An interesting look at a noncompliant uppercrust wife in New York City's Gilded Age.
Unknowing supression of passion and talent......escape into laudanum
Awakening and salvation ? by controversial German doctor (neurologist and hypnotist) with shocking repercussions
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Enough said!
Give this book a chance, appreciate its twists and turns and check the author's note for more understanding of the novel's dynamics.

4* with interesting surprises. ( )

Lucy Carelton comes from an upper class New York Knickerbocker family. She soon marries her father's stockbroker, William, a man of new money who clearly marries her for the connections she can bring him. Lucy is used to being controlled by her father and now she's living under the same conditions with her husband. William loves Lucy but wants to control every part of her life. Lucy is prone to "episodes", she has failed to conceive, medicates herself with laudanum, is too outspoken in social situations, and generally embarrasses her socially-conscious husband. William takes her from one doctor to another hoping to cure what he considers her “disturbing” behavior. When he hears about neurologist Victor Seth who treats patients using hypnotherapy he is convinced this could be the cure Lucy needs.

This book is a good reminder of how bad things were for women in the 1800's when they were expected to life life a certain way, without thoughts or interests of their own, and to conform to the wishes of their husband. This story opened my eyes to the reality of life inside the social scene of New York in the late 1800's. The lavish homes and excessive parties had the ability to suffocate a woman. Lucy seems to be going crazy because she is forced to live a life she doesn't want to live. I enjoyed watching Lucy grow throughout the book, get stronger and come into her own.

This plot was engaging. The characters are complex and intelligent. The relationship between Lucy and Dr. Seth is quite fascinating. I felt like he was very similar to William in wanting to control Lucy for his own purposes. The book also has some interesting twists and turns and I really loved the last line of the book. In short, a fascinating journey you will not soon forget.
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Wonderfull and unique story set in America in the 1880s that was totally new and exciting.
I have not come across a book like this, where hypnosis is used during the time period and not really accepted as a medical treatment.
I found the main character like many women I know today, frustrated sexually, socially, emotionally. It was a fresh take to have the woman be a socialite in the 1800's , it made me think that all of our grandmothers must have been insane then!
I love Megan Chance and her storytelling. ( )

Talk about a book being current---although this book starts in 1885, the very same things continue in so many ways today, over 100 years later. "Keep women in their place." I was so pleased with the very last page---we keep needing tons more women like the new Lucy! ( )

A good vacation read ( )