A KISS FROM MR FITZGERALD: A captivating love story set in 1920s New York, from the New York Times bestseller

This novel captivated me right from the first chapter, I just got completely sucked in to this wonderfully realised 1920s America. Prohibition is on, women are expected to be subservient and "know their place", the horrors of The Depression are yet to arrive and one young woman is determined to break all society's conventional rules. Somehow the author manages to deal with what is, essentially, a feminist story without preaching or decrying but by simply letting the story flow.Our main character is Evie and she has grown up in a middle class home with a mother who is determined to climb socially. Her mother's sole aim is for her marry the youngest of the Whitford boys as this would be an excellent match from the standpoint of upward mobility. What better than the son of a banking magnate for her daughter? Evie has other ideas though. She has studied literature at college but wants to do so much more - after all Mr F Scott Fitzgerald's stories have shown her that women can do so much more than merely embroider and bear children. When a former classmate dies by the riverside Evie becomes determined to follow her father's footsteps and become a Doctor. An almost unheard ambition for a woman but one she is determined to realise.The tale is told through Evie's eyes and we learn much about society in the 1920s through her. From detailing the startling contrast in New York between the haves and the have nots with startling empathy to the raucous speakeasys and the flappers that congregate there. You get a glimpse in to a world where things are changing and get to know some of the women who started the change and the men who support them. Dealing with unmarried mothers, chauvinistic attitudes and the double standards set for women it shows that really whilst much has changed some of the same prejudices still lurk just beneath the surface.There is a love story in here too. Not just the story of a passionate love but love for a child, love for a friend and love for a career. It is empowering and uplifting.I absolutely loved every word on the page. Each and every character has a role to play and is a truly three dimensional person with quirks, foibles and nasty sides to their character - even Evie. I was swept away in to this world and just did not want the book to end. When we did reach the end though I was left worried for Evie as The Great Depression is looming on the horizon and I am desperate to know how they come through it.

Loved this book with its subtle dialogue and the 1920's heroine Evie Lockhardt a young woman ahead of her time, living in a patriarchal world who wanted much more out of life than traditionally given to women. The themes of generational differences, perceptions and conflict between conservative unquestioning parents and children who see the world differently are brilliantly and timelessly illustrated. You get a feel for New York Life in the 1920s and the differences /attitudes between the rich and poor. The love story unfolds gradually and keeps you in suspense as Evie is a noble young woman who makes difficult choices.

The story has excitement, compassion, lots of empathy when needed and an obvious enjoyment of children. A tale of medical strife especially for young women in 1920's America who wanted to make a difference. A good healthy mix of a family saga of people who didn't play too many silly games, just lost in their reputations and wealth. The characters in the story came through with many changes, as well as belief in themselves. A book nesting excitingly alongside many more, i hope, from an author that can make you laugh and cry.

Now that I can sit out in the garden it's really nice to have a great book

Strongly recommend you read this book, as it's such a superb tale of fighting against all the odds. A woman called Evie wants more to her life than the convention of the 1920s and so begins a story that you wont want to put down, but will be sad when you've finished.