Blue Asylum by Kathy Hepinstall

Blue Asylum
Kathy Hepinstall
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (2012),
$24.00, Kindle $15.50
Hardcover, 288 pages, 0547712073





Iris Dunleavy is the wife of a souther plantation owner. She is duped into the belief that her husband’s slave labor would be temporary, a “necessary evil”. However, she is a vociferous and recalcitrant partner in the marriage, an image contrary to proper behavior in Southern society. When she witnesses the brutal treatment of a young slave, she is unable to stand the torture. She throws herself in front of the bloodied youth to prevent further lashes of the whip. This does not bode well with her husband and he reprimands her. Later, when she helps a group of slaves to escape, her husband is infuriated and convinces a Virginia judge to declare her insane. She is sent to Sanibel Asylum, to be rehabilitated into a more compliant wife, cooperative and gentile.

While there, she meets many patients, some insane others questionable. Her friendship with her doctor’s son is sweet and helps her to manage the long days. Iris knows she does not belong at Sanibel and refuses to cooperate. and provides a constant challenge to her doctor and staff. Considered a modern, state of the art facility, Iris is not convinced. When she suffers an inhumane water therapy treatment given to uncontrollable patients she seethes with anger.While there she meets a Civil War soldier who suffers flashbacks and fits that are only soothed by the color blue. Iris falls in love with Ambrose and begins to think about a different future.

Kathy Hepinstall is brilliant with characterization and her novel offers a memorable cast. My favorite person is an older woman inmate who suffers from an unusual eating disorder. While this novel is intensely serious and provides a setting that is the dark reality common at institutions of this time period, Hepinstall manages to relieve the readers with short respites of humor. Without giving away too much, a much anticipated meal of lamb becomes a disappointment to all, except the doctor’s son. Hysterical moment with hysteria at Sanibel.

This was my first experience reading anything by Kathy Hepinstall, however after reading Blue Asylum I will have to catch up. She certainly captured my interest as Blue Asylum kept my Kindle in constant use. Anyone interested in the rights of women, and the social inequities that was prevalent during the late 19th century will embrace this with zeal. Kathy Hepinstall has a fluid style, a natural cadence to her writing with an intriguing plot.
Fabulous historical fiction that will satisfy anyone interested in the social reform movement of this time period and the freedom and rights of all. A novel deserving much praise.

Wisteria Leigh
Saturday, March 31, 2012

Disclosure: This kindle edition was made available at no charge to me via Net Galley at www.netgalley.com


© [Wisteria Leigh] and [Bookworm's Dinner], [2008-2012].

Review-The American Heiress, by Daisy Goodwin

THE AMERICAN HEIRESS

Daisy Goodwin

St. Martin's Press, June 2011

480 Pages

$25.99

978-0312658656

Review by Wisteria

When I read the title, The American Heiress, you may think as I did, “Who cares?” Prepare to read a highly entertaining story and I guarantee, you will care as much as I did for Cora Cash, The American Heiress. Daisy Goodwin will take you back to a glimpse of The Guilded Age as the story of Cora Cash unfolds. It is a world of glitz, respectability and if nothing else the illusion and appearance of public propriety.

To visit the behemoth mansions of Newport, RI, a visitor sees these stately, grand, pretentious homes as cold ghosts of a past era. Walking along the cliff-walk overlooking the oscillating seas and the wildness of the ocean, most would find it is hard to fathom how a little over one hundred years ago, this was the epicenter of high society and culture. Back then, the grounds and homes were untouchable to all but the very elite. This is the setting of The American Heiress, a story about Cora Cash, the daughter of an opulent tycoon has both beauty and intelligence coupled with a domineering and social piranha.

Mrs. Cash has dreams for her daughter and visions that a suitable match will also secure her own position at the pinnacle of the social strata. After her coming out, an event that has tragic consequences, Cora travels to England with an eye on capturing an English nobleman for her husband. With a vast fortune in tow she sails to Europe on her father’s yacht. On board she is accompanied by her maid servant Bertha, and her own horses. Once in England, while out riding one day with a party of friends, she is thrown from her horse.

Somewhat like a fairy tale, Cora meets her Duke and they are married, but what follows is a bumpy ride that is unpredictable. It will remain to be seen whether it will end happily ever after. The Duke is in need of money, and fortunately for him, the girl he marries is an heiress, impressively rich. The novel is very well written and highly engaging. Cora is a captivating and courageous heroine, extremely naive, but an embraceable character. She is approachable and easy going, easily loved and wanting to always do the right thing. In trying to please, she alienates her husband, or so it seems.

This is not a story of wealth and status in The Guilded Age, but a story of betrayal, deception, devotion and love that crosses over all socio-economic barriers. It’s just not all about money, the lessons gleaned and the lives within The American Heiress will touch every reader. Highly recommended.

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book at no charge by Library Thing's Early Reviewer Program. 

© [Wisteria Leigh] and [Bookworm's Dinner], [2008-2011].