The Social Graces, by Renée Rosen (2021)
Set in the 1870s, The Social Graces focuses on two of the wealthiest families in New York ~ the Astors and the Vanderbilts. The Astors were “old money” and the Vanderbilts were the nouveau riche, having earned their money through the railroads. Old money looked down on the new money.
When the novel opens, women are basically chattel of their husbands. Society marriages are arranged as business transaction not as love matches. The wives must ignore their husbands’ affairs. What the women do have is Society with a capital “S” and their children. Caroline Astor, the Mrs. Astor, is the Queen of New York Society. She is one of the most powerful women in New York Society. She holds the cards for who is who in New York Society.
Alva Vanderbilt is the young bride of William K. Vanderbilt. When she was young, her father lost the family fortune, so Alva had grown up in Alabama in relative poverty. After her marriage to a Vanderbilt, she is suddenly thrust into tremendous wealth, but her husband’s money won’t buy her a place in Society.
Alva tried to enter into the Astor circle only to be snubbed time and time again. A chance encounter with Emily Astor seemed to be the key to the Astors. Alas, it wasn’t to be. Still, Alva was determined to enter into the coveted Society Circle. With the Vanderbilt money, Alva has certain powers that allow her to make her mark in New York.
This novel, based on facts of the Astors and Vanderbilts, is a delightful read and a page-turner. I couldn’t put it down. It reminded me of the novel The Swans of Fifth Avenue, by Melanie Benjamin, which was about New York Society in the 1950s.
Read: December 24, 2021
5 Stars
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