The Social Graces Paperback – April 20, 2021

I couldn't put this one down. A peek inside the world of money and power of past New York society. Very well written and her research is obviously done. This book is well worth your time!

We all agreed in our book club that this was a good read! I wasn’t expecting it to be as good as it turned out to be. Just reading about the differences in culture between the mid to late 1800s and now was one thing but wow these ladies were dripping in cash! Lots of twists and turns and some good lessons in what is really important.

I absolutely loved this book, and I was so disappointed when I couldn't get it through Net Galley. I went ahead and ordered it from Amazon and paid more than I usually do for a book. I was not disappointed, and I love learning about the "social graces" during the guilded age. I have been to the Biltmore House many times and have read the history of the Biltmore House. My all time favorite book is "Fortune''s Children". Although I have read many books about the Astor's and others, I always manage to learn something new. By the end of the book, I certainly felt sorry for Caroline Astor, and it seemed to me that her heart softened. It was amazing how it was so important to be a part of the "social elite". I loved reading about the excess spending, the clothes, the jewelry, the food, and just everything. Great book, and I am so glad I spent the money on it.

This was an interesting and educational read, very true to history. I recommend it. My only complaints are the huge gaps in time leaving us unaware of how certain storylines played out and the dialect was far too modern. That makes it easier for people to understand but she could have come closer to the vernacular of the time. But I've been accused of being a purist. Still, I recommend it.

Entertaining historical fiction about the Gilded Age and the true-life story of the formidable original “Knickerbocker” old New York money family, the Astors, and the upstart nouveaux riche (and crass) Vanderbilt clan. At the heart, this book is really about the rivalry between Society’s queen, “Mrs. Astor”, and fiery outsider, Alva Vanderbilt. The retelling of the two families’ fortunes takes place over 4 decades and is replete with detailed historical facts about the construction of the Metropolitan Opera house, the building of the famed Waldorf-Astoria hotel (the origin story is a hoot) and the excesses of the rich and famous behaving their worst at raucous parties while the poor literally picketed outside. It makes the 1980’s Wall St greed look tame. Rating this 4 stars as I appreciated not just the deft, if fictionalized, retelling of two Society families, but the education about the true essence of the Gilded Age and the horrible power imbalance between the sexes (not too far a cry from the early 19th century English Regency period, for those Bridgerton fans out there).

What feels like a completely open, honest look at the lives of Alva Vanderbilt and Caroline Astor. What started out as a readily embraced feud over time melded to respect and even friendship. A very interesting look at the outrageous lifestyles lived by the very rich, their striving to be at the top of the societal pyramid. Also a reminder that the parties, the balls, the clothing all were hiding the thing missing from their lives over which they had no control. The men controlled everything. The women had the social part of the relationship, used to enhance the value of the men they served. This book was well written and gave me a taste of The Four Hundred that I had never understood. They were real people. What different times those were. Maybe still are!

How the other half once lived is mind boggling! Women so subserviant it’s hard to imagine.Loved learning about “society” and how vital acceptance was the the super wealthy women of the day. Extravagance was the norm, yet their money didn’t bring happiness, or approval by the powers that be.Really enjoyed the book, and recommend it highly!

No matter what book you read about the so called Gilded Age, you will probably read more about the competition between Alva. Vanderbilt and Caroline Astor, their houses, clothing, events and how society regarded them. The author of this book ( Renee Rosen) has chosen to add some fiction between the facts to describe the competition between the two women and how it effected their personalities, their spouses, their families, friends and residential areas. The author also describes in detail how she wrote the book and questions for book clubs.

Ese libro lo compré para regalárselo a mi hijo

This book is amazing! A must read for anyone who loves the lifestyle of the rich and famous. Captivating storyline, I could not put the book down.

I so enjoyed this book which I stumbled on quite by accident via the The Newport Preservation Society. It opens the door onto a world which is within touching distance of our own but which was so very different. I loved the character portrayals which are rooted in history but have fictional stories woven around them. Excellent insight into the Gilded Age.

I love that this is based on real people and real events. Renee has a flair to give the story life.

I like historical books that are set in particular periods. This one highlighted the position of women in the late 19th and early 20th century in New York. It's based on real characters who are well known and tells you a lot about them and their families. I found it an interesting contrast to the books of Edith Wharton from an earlier era. The position of women hadn't changed as much as one might have thought.