Nouveau riche Ben Cochrane married his British wife, Sara, eight years ago as an attempt to slip into high society in New York in the late 1890's. When his plan did not work, mostly because of Ben's brash egomania, he blames it on Sara. They have a seven-year-old child that Ben seems indifferent to, but he uses Michael to keep Sara by his side.
One of Ben's new plots to enter society is to build himself a monument to his power and influence in Newport. He hires an up-and-coming architect named Alex McKie to create the monstrosity. It is interesting to watch Alex change from a womanizing hotshot to someone who cares for Sara and Michael.
I thought the 'solution' to Alex and Sara's problem was too pat and convenient. I also questioned Sara's agreement to allow Michael to become so close to Alex; it just didn't ring true. Otherwise, this is a fine novel.
One of Ben's new plots to enter society is to build himself a monument to his power and influence in Newport. He hires an up-and-coming architect named Alex McKie to create the monstrosity. It is interesting to watch Alex change from a womanizing hotshot to someone who cares for Sara and Michael.
I thought the 'solution' to Alex and Sara's problem was too pat and convenient. I also questioned Sara's agreement to allow Michael to become so close to Alex; it just didn't ring true. Otherwise, this is a fine novel.
