Welcome to Friday Reads!
Stop by to learn about the latest release from Jocelyn Green, Shadows of the White City. Enter to win a print copy of this book (US ONLY). (Contest ends March 19, 2021) Share on X You can enter by using the Rafflecopter link at the bottom of this post. If you’re the chosen winner, I’ll contact you for your information.
Q & A with Jocelyn…
Q: Shadows of the White City takes place in Chicago during the World’s Fair of 1893. What is so special about this setting?
A: The World’s Fair itself was spectacular. With my heroine, Sylvie Townsend, acting as a part-time tour guide, readers get an inside look into many aspects of the Fair. Part of what made it such an amazing place was that, in addition to six hundred acres of the world’s most impressive accomplishments and inventions, people from all over the world connected in one place. The Midway, especially, played host to cultures from across the globe, opening people’s eyes to other perspectives they’d never considered before. Now add to all of this the fact that, outside the dazzling fairgrounds, Chicago and the entire nation were in the midst
of a financial depression. The juxtaposition of splendor and hardship is always a poignant one.
Q: What kind of research went into this book?
A: So much. There is a ton of information available on the World’s Fair. Aside from reading every book and article that seemed relevant for my story (and then some), I toured Chicago with a guide who designed a tour based specifically on what I wanted to know and see before I started writing the novel. On the same trip, I spent time in the Chicago Historical Society’s archives and the Newberry Library, reading primary source material. A second trip to Chicago gave my daughter and me a chance to experience other aspects important to the novel, such as a concert with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, a visit to the Art Institute, and a stop at the Palmer House hotel.
Q: In what ways do you relate to the character of Sylvie Townsend?
A: Sylvie is a book-loving introvert who doesn’t like crowds but enjoys public speaking when the topic interests her. That’s me, completely. On a deeper level, I understand Sylvie’s tendency to keep a tight rein on her daughter, Rose. As a parent of a teenager, I identify with that struggle to find the right balance of letting my daughter make her own decisions and mistakes as part of growing up and wanting to protect her from them. As Sylvie finds out in the novel, that desire to protect can lead to both a grasping for control and the realization of how very little we do control. I relate to all of this.
Q: This is your second novel in The Windy City Saga series. We’ve gotten to know sisters Meg and Sylvie pretty well by now. Who will be the focus of the third book?
A: Book 3 in the series will pick up with Meg’s adult daughter Olive in 1915, which is when the Eastland Disaster took place in the Chicago River. You’ll meet Olive as a child in Shadows of the White City, and she’ll be twenty-nine when we focus on her story. Each book in this series explores a seminal part of Chicago’s history and how the Townsend family overcomes in the face of change and trials.
Q: Are the novels in this series classified as mysteries?
A: Readers will discover that these novels have an element of mystery to them, but they remain firmly in the historical fiction genre. The main priority of the story, as ever, is given to the developing characters and the history-in-the-making around them.
My review…
Twists and turns and vivid detailing abound in Green’s latest. The well-developed characters were realistic and easy to engage with. This is second in the series, but it could be read as a standalone. (Though reading them in order will help the reader have a greater appreciation for the everything.)
Family, particularly what makes up a family, is a key theme. Love and forgiveness are also key. Sylvie’s fears, and overprotection, regarding Rose will likely be relatable for many. Green leaves the reader with a lot to think about in respect to those they care about and ponder how family can be more than blood. An important takeaway is learning to trust God and know that He’s in control, even when we can’t see Him at work.
One of my favorite quotes: “Where we are weak, God is strong. He can take our smallest offerings and make of them a feast.”
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn’t required to leave a positive review.
About Joceyln…
Jocelyn Green (www.jocelyngreen.com)Â
Rules for giveaway can be found here.
I would like to read this novel because I know that Jocelyn Green always spins a good tale. The bonus is that she it meticulous with historical detail. So you just might learn something!
So true! I love being educated along with being entertained while reading. Good luck!
I love historical fiction and with the take away of God is always at work in our lives, this sounds like I will love reading it.
It does sound like it’d be something you’d enjoy. I love that message and historicals, as well. Good luck, Danielle.
Oh, I want to read this book!!!
Good luck, Beverly!
I love Christian historical fiction, and an element of mystery increases my enjoyment because my favorite childhood genre was mystery. I have this series in my TBR wishlist.
Mysteries are some of my favorites, as well, Roxanne. Good luck!
I would love to read it because I know nothing about the World Fair in Chicago and I love learning!
Sounds like a great book!
Good luck, Linda!
I think you’ll really enjoy this one, Tracy. Good luck!
I would love to read this book to learn more about the historical aspects of the Chicago Worlds Fair. Jocelyn is a wonderful writer and she puts so much research into her books.
I agree, Merry! Good luck.
I’m a fan of historical fiction and this sounds like a good book.
Vivian, I think you’ll really enjoy it. Good luck!
I think this time period sounds really interesting and the story sounds especially engaging.
I agree, Candice. Good luck!