novel doesn't have one or two? But none are worth mentioning. I look forward to more from Lauren Belfer.

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Summary: first-rate historical fiction
Review: My idea of a first-rate historical novel is one which educates the reader with facts while entertaining the reader with a good story - learning while being entertained. Very true in the case of this novel. Buffalo - the city we use as a synonym for horrid winters - is depicted in a different light, and the author writes vividly of what must have been a most beautiful city. She has made the topic of electricity one of interest even to those of us non-scientific types - and instilled a desire to visit Niagra Falls! Very enjoyable book.

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Summary: City of Light
Review: Richly developed characters, wonderful, suspenseful story, an outstanding presentation of the early history of Buffalo and Niagara Falls.

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Summary: City of Light
Review: This was an intriguing blend of history, suspense, feminism, romance. Best book I've read in a long time! I couldn't put it down.

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Summary: try it you'll like it
Review: Without question this was one of the best books I have read this year, and I read a book a week. It is entertaining and historically enlightening. I gave it to me daughter and I think she only stopped reading to eat and sleep. I look forward to Ms. Belfer's second book -- whenever.

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Summary: Society's conservation concerns have transcended years
Review: I am originally from the Buffalo area and have a Master's in Preservation. I listened to this on tape and can't wait to study how Buffalo looked at that time...not to mention to learn whether or not President Cleveland was such a disgusting pig. It is funny to hear the names of many people in the context of life, not the memorialized museum, hospital, road, etc. that we think of now in Buffalo. As we face a controversy over a bike path through a protected wildlife area in my area, it brings to the forefront that people have had concerns over progress vs. protection for years. The story itself was interesting and kept me occupied, however, the abridgement of the tape made me rewind a few times to make sure I kept everything straight. I also had to remind myself that this story takes place long before forensic detail was available.

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Summary: Terribly Tasteful
Review: It's difficult to find a book written in our times of the past in such vivid lightings. Never before had I been this sympathetic for a character (Louisa), yet disliked her at the same time for her most meager flaws. Her relationship with her bestfriend's husband was a slow blooming "romance", one I found lovely.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent
Review: A beautifully written, fascinating novel about the meaning of electricity to society in 1901. A book worthy of the highest recommendation.