Midlands State University Library

A well-behaved woman : a novel of the Vanderbilts

Fowler, Therese

A well-behaved woman : a novel of the Vanderbilts Therese Anne Fowler - 392 pages 20 cm

Alva Smith, her southern family destitute after the Civil War, married into one of America's great Gilded Age dynasties: the newly wealthy but socially shunned Vanderbilts. Ignored by New York's old-money circles and determined to win respect, she designed and built nine mansions, hosted grand balls and arranged for her daughter to marry a duke. But Alva also defied convention for women of her time, asserting power within her marriage and becoming a leader in the women's suffrage movement. However, Ava will learn that a life of wealth, status, good behaviour and privilege is not a recipe for happiness. Facing an unimaginable betrayal, Ava puts her future at risk with a scandalous strategy that changes her life.

Alva Smith, her southern family destitute after the Civil War, married into one of America's great Gilded Age dynasties: the newly wealthy but socially shunned Vanderbilts. Ignored by New York's old-money circles and determined to win respect, she designed and built nine mansions, hosted grand balls and arranged for her daughter to marry a duke. But Alva also defied convention for women of her time, asserting power within her marriage and becoming a leader in the women's suffrage movement. However, Ava will learn that a life of wealth, status, good behaviour and privilege is not a recipe for happiness. Facing an unimaginable betrayal, Ava puts her future at risk with a scandalous strategy that changes her life.

9781473632516 (pbk)


Socialites--Fiction
Large type books


United States--Social life and customs--1865-1918--Fiction