Book review-The Maze at Windermere

"A richly layered novel of love, ambition, and duplicity, set against the storied seascape of Newport, Rhode Island" (from the publisher). But it is so much more... The Maze at Windermere is actually 5 stories that all take place in Newport.  The first takes place in 2011 and tells the story of a fading tennis pro and his relations with three women (who are all connected to each other).  The next story takes place in 1896 and tells the story of a poor dandy trying to move up the social ladder.  The next story takes place in 1863 and features a young Henry James just starting on his writing career.  We then move to the 1780s and a British soldier who is lusting after a young Jewess.  Finally we arrive in 1692 to find a young woman who has been suddenly orphaned trying to figure out how to survive. The stories have many commonalities-prejudice of one sort or another being one of the many themes.  They are all interesting and well written. I enjoyed seeing where the stories overlapped, both in theme and in physical space.  I've been to Newport many times, so I could picture a lot of the places mentioned, which was nice.  Readers of historical novels would like this book, as well as those who like socially themed books.

The Maze at Windermere By Smith, Gregory Blake 2018-01 - Viking 9780735221925 Check Our Catalog "A dazzling high-wire act. I turned every page with a sense of wonder and excitement." --RICHARD RUSSO A richly layered novel of love, ambition, and duplicity, set against the storied seascape of Newport, Rhode Island A reckless wager between a tennis pro with a fading career and a drunken party guest--the stakes are an antique motorcycle and an heiress's diamond necklace--launches …More

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