
When I first heard that Ami McKay had a new book coming out, I was alight with feverish excitement. But I soon found out that the book was only released in Canada, and to later make its debut in the US. When I was approached to review this book for TLC Book Tours, I didn’t give it a second thought. I knew I must read this one right away. And for all you lovers of intriguing historical fiction, I can honestly say that this book had me wrapped in its spell from the very first page until its final climactic ending.
Moth is only twelve but is savvy and smart in the ways only a street urchin can be. While she dreams of the finer things, she has little hope of ever seeing them. Living in a world where her body must be protected at all costs has made her not only cautious, but wily. She knows how to beg, borrow and steal, while always grasping at the wisps of dreams that float through her hands. I found Moth to be an incredibly endearing character, and one who not only had morals, but scruples as well. She was bright, and never lived a life of bartering her body like the other girls in her station had done.Though her dreams were bigger than her prospects, she tried to maintain the upper hand through using her wits rather than selling both her body and soul.
When Moth is placed as a lady’s maid in Mrs. Wentworth’s home, life takes on a new hue of happiness for her. She is well dressed and regularly fed, and though she tries to make a new start for herself, Mrs. Wentworth is an exacting and cruel employer whose brain is addled and strained. Though she claims to want the best for the girl, it’s obvious that she wants to break and demoralize Moth. The women are locked in a struggle that will never end and grows more dangerous every day. One close call too many, and the struggling Moth flees with no thought of where she will land, leaving her in a very dangerous city, struggling alone.
When Moth’s new friend inveigles a place for her at Miss Everett’s, all her dreams seem to come true. She has the finest of everything and longs for nothing. But the price is steep, for Moth is being trained to become a prostitute, and her virginity is highly prized by the men she must consort with. I found this situation unbearably distressing, and the fact that she was only twelve made matters all the worse. Moth plays at being a grown-up, but she’s still a child, dressed and paraded about as a strumpet. It’s harrowing to know that her day is coming and a suitor has been chosen to buy her. Her only hope is Dr. Sadie, a woman who is kind and good and virtuous. But this woman can’t give Moth the life she desires, and the young girl is trapped between two worlds, forcing her in different directions. The broken Moth will be rich and sought after, but the intact Moth could have a chance at happiness.
If you’ve been debating whether or not you should read this book, I would say “go for it” with gusto. The book does a great job of highlighting the seamy underbelly of New York during a time when the poor must do anything to survive and the rich turn their heads away. Moth’s story is not only compelling, but speaks to the heart of every woman throughout time who has ever wondered what they were worth, and if it was enough to make a life out of. A more transporting read would be hard to find. Highly recommended.
![]() Ami McKay is the author of the #1 Canadian bestseller The Birth House, the winner of three Canadian Booksellers Association (CBA) Libris Awards and a nominee for the International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award. Her work has aired on various Canadian radio programs, and her documentary, Daughter of Family G, won an Excellence in Journalism Medallion at the 2003 Atlantic Journalism Awards. She is also active with UNICEF and other organizations. Originally from Indiana, she now lives with her husband and two sons in Scots Bay, Nova Scotia. Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest |
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A warm thanks to TLC Book Tours for providing this book for me to read and review. Please continue to follow the tour by visiting these other blogs:
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This book was provided as a complimentary review copy.
22 comments:
I can't wait to read this one!! The Virgin Cure sounds like the perfect next read after The Gods of Gothem!!
Haven't heard a bad word yet! Such an intriguing premise and a must read by all accounts. Fantastic review!
Oh I like the sound of this! Yes, goes well with Gods of Gotham and with Island of Vice.
Wow, this sounds fascinating! I'm so curious what happens to Moth and if she gets out of it or not!!!
This book sounds heartbreaking to me. I don't read much historical fiction but this sounds like one I might like.
I need to read this one. I have it, but haven't managed to crack it open yet.
I really loved this one. It's very different from The Birth House.
I loved this one too! It was distressing, but it was so, so good. And even better news: Ami McKay told me on Twitter she's working on a sequel to this one! I can't wait!
I'm not a historical fiction reader, but this like a great read for those who enjoy this genre.
I'm not sure I can read this one. I had a really difficult time with The Blue Notebook (prostitution in India. The girl in that one was 9!) Reading it made me want to hack off male body parts. Not a good feeling.
This does sound excellent, and, as usual, you've done a terrific job with your review!
I really like the sound of this one, and do plan to read it. Thanks for sharing with us:)
I need to read this one soon! Great review.
Moth sounds like such an amazing character - I can't wait to get to know her!
Thanks for being on the tour.
I have read a few historical fiction and so will likely add this to my wish list.
Ohhh I was wondering why it didn't come out all of a sudden after I had heard about it. Well, I'm super excited to read this!!
Oh I'll get back to your e-mail soon!
I love historical fiction and this one caught my eye the first time I heard about it. I am so glad you liked it, Heather!
I love your reviews -- you summarize the story so well and get to the heart of the themes and arcs. You have me wanting to reread this one already -- I was nodding my head and sighing as I read your review -- A more transporting read would be hard to find. -- my thoughts exactly. Brava, friend -- awesome review.
Knowing an 11-year-old girl helps me put this in perspective … I can't imagine. It sounds like historical fiction with an edge.
Is her name really Moth or is that a nickname given to her? It seems like such an unusual name for a girl of that (and any) era - symbolization of a delicate thing being drawn to something dangerous!
After about a year of debating, I finally released this one on my hold list at the library, only to find your ever-so-encouraging review here now, so I'll take that as a bookish sign that the timing is finally right: I'm really looking forward to it!
I was with you - when I saw this one show up on TLC, I jumped at the chance to read and review it. McKay's really set the bar high for herself with two great books now.
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