Love and Other Consolation Prizes: A Novel

ISBN: 0804176752

Author: Ford, Jamie

Condition: New

From the bestselling author of Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet comes a powerful novel, inspired by a true story, about a boy whose life is transformed at Seattles epic 1909 Worlds Fair.An evocative, heartfelt, beautifully crafted story that shines a light on a fascinating, tragic bit of forgotten history.-Kristin Hannah, author of The NightingaleFor twelve-year-old Ernest Young, a charity student at a boarding school, the chance to go to the Worlds Fair feels like a gift. But only once hes there, amid the exotic exhibits, fireworks, and Ferris wheels, does he discover that he is the one who is actually the prize. The half-Chinese orphan is astounded to learn he will be raffled off-a healthy boy to a good home.The winning ticket belongs to the flamboyant madam of a high-class brothel, famous for educating her girls. There, Ernest becomes the new houseboy and befriends Maisie, the madams precocious daughter, and a bold scullery maid named Fahn. Their friendship and affection form the first real family Ernest has ever known-and against all odds, this new sporting life gives him the sense of home hes always desired.But as the grande dame succumbs to an occupational hazard and their world of finery begins to crumble, all three must grapple with hope, ambition, and first love.Fifty years later, in the shadow of Seattles second Worlds Fair, Ernest struggles to help his ailing wife reconcile who she once was with who she wanted to be, while trying to keep family secrets hidden from their grown-up daughters.Against a rich backdrop of post-Victorian vice, suffrage, and celebration, Love and Other Consolations is an enchanting tale about innocence and devotion-in a world where everything, and everyone, is for sale.Praise for Love and Other Consolation PrizesExciting . . . [Jamie] Ford captures the thrill of first kisses and the shock of revealing long-hidden affairs.-Kirkus ReviewsStrong . . . A laudable effort that shines light on little known histories.-Library JournalPoignant . . . Vibrantly rendered.-BooklistCombining rich narrative and literary qualities, the book achieves a multi-faceted emotional resonance. It is by turns heart-rending, tragic, disturbing, sanguine, warm, and life-affirming. Perceptive themes that run throughout culminate at the end. A true story from the 1909 Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition inspired this very absorbing and moving novel. Highly recommended.-Historical Novel Society (Editors choice)Ford is a master at shining light into dark, forgotten corners of history and revealing the most unexpected and relatable human threads. . . . A beautiful and enthralling story of resilience and the many permutations of love.-Jessica Shattuck, author of The Women in the CastleAll the charm and heartbreak of Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet . . . Based on a true story, Love and Other Consolation Prizes will warm your soul.-Martha Hall Kelly, author of Lilac Girls