Title: Parlor Games
Author: Maryka Biaggio
Publication Year: 2013
Publisher: Books on Tape
Edition: eGalley and audio
Date Completed: April - 2013
Rating: 4/5
Recommend: yes
Parlor Games was an interesting
debut novel which was based on real life events of a woman named May
Dugas who stood trial for extortion in 1917. She made the news not only in her
hometown of Menominee, but also in Michigan, New York and even London. The
story opens with May telling her version of events beginning when she
was only 18 years-old (1887), when she left home for Chicago hoping to earn
money to help her family out.
When
she arrived in Chicago she ends up living at swanky bordello,
using her looks to charm and attract rich and famous men who find
themselves immediately drawn to her. It isn't long after that she
learns to use her charm and seduction to get herself invited to parties and
events attended by the rich of the richest. She quickly realizes that this is
the lifestyle she wants and doesn't plan to settle for less.
She
cons her way time after time and even bilks a friend out of an
inheritance along the way. She has a few setbacks, like when she meets a
wealthy man and thinks wedding bells may be in her future, only to
find a Pinkerton's Detective hot on her
trail. Leaving Chicago and traveling to places like Oregon, California
and even Holland and Shanghai, May never gives up her pursuit
of high society. She eventually marries a Dutch Baron, howver, Baroness May de
Vries (although she's gone by other names) days living the good life may
very well be numbered.
I love the fact that this is based on a real person. May sounds like something else!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review - I have this on my "to listen" list next in line. I love this time period!
ReplyDeleteGoing on my lists! I like May.
ReplyDeleteI don't think I'd like May very much. This story sounds good, though, and I like your description of the audio - I'm always looking for good audio. Adding to my audible wish list :-)
ReplyDeleteI've been wondering about this book, glad to hear you enjoyed it... adding to my audio wish list (again!)
ReplyDeleteI have this one on audio, and I am dying to listen to it. I first heard about it over on Audra's site, and she was so thrilled with it that I ran right over to the library site and got it. I was surprised they had the audio, but grateful too! I think I am going to have a lot of fun with this book. Splendid review today!!
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of this one until your review, but I have to say that it might be one that I would be curious to read.
ReplyDelete