Novel about the turbulent, often destructive, relationships between the assertive Beecher siblings as they pursue various causes: suffragism, abolitionism, education, temperance, women's rights and religion. Henry Ward Beecher was considered the most famous preacher in America. His sister, Harriet Beecher Stowe was one of the most famous and influential novelists of the 19th century United States. A highly political family, the Beechers were the Kennedys of their time, always fodder for news. When Henry Ward Beecher is charged with adultery, the trial stretches on for six months. In the end a mistrial is called. The Beechers huddle to protect Henry, all but Isabella who has been excommunicated for urging Henry to confess. Author Patricia O'Brien convincingly portrays the high key dynamics among the opinionated members of the Beecher clan and yet she manages to keep the reader feeling sympathetic to the family in general. For the Beechers, loyalty trumps truth. Henry is obviously the leader of the family and to doubt his word would be unthinkable to the rest. Not to mention that this doubt would undermine his siblings' credibility in the eyes of the world.

Ms O'Brien sketches enough history to inform the context without bogging down the narrative. More than once I felt like shaking Harriet Beecher Stowe for her cruelty to younger sister, Isabella and for her uncritical trust in her charismatic brother, Henry.

8 out of 10 Recommended to readers who enjoy 19th century American history and feminist literature. ( )

I was expecting so much more when I started this book, the characters were shallow and I really didn't care about them at all. The leaps in time became annoying and the depiction of the sisters felt unrealistic - what 85 year-old runs to climb a new bridge? Nothing interesting develops out of the initial build-up..all I can say is thank goodness it is over. ( )

I tried to like this book more than I actually did. O'Brien writes about the Beecher family, solid characters for a book, but I didn't feel they were very well developed. Let me rephrase that. There were definite qualities about the characters, but none that made them very likeable or made me invest much in their story.

The first half is Isabella's point of view. I found her sufferage work fascinating, but not exactly her character. The second half is Harriet (author of Uncle Tom's cabin) and her view of their brother's trial. I think maybe I expected too much because I've always liked Harriet Beecher Stowe and she comes across as more self - absorbed and haughty than I ever would have anticipated.

All in all the book had some interesting material, and I would like to read more about the events and people in a more factual manner. ( )

The fictionalized/imagined story of Harriet Beecher Stowe and her relationship with her numerous brothers and sisters, including Isabella Beecher Hooker. A story of family pride, loyalty and trust - for some, unwavering, for others, broken. An intimate look at a famous family. ( )

This book is heart-achingly good. You find yourself grieving for this dysfunctional famous family. Showing a glimpse of how hard the women in the sufferage movement had it, reminds me as a woman how good we do have it. The struggles within the family show how little has changed within family dynamics throughout the ages. I enjoyed this book, but feel like it seemed if you had background knowledge of this family, you would like this book more. ( )