Title: The Pursuit of Lucy Banning
Author: Olivia Newport
First published May 1, 2012
293 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780800720384 (ISBN10: 0800720385)
Rating: 3.75
Overview
The Pursuit of Olivia Morris follows the story of a young woman living in New York City’s Upper East Side. Despite being surrounded by the city’s elite, Olivia feels unfulfilled and yearns for a life of purpose.
When she meets a struggling writer who challenges her worldview, Olivia begins to question everything she thought she wanted. With the backdrop of the Roaring Twenties and the looming Great Depression, Olivia must navigate her own desires against the expectations of her family and society.
Will she find the courage to pursue her dreams, even if it means sacrificing everything she knows? Olivia Newport’s novel is a captivating tale of love, ambition, and self-discovery that will transport readers to a glittering era of American history.
About the Author
Hey there!
I can picture us meeting in different scenarios. Maybe you walk by my house while I water my flowerbeds, and we exchange a friendly wave.
Or we find ourselves stuck in a long line at the grocery store and check the time together. Perhaps we sit near each other in church, or we both work in the same coffee shop.
We might acknowledge each other with a polite smile and carry on with our day. Or maybe we’ll start talking, and the conversation will flow naturally.
That’s where the adventure begins. You never know where a new connection might take you.
Personally, I’ve been married for over 40 years and have two grown kids and a son-in-law. I live in beautiful Colorado, nestled at the base of the Rockies.
My backyard is home to day lilies that grow as tall as I am (although I’d appreciate it if you didn’t make any short jokes).
Of course, not every aspect of my life is perfect. There are days when I want to throw out whole chunks of it.
But I try to approach each day with an open heart, seeking the grace of God in me, through me, and around me. And having someone like you to share the journey with will undoubtedly lead to some great stories.
Editoral Review
In “The Pursuit of Lucy Banning,” Olivia Newport takes readers on a journey to post-Civil War Chicago. Published in May 2012, this historical fiction novel explores themes of love, family, and social class through the eyes of its titular character, Lucy Banning.
Newport has a talent for historical accuracy and gives readers a vivid portrayal of the city during this era. The authors attention to detail immerses readers in the setting and brings the story to life.
The plot follows Lucy Banning, a young woman from a well-to-do family who seems to have everything she could want. However, as the story unfolds, readers quickly learn that Lucys privileged life is not as perfect as it may appear on the surface.
Throughout the book, Newport skillfully develops Lucys character, revealing her struggles and growth as she navigates family pressures, societal expectations, and her own desires. Lucys relationships with other characters, including her love interest, Thomas, add depth to the story and make the reader root for her success.
However, while the author skillfully portrays the setting and characters, the pacing of the plot can be slow at times. Additionally, some of the conflicts feel a bit contrived and melodramatic, detracting from the otherwise believable and engaging story.
That being said, overall, “The Pursuit of Lucy Banning” is a well-written and engaging historical fiction novel. Newports detailed descriptions and character development are some of the book’s greatest strengths, making it a worthwhile read for fans of the genre.
The books insights into social class and family dynamics are also noteworthy, as they could potentially spur readers to consider these issues in a contemporary context. For fans of historical fiction, especially those interested in post-Civil War America, “The Pursuit of Lucy Banning” is a solid choice.
Its compelling characters, well-researched setting, and thought-provoking themes make it an excellent book for those seeking an engaging and thoughtful read. With its ups and downs, I give this book a rating of 4/5, and recommend it to fans of the genre.
