The Red Coat
By Dolley Carlson
- Release Date: 2018-10-23
- Genre: Historical Fiction
Description
Think Downton Abbey, set in the heart of Boston
Irish domestic worker Norah King's decision to ask her wealthy employer, Caroline Parker, for an elegant red coat that the Beacon Hill matriarch has marked for donation ignites a series of events that neither woman could have fathomed. The unlikely exchange will impact their respective daughters and families for generations to come, from the coat's original owner, marriage-minded collegian Cordelia Parker, to the determined and spirited King sisters of South Boston, Rosemary, Kay, and Rita. As all of these young women experience the realities of life – love and loss, conflict and joy, class prejudices and unexpected prospects – the red coat reveals the distinction between cultures, generations, and landscapes in Boston during the 1940s and 50s, a time of change, challenge, and opportunity.
Meet the proud, working-class Irish and staid, upper-class Brahmins through the contrasting lives of these two families and their friends and neighbors. See how the Parkers and the Kings each overcome sudden tragedy with resolve and triumph. And witness the profound impact of a mother’s heart on her children’s souls. Carlson brings us front and center with her knowing weave of Celtic passion – both tragic and joyful – words of wisdom, romance, humor, and historical events. Dive into Boston feet first! The Red Coat is a rich novel that chronicles the legacy of Boston from both sides of the city, Southie and the Hill.
Reviews
Lovely Story
5By cathjarEnjoyable read about the Boston Irish family and a red coat that seems to bring luck and romance to the lasses of the family.Enjoyable, But It’s Been Written Better
3By embegeThis book was very long, sometimes meandering through descriptions that didn’t add much to the narrative. Perhaps for readers who are unfamiliar with the topic of Boston/SouthBoston-Beacon Hill history, this would be interesting. The characters are one-dimensional, and the premise of the red coat “changing generations” is ridiculous. It only affects the present generation of girls, and tangentially, and as a plot devise, it’s thin. It’s been written better elsewhere….The Red Coat
5By CsuwaraLoved this book! It brought back many cherish childhood memories growing up in an Irish Catholic family!The Red Coat
5By cestmoi7Thank you for this beautiful story. It brought back so many memories of my mom...my nana...my Auntie...my Aunt Mary, their love of life as catholic girls growing up in Boston, and the stories they told me.M O'Day
5By Mrs. O'DayWonderful read! I could not put this book down. If you're Irish or from Boston, or if you're not, a must read. Great story, great storyteller.Lovely and interesting
5By PlaywickeyA delightful story about the Boston I once visited and lovedThe Red Coat
5By EaterpI loved every moment of this book