“The Lions of Fifth Avenue”

 

“The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few” - or in Laura’s case the needs of one…

“I have never met a man who at any time wanted to be a woman. I have met few women who have not at some time or other wanted to be men.” (194)

“…it was all ultimately her fault, that her own actions had initiated a cascade of tragedies.” (338)

“Her future was in her hands, a book yet to be written. How she chose to fill its pages was entirely up to her.” (340)

How does one become a pioneer? Do they set out, consciously, to be remarkable? Do they seek out others to join the good fight? What if what you thought was right becomes too heavy to bear? How do you reconcile all the moving parts? Who suffers? Who survives?

1913. The New Woman. Pioneers fighting for women’s rights. Sounds familiar, like today’s politics. Finding a path that allows you to stay true to ones-self and pave the way for others to follow. Challenging gender roles and bias. Balance.

The New York Public Library building was as much a character in this novel as the human characters. Slowly giving up its secrets. Parallel storylines. Great twist.