Title: Tears of Pearl
Author: Tasha Alexander
First published January 1, 2009
307 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780312383701 (ISBN10: 0312383703)
Rating: 3.72
Overview
In the midst of Indiana’s vanishing Limberlost Swamp, a timeless tale of a young girl’s journey to discover her place in the world unfolds. Elnora Comstock endures the taunts of her peers and the harsh criticisms of her mother, but her love for the natural world provides a respite from the trials of growing up in the early 1900s.
With the help of newfound friends, Elnora finds independence, romance, and a sense of purpose in the dwindling wetlands. Gene Stratton-Porter’s A Girl of the Limberlost is a beloved classic that blends the wonders of nature with the challenges of adolescence, offering a poignant reminder of the beauty that can be found in even the most unlikely places.
About the Author
Growing up with two philosophy professor parents, books have always been a part of my life. Even as a child, I felt like I belonged in a different era and spent much of my time pretending the dining room table was a covered wagon.
Reading and history were my passions. I went on to study English Literature and Medieval History at the University of Notre Dame, leading me to my career in writing.
My first novel, And Only to Deceive, was published in 2005, and I’m now the author of the Lady Emily Series and Elizabeth: The Golden Age. It’s a thrill to see my books translated, and I’m currently smitten with the Japanese versions of the Emily books.
I’ve lived in many places, including Indiana, Amsterdam, London, Wyoming, Vermont, Connecticut, and Tennessee, before finally settling down. My husband, the talented British writer Andrew Grant (though I may be biased), and I now reside in southeastern Wyoming.
While I still don’t have that covered wagon, our log house satisfies my pioneer fantasies. Andrew ensures my English characters are accurate, and I ensure his American characters sound authentic.
As an author, I find joy in bringing stories to life and connecting with readers from all over the world.
Editoral Review
Tears of Pearl by Tasha Alexander is a historical mystery novel published on January 1, 2009. Alexander is a New York Times bestselling author who has written many other mystery novels.
The book is set in Venice in the year 1900 and is a part of Lady Emily Series. The genre of the book is historical mystery, with post-Victorian style and themes.
The book starts with Lady Emily and her husband Colin Hargreaves on their honeymoon in Venice. However, the honeymoon is interrupted when Colin receives a plea for help from an old friend who finds himself entangled in an unscrupulous business venture.
This leads to a mystery that involves a stolen pearl and a host of suspects with motives for its theft. Lady Emily and Colin are soon swept up in the investigation and their honeymoon takes a thrilling turn.
Alexanders writing flows smoothly, describing the intricate details of Venices architecture and culture in a way that transports the reader to a bygone era. The characters are well fleshed out, with Lady Emily being a strong and determined protagonist, who is not afraid to take risks.
The setting of the story is also historically significant, highlighting the political turmoil of the time, with references to the Italian unification movement and the role of women in society. The pacing of the novel is well-balanced, with clues and twists sprinkled throughout, keeping the reader engaged in the mystery.
The themes of love, greed, and betrayal are explored with depth, alongside discussions on the role of women and their struggle for independence. In addition, the storyline provides an interesting commentary on the lengths to which people are willing to go for their own gain.
The novel’s strength lies in its evocative descriptions of Venice, which allow readers to immerse themselves in a city full of history and beauty. Alexander also captures the spirit of the age, with an attention to detail that enhances the authenticity of the narrative.
There is a great sense of atmosphere and mood that is created through the use of imagery and the interweaving of historical details. As far as limitations go, the book is at times predictable, with some of the clues being too easy to identify.
There is also a lack of complexity in some of the characters, leading to a few one-dimensional portrayals that might leave readers wanting more. Overall, if you are a fan of historical mystery novels or enjoy exploring the lives of women in the past, Tears of Pearl is a must-read.
It is a well-written mystery with an intriguing plot that will keep you turning the pages until the end. The book earns a 4-star rating for its superb writing style and the accuracy with which the author has captured the essence of the time period.
The historical context, richly described setting, and enthralling narrative make this book a must-read for anyone who loves a good mystery.
