The Daring Ladies of Lowell by Kate Alcott

from goodreads

3.5 stars

Sometimes I finish a book and am left breathless, thinking it is the best thing ever. Then with some time and distance and reflection its flaws come out and make themselves known. This leaves me befuddled. Should I claim I love it like I did when I first finished reading? Or, harp on all the flaws I have found out after the fact? Do you review on your heart or your head?

This is one of those books. It left me breathless and excited, but then with some distance I realized there were many flaws that I over looked and things that really weren't that great. This has left me feeling confused. I guess a book can't be all bad if it leaves you thinking about it after the fact.

Synopsis

This is the story of Alice. She has left her family farm to forge a life for herself as a factory girl in the cotton mills. There she makes a friend in Lovey, a woman who is kind, takes a stand and lives a bit dangerously. She also catches the eye of the mill owners son. This is a book of friendship, love, courage, murder, and standing up for what is right.

My Thoughts

This is a historical fiction that focuses more on the fiction side. If you are a stickler for historical accuracy this is not the book for you.

This is a great story of friendship and being willing to take a stand against injustice. The characters were varied but believable and you would want to be part of their group. The romance was a bit contrived but lovely.

I found the courtroom scenes to be tedious and it took too much time of the story. I wanted to know more about the ladies and the factory work then I cared to know about the courtroom proceedings. I felt it should have been the side story and not the main feature.

There was something about this book that kept me hooked. I read it in a day. It is a fun, heartrending story. And, while I read it in December, I could see this being a great summer read.