The Astor family lifestyle during the “gilded age” serves as a prime example. It demonstrates that possessing vast financial resources doesn't necessarily guarantee that everything will be effortlessly perfect. Even with the ability to obtain almost anything one could ever desire, there are still challenges and imperfections. The writing is well-crafted, yet I had expected to gain more in-depth knowledge about Amelie and her writing. In fact, I purchased this book because I had read that the author lived for a period in Mobile, AL. However, it turns out that this was just a small and rather unhappy part of her life.

It makes one wonder about the true nature of the author's experiences and how they might have influenced her work. Perhaps there are hidden layers and emotions that are yet to be discovered.

Overall, while the description of the Astor family lifestyle is interesting, the lack of detailed information about Amelie and the author's connection to Mobile leaves something to be desired. It makes me curious to explore further and see if there are other aspects of this story that can provide a more complete picture.

I would have rated this only three stars if I weren't so fascinated by the back story surrounding the creation of NYC.

It seems that the author had an interesting premise in mind when writing this book. However, I felt that it didn't quite live up to its potential given the length.

The idea of exploring the history and development of New York City is undoubtedly captivating, and there were moments in the book that really piqued my interest.

But overall, I found myself wishing for more depth and detail.

Perhaps if the author had focused more on specific aspects of the city's creation or delved deeper into the lives of the people involved, the book would have been more engaging.

As it stands, it feels a bit like a missed opportunity to truly bring the story of NYC's creation to life.

Nevertheless, I still enjoyed reading it for the glimpses it provided into this fascinating period of history.

Money and madness sum up this book.

Archie, a descendant of the Astor family, had a childhood filled with grief. Growing up in such an environment likely had a profound impact on his psyche.

Amelie Rives, on the other hand, came from a prominent family and was a published author. Her literary achievements might have given her a certain status, but it seems that within her, there was also a hint of madness.

Together, Archie and Amelie didn't get along. Their combined madness perhaps clashed and created a volatile relationship.

The book not only delves into their individual stories but also provides an interesting history of the time. It gives us a glimpse into the lives of the wealthy and prominent during that era, along with the underlying turmoil and madness that existed beneath the surface.

Overall, it is a captivating read that explores the complex themes of money, madness, and the human condition.

Wow!

What a fascinating look into a truly crazy - and I mean that literally - group of characters during the American Gilded Age.

At the outset, I had the impression that the book was going to be a real chore to get through.

The initial story of the Astor family seemed to have an overwhelming amount of information (TMI) and an excessive level of description.

Frankly, I wasn't all that interested in the trappings of carriages or the minute details of weddings and funerals.

However, once the book delved into the stories of the main characters, things really started to pick up speed.

The Astor siblings lost their parents at a young age and were under the supervision of a kind of committee of adults known as The Guardians.

Archie, the eldest sibling, was expected to take over the family patrimony when he reached adulthood.

He had been sent away to school in England and was virtually abandoned after the death of his parents, receiving little in the way of care or love during his upbringing.

He fell head over heels in love with Adelie, a talented painter and writer, but she was grasping and self-centered, only really tolerating him (after an initial passionate romance) because she needed his money.

Archie was a rather pitiful figure, perhaps suffering from bipolar disorder.

He was extremely generous, constantly giving away his fortune to anyone who asked.

He was obsessed with the psyche and the power of what he called his Faculty-X - a voice from his subconscious that communicated with him in strange ways.

He even channeled Napoleon Bonaparte.

It's not entirely surprising that his siblings committed him to a lunatic asylum for many years.

This book provides a captivating portrayal of the rich and famous, as well as a cautionary tale about the destructive power of money.

Love reading about families that had "Cottages" in Newport, RI - in this case the Chanlers.

Newport, Rhode Island, has long been a haven for the wealthy and influential, and the Chanler family was no exception. Their "Cottage" was not just a simple dwelling but a magnificent estate that spoke volumes about their status and wealth.

The book that delved into the Chanler family's story was truly a great read. It provided a fascinating glimpse into their lives, their relationships, and the events that shaped their family history.

While the story was filled with many wonderful and interesting aspects, it was also tinged with sadness. There were moments of heartbreak, loss, and difficult decisions that the family had to face.

Despite the sadness, however, the book left a lasting impression. It made me appreciate the complexity of family life and the importance of cherishing the good times while also learning from the bad.

In conclusion, this book about the Chanler family's "Cottage" in Newport, RI, was a captivating and emotional read that I would highly recommend to anyone interested in family history or the history of Newport.

The Astor family has a rich and extensive history. There are numerous details and stories that have been passed down through the generations. At times, delving into this history can feel a bit overwhelming as there is so much to take in. However, I am glad that I persevered and finished exploring it.

For those who have a passion for understanding the minds of the artistic, wealthy, and brilliant, this account of the Astor family is a great read. It offers a fascinating glimpse into their lives, their achievements, and the challenges they faced.

From their early beginnings to their rise to prominence, the Astor family has left an indelible mark on society. Their influence can be seen in various fields such as art, culture, and business.

Overall, it is a captivating and engaging exploration of a remarkable family that will surely interest and inspire readers.

Fun to read if you live here in Keswick.

Keswick is a truly remarkable place to live. It offers a plethora of activities and experiences that are not only enjoyable but also make for great reading material.

From the beautiful landscapes and nature walks to the charming local shops and cafes, there is always something new and interesting to discover.

The town is rich in history and culture, with many museums and historical sites to explore.

Whether you are a nature lover, a history buff, or simply someone who enjoys the simple pleasures of life, Keswick has something for everyone.

Living here means having access to a wide range of events and festivals throughout the year, from music concerts to food fairs.

These events bring the community together and create a sense of belonging and fun.

In conclusion, if you live in Keswick, you are in for a treat. There is always something to write about and something to read that will make you fall in love with this wonderful town all over again.

What a joy it is to read this remarkable piece. It presents one of the great love stories from the builder age. Donna M. Lucey has truly outdone herself in the research department. She has taken all that information and transformed it into a literary work that is an absolute delight to peruse. The sections dedicated to Archie Chanlers' Bi Polar disorder are particularly accurate and well-depicted. It gives the readers a deep understanding of the challenges and experiences related to this condition. We are truly grateful to the author for sharing such a great and engaging story with us. It not only entertains but also educates and touches our hearts.

What a joy to read.

One of the great love stories of the builder age. Donna M. Lucey did a wonderful job at research and turned it into a joy to read. The parts about Archie Chanlers' Bi Polar is spot on. Thank for sharing such a great story.

The movie received a rating of between 3 and 4 stars.

It was filled with an abundance of detail, with the story constantly going back and forth, delving deep into various aspects.

At the beginning, it might seem a bit overwhelming with all the details being presented. However, as the movie progresses, it starts to become more engaging.

The characters are well-developed, and their actions and decisions are driven by the detailed backstories provided.

Near the end, the movie takes an interesting turn, adding an element of surprise and excitement.

Overall, despite the initial overload of detail, the movie manages to captivate the audience and keep them engaged until the very end.

It's a film that rewards those who are willing to pay attention to the details and follow the complex narrative.

While it may not be a perfect 5-star movie, it definitely has its merits and is worth a watch for those who enjoy movies with depth and complexity.

The book commences with the thrilling escape of Archie Chanler, the grandson of John Jacob Astor, from a mental institution.

Initially, this sets a very high tone of excitement. However, as the narrative progresses, it doesn't entirely sustain this exact level of intense excitement. But, it does come quite close.

The account of the marriage between Archie and Amelie Rives, a well-known and prominent novelist, is brimming with drama, much like a celebrity marriage in the present day.

On one hand, it offers a comprehensive and sweeping portrait of high society during the gilded age. On the other hand, it tells the story of two extremely arrogant and uncompromising individuals. Additionally, it showcases an American aristocrat's fall from grace.

Overall, this book was a thoroughly enjoyable read that managed to capture multiple aspects of a bygone era and the complex lives of its characters.

If you are a die-hard fan of Downton Abbey, then this book is an absolute must-read.

It takes you on a captivating journey into the world of the Crawley family and their servants.

The detailed descriptions bring to life the opulent interiors of Downton Abbey, the beautiful costumes, and the complex relationships between the characters.

You'll find yourself completely immersed in the story, feeling as if you are a part of the household.

Whether you're reliving your favorite moments from the TV series or discovering new aspects of the story, this book is sure to delight.

It's a wonderful addition to any Downton Abbey fan's collection and a great way to continue your love affair with this beloved period drama.

So, pick up this book and prepare to be transported back to the elegance and charm of Downton Abbey.

Susan

The novel that I read was interesting, yet it failed to be truly outstanding. It had its merits, mainly because I had never before delved into anything related to the Astor family. This aspect of the story piqued my curiosity and kept me engaged to a certain extent. However, I did notice a rather significant drawback. The author seemed to have a tendency to repeat certain facts and stories over and over again. This repetition became quite tiresome after a while and somewhat detracted from the overall reading experience. It made the narrative feel a bit拖沓 and less dynamic. Despite this flaw, I still managed to gain some enjoyment from the novel, especially due to the new insights it provided into the Astor family's world. But it definitely could have been improved with a more careful editing to avoid the excessive repetition.