Gramercy Park

Rating:
Summary: Truly Victorian, and very juicy
Review: GRAMERCY PARK is a wonderfully, even deliciously, melodramatic tale, which plays out in Manhattan in 1894. This is a true Victorian tale, not a modern plot dressed up in long-waisted gowns and high-button shoes. All the twists and twirls of the plot, all the responses of the well-realized characters to those twists, all of the attitudes displayed are truly Victorian. There is no window-dressing (actually, there is some window undressing, but that's a separate story) - this chronicle could only happen to genuine inhabitants of the Victorian Era. If Dickens had been a woman, he would have written books like Gramercy Park.
This book will take you back to the period, and never jar you loose with a false thought or word. So fully does Paula evoke the era that you may have the same experience that I did: emerging from some hours in Gramercy Park, I was confused for a moment by what I saw around me. The images in my mind from the book had become the reality and the trappings of modern life felt for a moment completely wrong.

Rating:
Summary: Gramercy Park--an excellent book--a great read!
Review: Jack Finney and Caleb Carr--move over. Here comes Paula Cohen with an excellent first novel which takes place in 1894. This is a wonderful picture of New York during the end of the 19th century which includes lots of twists and turns and a surprise ending.

The author has done an excellent job developing the characters. The plot grabs your attention from page one, and it only gets better. Paula Cohen has a unique writing style, which allows the reader to visualize all the events as they unfold.

Put everything on hold and curl up with a great book.

Rating:
Summary: Gramercy Park
Review: Ms. Cohen's writing is superb. Her descriptions took me to Gramercy Park and right into the story. It is a "hard to put down book." If you like a book that has drama, adventure, mystery and surprises, this is the book for you. It may also jerk a tear out of your eye. Kudos, Ms. Cohen. I eagerly await your next book.

Rating:
Summary: Historial Romance that's not the usual Bodice Ripper
Review: Of COURSE there's a damsel in distress (Clara Adler) and a handsome Operetic Tenor hero (Mario Afieri) to rescue her. But this novel rises above the genre in its exploration of the consequences of sexual exploitation. The character of the heroine is firmly grounded in the Victorian era, not a projection of today's female as a character projected into the past. The Hero, while adhering to the genre's tendency to create men too good to be true, has some flaws that make him reassuringly closer to real life. The villan's character is a well thought consequence of pathological need for control and power. The supporting cast consists of characters that are well developed but who also remain within the mores and character of the time. An enviable first novel. Buy this book. It deserves a wide audience!

Rating:
Summary: Historial Romance that's not the usual Bodice Ripper
Review: Of COURSE there's a damsel in distress (Clara Adler) and a handsome Operetic Tenor hero (Mario Afieri) to rescue her. But this novel rises above the genre in its exploration of the consequences of sexual exploitation. The character of the heroine is firmly grounded in the Victorian era, not a projection of today's female as a character projected into the past. The Hero, while adhering to the genre's tendency to create men too good to be true, has some flaws that make him reassuringly closer to real life. The villan's character is a well thought consequence of pathological need for control and power. The supporting cast consists of characters that are well developed but who also remain within the mores and character of the time. An enviable first novel. Buy this book. It deserves a wide audience!

Rating:
Summary: A DAZZLER OF A DEBUT
Review: Paula Cohen's debut is a dazzler which, in all probability, will hook readers with the opening paragraph. A devotee of opera and all things Victorian, she adroitly plays these notes in this intriguing tale of love, suspense, and Gothic terror.

The existence of Clara Adler in turn-of-the-century New York City has long puzzled the affluent. A young Jewess, she is the ward of a wealthy older man who, apparently, is not related to her. Who is she and from whence did she come? Even more mystifying is the fact that she is left penniless when the millionaire dies.

Arriving in New York amidst the clamor surrounding his Metropolitan Opera debut is Mario Alfieri, the world's finest tenor. He meets Clara while looking for a house to rent in Gramercy Park, and is immediately drawn to the enigmatic, wounded young woman. He is soon determined to rescue her from whatever demons may haunt her, and the two are wed.

Happiness is short lived as their marriage and future is threatened by two fearful, uncompromising enemies who are aware of a scandal that may destroy Mario's career as well as the woman to whom he is devoted.

There's a bit of Dickens in this plot, a modicum of history, and many unexpected twists before a satisfying denouement.

- Gail Cooke

Rating:
Summary: An excellent read!
Review: Paula has created an engrossing world where history, opera, and love combine to draw the reader ever deeper into the twists and turns that Victorian life has to offer. Add to the mix a vivid backdrop of historical New York City, as well as character development that captivates and holds the reader, and the result is an absolutely wonderful read!

Rating:
Summary: A surprisingly delightful read.
Review: The best thing about Gramercy Park is that the author deftly avoids falling into the many traps that go along with a Victorian novel of a woman done wrong.The only phonies here are obvious. The plot does not revolve around mis-communication. Instead Cohen lays out the characters, both good and bad, in a straightforward manner using a present tense style of narration that keeps the story going and the pages turning. Throughout she adds period details that bring old New York to life. Those who compare this book to a combination of Edith Wharton, Charles Dickens, Henry James with a little Danielle Steele are not far off the mark. But if that is the foundation for Cohen's very readable first book, I can only hope that she'll continue to build upon it.

Rating:
Summary: Is it over yet?
Review: This book is boring. The characters are boring and predictable. I tired quickly with Clara and her health. I couldn't wait to get out of "Gramercy Park"

Rating:
Summary: A Delicious Read!!!
Review: This is a wonderful first novel by a writer who ought to declare herself "Queen of the World." I was easily transported to a simpler (?) era by the masterful and poetic writing of Ms. Cohen. You will be swept up by the magnificence of the language and the sensuality of the characters. This Mario is some kind of hunk--kind of reminds me of a turn-of-the-century Placido Domingo with an Italian accent. I was fascinated by the trials and tribulations of dear Clara whom I wanted to hug and kick at the same time. Please write more, Ms. Cohen, and faster!