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The Social Graces
The author of Park Avenue Summer throws back the curtain on one of the most remarkable feuds in history: Mrs. Vanderbilt and Mrs. Astor's notorious battle for control of New York society during the Gilded Age.
In the glittering world of Manhattan's upper crust, where wives turn a blind eye to husbands' infidelities, and women have few rights and even less independence, society is everything. The more celebrated the hostess, the more powerful the woman. And none is more powerful than Caroline Astor—the Mrs. Astor.
But times are changing.
Alva Vanderbilt has recently married into one of America's richest families. But what good is money when society refuses to acknowledge you? Alva, who knows what it is to have nothing, will do whatever it takes to have everything.
Sweeping three decades and based on true events, this is a gripping novel about two fascinating, complicated women going head to head, behaving badly, and discovering what’s truly at stake.
In the glittering world of Manhattan's upper crust, where wives turn a blind eye to husbands' infidelities, and women have few rights and even less independence, society is everything. The more celebrated the hostess, the more powerful the woman. And none is more powerful than Caroline Astor—the Mrs. Astor.
But times are changing.
Alva Vanderbilt has recently married into one of America's richest families. But what good is money when society refuses to acknowledge you? Alva, who knows what it is to have nothing, will do whatever it takes to have everything.
Sweeping three decades and based on true events, this is a gripping novel about two fascinating, complicated women going head to head, behaving badly, and discovering what’s truly at stake.
400 pages, Paperback
First published April 20, 2021
1605 people are currently reading
25140 people want to read
About the author
Renée Rosen
12 books2,168 followersRenee is the USA Today bestselling author of 8 historical fiction including: FIFTH AVENUE GLAMOUR GIRL and THE SOCIAL GRACES,
Her new novel, LET'S CALL HER BARBIE, about the Barbie doll creators Ruth Handler and Jack Ryan will be published January 21,2025 by Penguin Random House / Berkley.
Most people discover their love of reading first and then decide to try writing. For Renee Rosen, it was just the opposite. From the time she was a little girl she knew she wanted to be a writer and by age seventeen had completed her first novel, with what she admits was the worst opening line of all time. Her hopes of being the youngest published author on record were soon dashed when her “masterpiece” was repeatedly rejected. Several years and many attempts later, Renee finally became a reader first.
Since then she has been fortunate enough to study the craft of writing from such esteemed novelists as Michael Cunningham, Susan Minot and Carol Anshaw.
Renee now lives in Chicago where she is working on a new novel. You can find her online at https://www.facebook.com/ReneeRosenAu..., https://twitter.com/ReneeRosen1 or visit her website at www.reneerosen.com
Praise for DOLLFACE
"DOLLFACE is as intoxicating as the forbidden liquor at the heart of it. Rosen's Chicago gangsters are vividly rendered, and the gun molls stir up at least as much trouble as their infamous men. Fans of Boardwalk Empire will love DOLLFACE. I know I did." Sara Gruen, New York Times bestselling author of WATER FOR ELEPHANTS
Advanced Praise for WHAT THE LADY WANTS (coming November 4, 2014)
"WHAT THE LADY WANTS is as fun and addictive and Chicago-licious as a box of Marshall Field's Frango Mints. And, sadly, you'll finish it almost as fast. A delight.” Rebecca Makkai, author of The Borrower and The Hundred Year House
Awards for EVERY CROOKED POT
2010 Popular Book for Young Adults by YALSA
2007 Booklist Editor’s Pick
Starred Reviews from Booklist and School Library Journal
Her new novel, LET'S CALL HER BARBIE, about the Barbie doll creators Ruth Handler and Jack Ryan will be published January 21,2025 by Penguin Random House / Berkley.
Most people discover their love of reading first and then decide to try writing. For Renee Rosen, it was just the opposite. From the time she was a little girl she knew she wanted to be a writer and by age seventeen had completed her first novel, with what she admits was the worst opening line of all time. Her hopes of being the youngest published author on record were soon dashed when her “masterpiece” was repeatedly rejected. Several years and many attempts later, Renee finally became a reader first.
Since then she has been fortunate enough to study the craft of writing from such esteemed novelists as Michael Cunningham, Susan Minot and Carol Anshaw.
Renee now lives in Chicago where she is working on a new novel. You can find her online at https://www.facebook.com/ReneeRosenAu..., https://twitter.com/ReneeRosen1 or visit her website at www.reneerosen.com
Praise for DOLLFACE
"DOLLFACE is as intoxicating as the forbidden liquor at the heart of it. Rosen's Chicago gangsters are vividly rendered, and the gun molls stir up at least as much trouble as their infamous men. Fans of Boardwalk Empire will love DOLLFACE. I know I did." Sara Gruen, New York Times bestselling author of WATER FOR ELEPHANTS
Advanced Praise for WHAT THE LADY WANTS (coming November 4, 2014)
"WHAT THE LADY WANTS is as fun and addictive and Chicago-licious as a box of Marshall Field's Frango Mints. And, sadly, you'll finish it almost as fast. A delight.” Rebecca Makkai, author of The Borrower and The Hundred Year House
Awards for EVERY CROOKED POT
2010 Popular Book for Young Adults by YALSA
2007 Booklist Editor’s Pick
Starred Reviews from Booklist and School Library Journal
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,255 reviews
July 2, 2021
Make new friends but keep the old.
One is silver, the other gold.
Upstart Alva Vanderbilt recently married into riches she never dreamed of. Her new money could buy anything. With one exception.
The respect and acceptance into Caroline Astor’s circle eluded her as she was continually snubbed by New York society’s dame. Omitted from top tier parties, weddings, and owning an opera box, there was no penetrating the invisible barrier.
The Astor family was old money and Caroline had no use for newly rich and tawdry Alva who didn’t abide by current social norms. Her Vanderbilt in-laws were considered even more uncouth and not acceptable company.
With her mother constantly in her ear, Caroline is pressured into maintaining the gentile customs of the period before her. But time doesn’t stand still and neither do conventions.
While the famous Hatfield McCoy feud was fought with firearms, the cold war in this story was battled with invitations and influence. Dubbed The Gilded Age from 1870 through 1900, The Social Graces depicts a fictional account of life in the era, historical events, and the real dislike between the two women.
I loved this story but I have to admit to an interest in this time period and subject matter so I’m influenced to reviewing positively.
This was a library loan. I’d like to thank my local library for having so many great titles to borrow including this one!
One is silver, the other gold.
Upstart Alva Vanderbilt recently married into riches she never dreamed of. Her new money could buy anything. With one exception.
The respect and acceptance into Caroline Astor’s circle eluded her as she was continually snubbed by New York society’s dame. Omitted from top tier parties, weddings, and owning an opera box, there was no penetrating the invisible barrier.
The Astor family was old money and Caroline had no use for newly rich and tawdry Alva who didn’t abide by current social norms. Her Vanderbilt in-laws were considered even more uncouth and not acceptable company.
With her mother constantly in her ear, Caroline is pressured into maintaining the gentile customs of the period before her. But time doesn’t stand still and neither do conventions.
While the famous Hatfield McCoy feud was fought with firearms, the cold war in this story was battled with invitations and influence. Dubbed The Gilded Age from 1870 through 1900, The Social Graces depicts a fictional account of life in the era, historical events, and the real dislike between the two women.
I loved this story but I have to admit to an interest in this time period and subject matter so I’m influenced to reviewing positively.
This was a library loan. I’d like to thank my local library for having so many great titles to borrow including this one!
December 30, 2020
This story brings the Gilded Age of New York and Newport, and the rivalry of two socialites: Caroline Astor, a Knickerbocker, so called Old Money and Alva Vanderbilt, the nouveau riche, so called New Money. Told with humor, we get to see the opulence and experience the Gilded Age.
New York, 1876. Alva Vanderbilt, coming from impoverished family and marrying a rich man, thought it would automatically give her an entrance to society. But she was mistaken. Why is it so important to be part of society? It is the realm of women, the only place where they don’t have to answer to men.
Caroline Astor feels that society must be preserved, women with tiaras and men with cigars. She is a champion of Old Money and tradition. The assault by the nouveau riche is reeking “of newly minted steel and railroad money.” New Money meaning made money is seen as tasteless. One’s wealth should be inherited, not earned. You inherit money “in addition to marrying yet more money.” Despite Old Money guarding against New Money, the times are changing and the grip is slipping away.
Alva is “clever as a fox.” It’s not in her nature to give up. Despite being denied entrance to society, she crafts her own path to it. She builds a new house which takes the whole block in the city. When she can’t get a box at Academy of Music, she builds a new opera house.
I enjoyed both characters which let us experience the upper crust, and why it was so important for them to be part of tightly guarded society. Both places come alive, from Manhattan in the winters to Newport in the summers. It required at least ninety or so gowns to last through the season of six weeks in Newport, filled with lawn parties and balls lasting till dawn every night.
It was very refreshing to get acquainted with the Worth gowns. Originally, seen by Old Money as overly done, heavily embellished with diamonds and pearls, with hats providing shade for two extra people; the kind of gowns you’d expect New Money wearing.
The opulence clashing with poverty, continued inequality and suffrage movement mark the end of the Gilded Age. Alva’s path takes her from forging her own path to society to fighting for women’s rights.
This is exactly what I love: fun prose progressing story quickly and yet bringing so much depth to the characters that when this fast ride ends you don’t want to part with the story and its characters. This interestingly crafted story gives a reader a good inside into affluence, something that is so important to one and so vain to another.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
New York, 1876. Alva Vanderbilt, coming from impoverished family and marrying a rich man, thought it would automatically give her an entrance to society. But she was mistaken. Why is it so important to be part of society? It is the realm of women, the only place where they don’t have to answer to men.
Caroline Astor feels that society must be preserved, women with tiaras and men with cigars. She is a champion of Old Money and tradition. The assault by the nouveau riche is reeking “of newly minted steel and railroad money.” New Money meaning made money is seen as tasteless. One’s wealth should be inherited, not earned. You inherit money “in addition to marrying yet more money.” Despite Old Money guarding against New Money, the times are changing and the grip is slipping away.
Alva is “clever as a fox.” It’s not in her nature to give up. Despite being denied entrance to society, she crafts her own path to it. She builds a new house which takes the whole block in the city. When she can’t get a box at Academy of Music, she builds a new opera house.
I enjoyed both characters which let us experience the upper crust, and why it was so important for them to be part of tightly guarded society. Both places come alive, from Manhattan in the winters to Newport in the summers. It required at least ninety or so gowns to last through the season of six weeks in Newport, filled with lawn parties and balls lasting till dawn every night.
It was very refreshing to get acquainted with the Worth gowns. Originally, seen by Old Money as overly done, heavily embellished with diamonds and pearls, with hats providing shade for two extra people; the kind of gowns you’d expect New Money wearing.
The opulence clashing with poverty, continued inequality and suffrage movement mark the end of the Gilded Age. Alva’s path takes her from forging her own path to society to fighting for women’s rights.
This is exactly what I love: fun prose progressing story quickly and yet bringing so much depth to the characters that when this fast ride ends you don’t want to part with the story and its characters. This interestingly crafted story gives a reader a good inside into affluence, something that is so important to one and so vain to another.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
April 14, 2021
An intimate look at the feud between Caroline Astor and Alva Vanderbilt. It's the perfect combination of juicy details with a behind the scenes view of background and motivation. There are three voices -- Caroline and Alva in 3rd person as well as a 'Society' 1st person voice that is like the chorus in a Greek play. So fascinating to see how these people connect to other historical figures like Theodore Roosevelt and movements like Women's Rights. I found it to be immensely entertaining as well as insightful. Renee Rosen clearly did her homework. Book group ready with an author interview and discussion questions already a part of the publication.
Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
February 28, 2023
Do you like good gossipy reads that happen to be fairly historically accurate? Except for some of the conversations, this book gives you a great story on how the Astors and the Vanderbilts (among others of their ilk) acted during the Gilded Age. As far as I'm concerned, this is when true helicopter parenting was invented, and they did it without social media (more's the pity!) Mother's today could take some lessons.
I've done a lot of reading about both families, and I think I can safely say that this book is accurate except for a few things.
I loved the gossipy backbiting, spite, greed, and everything else that this book gave me. A beach read? Most assuredly!
I have also read and reviewed Park Avenue Summer (by the same author). I highly recommend this book to add to your summer reading list...especially if you grew up with the magazine Cosmopolitan.
* ARC supplied by the publisher, the author, and Edelweiss.
I've done a lot of reading about both families, and I think I can safely say that this book is accurate except for a few things.
I loved the gossipy backbiting, spite, greed, and everything else that this book gave me. A beach read? Most assuredly!
I have also read and reviewed Park Avenue Summer (by the same author). I highly recommend this book to add to your summer reading list...especially if you grew up with the magazine Cosmopolitan.
* ARC supplied by the publisher, the author, and Edelweiss.
February 24, 2021
What I love about Renee Rosen is that she writes about other historical periods aside from World War II. She always finds ways to make each period of time interesting and accessible. Having said that, she has outdone herself with her latest novel, The Social Graces.
Truth be told, I never had much interest in the Gilded Age, but Renee, in her typical fashion, really brought it to life and made it feel interesting to me. While some things were fictionalized (which she mentioned in her author's note), there was a lot of history sprinkled in. For instance, I now understand how a certain hotel in New York City got its name.
I loved the societal rivalry between Caroline and Alva and how they kept trying to one-up each other. I also felt sorry for both of them because there were things going on behind the scenes that were difficult and heartbreaking for them. I loved Caroline's friendship with her butler and Alva's with her husband's uncle. As usual, the descriptions were great and really made everything easy to visualize.
Renee has easily become one of my go-to historical fiction novelists, whom I love recommending to other readers. I still have two of her earlier novels to read and I look forward to checking those out soon!
Due to large span of time, this novel was hard to cast as a movie, but here is who I first envisioned as the two main socialites:
Truth be told, I never had much interest in the Gilded Age, but Renee, in her typical fashion, really brought it to life and made it feel interesting to me. While some things were fictionalized (which she mentioned in her author's note), there was a lot of history sprinkled in. For instance, I now understand how a certain hotel in New York City got its name.
I loved the societal rivalry between Caroline and Alva and how they kept trying to one-up each other. I also felt sorry for both of them because there were things going on behind the scenes that were difficult and heartbreaking for them. I loved Caroline's friendship with her butler and Alva's with her husband's uncle. As usual, the descriptions were great and really made everything easy to visualize.
Renee has easily become one of my go-to historical fiction novelists, whom I love recommending to other readers. I still have two of her earlier novels to read and I look forward to checking those out soon!
Due to large span of time, this novel was hard to cast as a movie, but here is who I first envisioned as the two main socialites:
Alva: Anya Taylor-Joy
Caroline: Sarah Paulson
April 22, 2021
How can you get yourself into the upper crust of society?
We find out, and we find out it isn't always the best place to be.
Those in the upper social circles must follow all the social rules and proper etiquette.
You can't marry who you love if they aren't in the social status deemed appropriate.
You can’t visit unless you have left a calling card.
We meet Caroline Astor and Alva Vanderbilt - one woman who has control of society, and the other trying to get invited into society.
Both women went to great lengths to be on top and in the right circles. They also suffer personal tragedies along the way.
All the properness wasn't for me and the societal competition was intense as they tried to outdo each other with lavish homes and parties.
I couldn’t imagine following all those social protocols or those arranged marriages.
I actually chuckled at some of the “rules” they had to follow.
I did love the talk of fashions and gowns. I looked up Worth gowns...gorgeous.
I also looked up the Petite Chateau that was built by Alva Vanderbilt on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan to outdo Caroline Astor...wow!!
Ms. Rosen once again brought the characters and how things were during this time to life.
Ms. Rosen’s as-always wonderful writing style and marvelous research will keep your interest as you read of the antics of these women and these times.
If you enjoy the Guilded age and seeing how the mega wealthy lived, you will enjoy SOCIAL GRACES. 4/5
This book was given to me by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
We find out, and we find out it isn't always the best place to be.
Those in the upper social circles must follow all the social rules and proper etiquette.
You can't marry who you love if they aren't in the social status deemed appropriate.
You can’t visit unless you have left a calling card.
We meet Caroline Astor and Alva Vanderbilt - one woman who has control of society, and the other trying to get invited into society.
Both women went to great lengths to be on top and in the right circles. They also suffer personal tragedies along the way.
All the properness wasn't for me and the societal competition was intense as they tried to outdo each other with lavish homes and parties.
I couldn’t imagine following all those social protocols or those arranged marriages.
I actually chuckled at some of the “rules” they had to follow.
I did love the talk of fashions and gowns. I looked up Worth gowns...gorgeous.
I also looked up the Petite Chateau that was built by Alva Vanderbilt on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan to outdo Caroline Astor...wow!!
Ms. Rosen once again brought the characters and how things were during this time to life.
Ms. Rosen’s as-always wonderful writing style and marvelous research will keep your interest as you read of the antics of these women and these times.
If you enjoy the Guilded age and seeing how the mega wealthy lived, you will enjoy SOCIAL GRACES. 4/5
This book was given to me by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 23, 2021
DNF at 30 percent
I've read several books in the past couple of years about prominent women of the Golden Age (The Glitter and the Gold, American Duchess, A Well-Behaved Woman, and The American Heiress), and enjoyed them all. But at the 30-percent mark of The Social Graces, I still wasn't engaged. I found the writing flat, the bouncing between voices distracting, and the well-covered ground boring. I realize that I'm in the minority here, but I believe that there are much better sources for a fictionalized account of women of the Golden Age.
Not recommended.
I've read several books in the past couple of years about prominent women of the Golden Age (The Glitter and the Gold, American Duchess, A Well-Behaved Woman, and The American Heiress), and enjoyed them all. But at the 30-percent mark of The Social Graces, I still wasn't engaged. I found the writing flat, the bouncing between voices distracting, and the well-covered ground boring. I realize that I'm in the minority here, but I believe that there are much better sources for a fictionalized account of women of the Golden Age.
Not recommended.
April 10, 2021
This is a fabulous book, set in New York City's Gilded Age, about the rivalry between the storied Mrs. Astor and newcomer Alva Vanderbilt. A fun peek behind the curtain into the lives of NYC's historic rich and famous. Out April 20!
July 2, 2025
First, Renee Rosen is a solid writer of historical fiction— she’s clearly done her homework when she wrote this book which features the reigning queens of the Gilded Age— Mrs. Carrie Astor (held the title the longest) and the younger, Mrs. Alva Vanderbilt (who spent a lifetime and a literal fortune finding her place in NY society). Oddly, while the Astors might have considered themselves “old money” compared to the new monied Vanderbilts— both families’ fortunes came from less than squeaky clean businesses.
I’ve been on quite a Gilded Age tear and if you really want to learn more, pick up Anderson Coopers’ non-fiction accounts of his own Vanderbilt family (being a Vanderbilt grandson may have been why this one has been my favorite so far) and the Astor family (it was good, but not as enlightening). And because of those books (and several others I’ve read in the past), I couldn’t give this HF-account of the real-life Astor-Vanderbilt social battle as high of a rating. I’d say this is a great introduction to the topic. It was also a better look at Carrie Astor than Alva Vanderbilt.
Although I learned some new things, I felt like it only scratched the surface — sometimes Ms Rosen would catch up several character threads in the same chapter. I can’t believe I’m saying this but if she added another 100 pages then I might have been more satisfied.
The strength of this account is the time the reader gets to spend with Carrie and Alva individually — we learn more about how they were raised and for each, that certainly shed light on why they acted as they did (especially related how they each “married off” their progeny).
If there ever was a real-life tale that says, “money isn’t everything,” their story is it.
It may not have been covered in this book, but it boggles the mind (or at least my mihd) that these two robber-baron families made and lost their GINOROMOUS fortunes in less than 4-5 generations. By the time Carrie and Alva’s children had arrived, the machinations within each family to “get what was their’s” were in major motion.
In conclusion, think NY Housewives of the 19th Century and that should give you an idea of how much you’d have wanted to hang with these society schemers! (Okay, I totally would have been the type to want to land an invite to one of Alva’s magnificent parties… if not to land a rich hubby, then to sit back with my champagne and silently judge the lot of them!!)
(Reviewed 6/26/25)
I’ve been on quite a Gilded Age tear and if you really want to learn more, pick up Anderson Coopers’ non-fiction accounts of his own Vanderbilt family (being a Vanderbilt grandson may have been why this one has been my favorite so far) and the Astor family (it was good, but not as enlightening). And because of those books (and several others I’ve read in the past), I couldn’t give this HF-account of the real-life Astor-Vanderbilt social battle as high of a rating. I’d say this is a great introduction to the topic. It was also a better look at Carrie Astor than Alva Vanderbilt.
Although I learned some new things, I felt like it only scratched the surface — sometimes Ms Rosen would catch up several character threads in the same chapter. I can’t believe I’m saying this but if she added another 100 pages then I might have been more satisfied.
The strength of this account is the time the reader gets to spend with Carrie and Alva individually — we learn more about how they were raised and for each, that certainly shed light on why they acted as they did (especially related how they each “married off” their progeny).
If there ever was a real-life tale that says, “money isn’t everything,” their story is it.
It may not have been covered in this book, but it boggles the mind (or at least my mihd) that these two robber-baron families made and lost their GINOROMOUS fortunes in less than 4-5 generations. By the time Carrie and Alva’s children had arrived, the machinations within each family to “get what was their’s” were in major motion.
In conclusion, think NY Housewives of the 19th Century and that should give you an idea of how much you’d have wanted to hang with these society schemers! (Okay, I totally would have been the type to want to land an invite to one of Alva’s magnificent parties… if not to land a rich hubby, then to sit back with my champagne and silently judge the lot of them!!)
(Reviewed 6/26/25)
June 3, 2022
What a fun read!
The Social Graces starts in 1876, when Caroline Astor ruled New York society. Along comes Alva Vanderbilt, who recently married into the wealthy Vanderbilt family and longs to be accepted by the cream of society. But Caroline Astor will not accept her, since the Vanderbilt money comes from railroads and they are a part of the nouveau riche. This starts a rivalry that lasts for decades, each woman trying to out snob the other.
Everything about the Gilded Age is so over the top: the mansions, the balls, the gowns, the jewelry…everything! The summer “cottages” in Newport, RI are beyond belief, especially since they are really referred to as “cottages.” I visited Newport a few years ago and bought a book about the cottages. Alma’s Marble House is truly spectacular…Caroline’s Beachwood mansion does look puny in comparison. Towards the end of the book, both women attend what was probably the last grand ball of the Gilded Age: the Bradley Martin Ball. It was a masquerade ball that was completely over the top, in terms of costumes, food and accoutrements. Caroline paid $60K for her gown (over 2 million in 2022 dollars) and it was so laden with diamonds and gold that she could barely stay standing due to its weight and once she sat down, she needed help getting up.
Each chapter is told from either Caroline’s or Alva’s perspective, but the best chapters are the ones titled “Society” which act as a Greek chorus commenting on Caroline and Alva and society in general. (These chapters reminded me of the neighborhood chapters in The Good Neighborhood by Therese Anne Fowler. There is just enough insight and snark to make them fun.)
If you are a fan of the Gilded Age, or want to know a bit more about the Astors and the Vanderbilts, this is the book for you.
Renee Rosen is becoming a favorite author!
A definite recommend.
The Social Graces starts in 1876, when Caroline Astor ruled New York society. Along comes Alva Vanderbilt, who recently married into the wealthy Vanderbilt family and longs to be accepted by the cream of society. But Caroline Astor will not accept her, since the Vanderbilt money comes from railroads and they are a part of the nouveau riche. This starts a rivalry that lasts for decades, each woman trying to out snob the other.
Everything about the Gilded Age is so over the top: the mansions, the balls, the gowns, the jewelry…everything! The summer “cottages” in Newport, RI are beyond belief, especially since they are really referred to as “cottages.” I visited Newport a few years ago and bought a book about the cottages. Alma’s Marble House is truly spectacular…Caroline’s Beachwood mansion does look puny in comparison. Towards the end of the book, both women attend what was probably the last grand ball of the Gilded Age: the Bradley Martin Ball. It was a masquerade ball that was completely over the top, in terms of costumes, food and accoutrements. Caroline paid $60K for her gown (over 2 million in 2022 dollars) and it was so laden with diamonds and gold that she could barely stay standing due to its weight and once she sat down, she needed help getting up.
Each chapter is told from either Caroline’s or Alva’s perspective, but the best chapters are the ones titled “Society” which act as a Greek chorus commenting on Caroline and Alva and society in general. (These chapters reminded me of the neighborhood chapters in The Good Neighborhood by Therese Anne Fowler. There is just enough insight and snark to make them fun.)
If you are a fan of the Gilded Age, or want to know a bit more about the Astors and the Vanderbilts, this is the book for you.
Renee Rosen is becoming a favorite author!
A definite recommend.
June 28, 2022
3-1/2*
As much fun as I had reading this novel it was impossible to ignore the underlying feeling of distaste I had towards these mindless, superficial, people displaying their ostentatious wealth for no other reason but to outdo and out shine each other with more jewels, bigger houses and more outlandish parties. For what?
Caroline Astor and Alva Vanderbilt are recognizable names and I found the author’s take on these women interesting as much had to come for the author’s imagination.
Ms. Rosen wrote a good book because at the end I could only feel sorry and sad for the people who lived such wasted lives when they had so much and could have done so much more apart from lavish parties.
Alva: “She wondered if the conspicuous consumption they feasted upon would be the very thing that would eventually choke the life out of them.” It appears that it did.
As much fun as I had reading this novel it was impossible to ignore the underlying feeling of distaste I had towards these mindless, superficial, people displaying their ostentatious wealth for no other reason but to outdo and out shine each other with more jewels, bigger houses and more outlandish parties. For what?
Caroline Astor and Alva Vanderbilt are recognizable names and I found the author’s take on these women interesting as much had to come for the author’s imagination.
Ms. Rosen wrote a good book because at the end I could only feel sorry and sad for the people who lived such wasted lives when they had so much and could have done so much more apart from lavish parties.
Alva: “She wondered if the conspicuous consumption they feasted upon would be the very thing that would eventually choke the life out of them.” It appears that it did.
August 26, 2022
I greatly enjoyed this listen! Renee Rosen does a deep dive into the rivalry and times of Caroline Astor and Alva Vanderbilt, and women in the late 1800's to the early 1900's as seen through the Gilded Age. And its a doozy. First, we are entered into what society "looks" like and how it operates. First, there is the conflict between the Knickerbockers (The Astors and others with old money and old lineage) and the nouveau-riche like the Vanderbilts, the and others. The author worked to discover what might have motivated and made them "tick". She did a great job bringing these women, and their rivalry to life.
So what happened to make the Gilded Age disappear? First, there was the nouveau-riche trying to horn in, and when they couldn't making their own "society" and making a run for the power. Then there were their children either dying or disappointing by actually wishing to marry for love. That was a big problem. There was a huge class distinction, and when some of these women began to realize that people outside of them were starving, and that their ostentatious balls were an affront to the way others were living by comparison, for a few, it did stick in the throat. Then there was the suffrage movement, and the women in these circles began to consider what price they were paying for their opulent lifestyle, and to begin to consider whether or not they, their daughters, or women in general would be better off with some rights and some power.
The book is written from three points of view. Centrally and primarily from Caroline Astor and Alva Vanderbilt, but occasionally from the third voice of "Society". Which I thought added a lot. I thought that viewpoint really elucidated the changes in how society was thinking and feeling and moving, but also how they saw these women and their changing roles and that of their powerful families. I thought the whole thing was very well done.
Just before starting the audio, I saw the first episode of the Gilded Age. I did want to dovetail the two experiences together, but I am kind of glad that I was able to finish the book first. But the pilot of the Gilded Age does elucidate this exact starting place of the rivalry between the Knickerbockers and the nouveauriche. And where the power play of society begins. And the extent and limitations of women in this society.
I love Renee Rosen, and no one does New York the way that she does. She is a living history of women in New York, from the Suffrage Movement that emerged from the Gilded Age, to Park Avenue Summer, which I also loved, that showed where women were at in the 50's and 60's and 70's. What an incredible resource we have in her, and an incredibly fun ride. Well done, RR. I greatly enjoyed it.
So what happened to make the Gilded Age disappear? First, there was the nouveau-riche trying to horn in, and when they couldn't making their own "society" and making a run for the power. Then there were their children either dying or disappointing by actually wishing to marry for love. That was a big problem. There was a huge class distinction, and when some of these women began to realize that people outside of them were starving, and that their ostentatious balls were an affront to the way others were living by comparison, for a few, it did stick in the throat. Then there was the suffrage movement, and the women in these circles began to consider what price they were paying for their opulent lifestyle, and to begin to consider whether or not they, their daughters, or women in general would be better off with some rights and some power.
The book is written from three points of view. Centrally and primarily from Caroline Astor and Alva Vanderbilt, but occasionally from the third voice of "Society". Which I thought added a lot. I thought that viewpoint really elucidated the changes in how society was thinking and feeling and moving, but also how they saw these women and their changing roles and that of their powerful families. I thought the whole thing was very well done.
Just before starting the audio, I saw the first episode of the Gilded Age. I did want to dovetail the two experiences together, but I am kind of glad that I was able to finish the book first. But the pilot of the Gilded Age does elucidate this exact starting place of the rivalry between the Knickerbockers and the nouveauriche. And where the power play of society begins. And the extent and limitations of women in this society.
I love Renee Rosen, and no one does New York the way that she does. She is a living history of women in New York, from the Suffrage Movement that emerged from the Gilded Age, to Park Avenue Summer, which I also loved, that showed where women were at in the 50's and 60's and 70's. What an incredible resource we have in her, and an incredibly fun ride. Well done, RR. I greatly enjoyed it.
April 11, 2021
An Informative and Interesting Story of the Rivalry Between the Astor and the Vanderbilt women.
SUMMARY
Alva Smith of Mobile, Alabama has recently married into the Vanderbilt’s, one of America’s richest families. She is still getting use to their exorbitant tastes, and the fact that despite their wealth the Vanderbilts were looked down upon by the likes of the Astors and other Knickerbocker families. Alva, who came from having nothing, will do whatever it takes to elevate the family’s social standing. But she is thwarted at every move by Caroline Astor, the most powerful hostess in New York. Mrs. Astor refuses to invite the Vanderbilts to her lavish parties; allow them on the board of her Opera House; or even receive Alva at her home. Based on true event, Mrs. Vanderbilt battles to be recognized and accepted by Mrs. Astor for over three decades.
REVIEW
THE SOCIAL GRACES by Renée Rosen is a much appreciated historical fiction novel of the Gilded Age in New York between 1876 to 1908. It’s a time of entitlement, opulence, lavish parties and greed.
Rosen’s writing skillfully transports into the beautiful homes and parties in both Newport and New York. She brings Alva and Caroline to life through their obsession with society, their reactions to gossip, and their never-ending family dramas of husband infidelities and daughters who refuse to marry the man picked for them.
The story was interesting and extremely well-researched. I appreciated the strength of Rosen’s characters, particularly the determined Alva. The story is told from alternating chapters from not one, not two but three perspectives, Alva’s, Caroline’s and Society’s. The Society chapters seemingly added little value and disrupted the flow of the story
Rosen does a good job infusing fact with fiction to create an entertaining and enlightening story. Clarity for the differentiation between invention and reality is provided in her Author’s Notes, which is a vital component for historical fiction novels about actual people and events.
Rosen lives in Chicago. Her previous novels include Park Avenue Summer is the bestselling author of Park Avenue Summer, Windy City Blues, White Collar Girl, What the Lady Wants and Dollface.
Thanks to Netgalley for an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Publisher Berkley
Published April 20, 2021
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com
#Bluestockingreviews #FindingGreatReads #ReadItLoveIt #ReadingIsFun #books #netgalley
SUMMARY
Alva Smith of Mobile, Alabama has recently married into the Vanderbilt’s, one of America’s richest families. She is still getting use to their exorbitant tastes, and the fact that despite their wealth the Vanderbilts were looked down upon by the likes of the Astors and other Knickerbocker families. Alva, who came from having nothing, will do whatever it takes to elevate the family’s social standing. But she is thwarted at every move by Caroline Astor, the most powerful hostess in New York. Mrs. Astor refuses to invite the Vanderbilts to her lavish parties; allow them on the board of her Opera House; or even receive Alva at her home. Based on true event, Mrs. Vanderbilt battles to be recognized and accepted by Mrs. Astor for over three decades.
REVIEW
THE SOCIAL GRACES by Renée Rosen is a much appreciated historical fiction novel of the Gilded Age in New York between 1876 to 1908. It’s a time of entitlement, opulence, lavish parties and greed.
Rosen’s writing skillfully transports into the beautiful homes and parties in both Newport and New York. She brings Alva and Caroline to life through their obsession with society, their reactions to gossip, and their never-ending family dramas of husband infidelities and daughters who refuse to marry the man picked for them.
The story was interesting and extremely well-researched. I appreciated the strength of Rosen’s characters, particularly the determined Alva. The story is told from alternating chapters from not one, not two but three perspectives, Alva’s, Caroline’s and Society’s. The Society chapters seemingly added little value and disrupted the flow of the story
Rosen does a good job infusing fact with fiction to create an entertaining and enlightening story. Clarity for the differentiation between invention and reality is provided in her Author’s Notes, which is a vital component for historical fiction novels about actual people and events.
Rosen lives in Chicago. Her previous novels include Park Avenue Summer is the bestselling author of Park Avenue Summer, Windy City Blues, White Collar Girl, What the Lady Wants and Dollface.
Thanks to Netgalley for an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Publisher Berkley
Published April 20, 2021
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com
#Bluestockingreviews #FindingGreatReads #ReadItLoveIt #ReadingIsFun #books #netgalley
September 26, 2021
How can we be expected to empathize with Caroline Astor and Alva Vanderbilt, two fantastically wealthy women who were motivated by elitism and snobbishness, and whose main goal in life was to be at the very pinnacle of society? The triumph of this captivating novel is that Renée Rosen makes us care about them both. She digs beneath the surface to show us their vulnerabilities as well as their strengths, so we can understand why they were so obsessed with the minutiae of their social standing, and appreciate all that was at stake in the rivalry between Old Money and New Money.
Women couldn’t have careers in the 1870s, although it’s clear that both Caroline and Alva had the skills to be CEOs of large corporations had they lived in the 21st century. They couldn’t vote, and had to put up with philandering husbands in an era when divorce meant social suicide. But boy could these women throw parties! That’s where they got to use their imagination and managerial skills. The colourful descriptions of their ever-more-fantastical balls are mesmerising. The opulence of the mansions Alva commissioned in Manhattan and Newport is staggering. The myriad gowns, the bejewelled party favours, the menus – all the perfectly researched detail builds an unforgettable picture of the excesses of the Gilded Age.
Both women had been raised to value social success at all costs, and they automatically try to pass their values onto their own children – and this is where the novel gets darker. Some moments are gasp-out-loud shocking. No spoilers here, except to say that I found their fates very moving.
The novel is narrated alternately by Caroline and Alva, with occasional chapters by a Greek chorus voice of Society, telling us how their peers viewed the action. It’s an appropriate device in a novel about two women striving to rule society, in that it shows us the superficiality of the very people they were trying to impress.
The Social Graces is vividly written, character-led historical fiction based on fact, and I found it unputdownable. Renée Rosen is one of my new favourite authors.
Women couldn’t have careers in the 1870s, although it’s clear that both Caroline and Alva had the skills to be CEOs of large corporations had they lived in the 21st century. They couldn’t vote, and had to put up with philandering husbands in an era when divorce meant social suicide. But boy could these women throw parties! That’s where they got to use their imagination and managerial skills. The colourful descriptions of their ever-more-fantastical balls are mesmerising. The opulence of the mansions Alva commissioned in Manhattan and Newport is staggering. The myriad gowns, the bejewelled party favours, the menus – all the perfectly researched detail builds an unforgettable picture of the excesses of the Gilded Age.
Both women had been raised to value social success at all costs, and they automatically try to pass their values onto their own children – and this is where the novel gets darker. Some moments are gasp-out-loud shocking. No spoilers here, except to say that I found their fates very moving.
The novel is narrated alternately by Caroline and Alva, with occasional chapters by a Greek chorus voice of Society, telling us how their peers viewed the action. It’s an appropriate device in a novel about two women striving to rule society, in that it shows us the superficiality of the very people they were trying to impress.
The Social Graces is vividly written, character-led historical fiction based on fact, and I found it unputdownable. Renée Rosen is one of my new favourite authors.
July 24, 2021
Very satisfactory. I enjoy reading about this era- “The Gilded Age”, as coined by Mark Twain- and author Rene Rosen added dimension to the most famous of the “grande dames” during this period. Caroline Astor is portrayed most sympathetically - where previous accounts I’ve read about her have been far less kind; the background into The Four Hundred was very interesting- not all Mrs. Astor’s doing, yet the competition for status between Old Money (Knickerbockers) and the nouveau riche was ostentatious and beyond belief in the displays of opulence, nevertheless.
The contrast between Alva Vanderbilt and Caroline Astor is well done, and the reflection on women’s status in the world is poignant; their daughters would go on to become suffragettes when they themselves battled for any power they might attain through their positions “ in Society”.
Many bits of trivia which I found delightful- not being a New Yorker - the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel came into existence due to the competition between Waldorf Astor’s hotel and Caroline Astor then building The Astoria on the site of her previous landmark home; the two buildings became one business, in the end.
3.5 stars
The contrast between Alva Vanderbilt and Caroline Astor is well done, and the reflection on women’s status in the world is poignant; their daughters would go on to become suffragettes when they themselves battled for any power they might attain through their positions “ in Society”.
Many bits of trivia which I found delightful- not being a New Yorker - the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel came into existence due to the competition between Waldorf Astor’s hotel and Caroline Astor then building The Astoria on the site of her previous landmark home; the two buildings became one business, in the end.
3.5 stars
June 21, 2023
Read this one since the Storygraph app suggested it to me (I'm trying out their recommendations this year to see if they have better luck at pointing me in the direction fiction I'll love since I pick up some real howlers when left to my own devices). I'm assuming the algorithm thought The Social Graces was a Rules of Civility-readalike and therefore I should love it. That didn't exactly happen.
Rosen succeeded in making the wealthy historical characters of the Gilded Age come alive on the page, but she insisting on covering so much ground time-wise that reading the book felt like sprinting through the era.
Click here to hear more of my thoughts on this book over on my Booktube channel, abookolive!
Rosen succeeded in making the wealthy historical characters of the Gilded Age come alive on the page, but she insisting on covering so much ground time-wise that reading the book felt like sprinting through the era.
Click here to hear more of my thoughts on this book over on my Booktube channel, abookolive!
December 11, 2020
4.5 All That Sparkles Stars
* * * * 1/2 Spoiler Free-A Quick Review
It was a time when women had few choices...no outside work or having any say in their lives outside of which designer to use for the next frock/gown or who to invite to the next ball. Women's power did not play out in the workplace or with the vote.
No, their power during these restricted times was who they would accept into society and their circles. If you were of a bloodline of wealth and prestigious lineage, then acceptance was the norm. There would be a pecking order but you were guaranteed a place at the table.
But if you married into wealth not from "family money", then you were classified as "New Money", something to look down on. You were not pedigreed, a commoner trying to rise up.
Now, these were times far from ours now...but in reality, many of those rules and "class" differences still come into play today. It isn't right but old "traditions" die hard.
This is a very entertaining and interesting story about the times and relationships that happened during them. The main players are Caroline Astor—Mrs. Astor, of the Old Money and the Upstart, Alva Vanderbilt.
These two women square off and we get to be the fly on the wall. All the ambition, dislike, cruelty, and even heart is revealed. Well done.
The Social Graces
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
A gifted copy provided by Berkley Publishing Group via NetGalley for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * * 1/2 Spoiler Free-A Quick Review
It was a time when women had few choices...no outside work or having any say in their lives outside of which designer to use for the next frock/gown or who to invite to the next ball. Women's power did not play out in the workplace or with the vote.
No, their power during these restricted times was who they would accept into society and their circles. If you were of a bloodline of wealth and prestigious lineage, then acceptance was the norm. There would be a pecking order but you were guaranteed a place at the table.
But if you married into wealth not from "family money", then you were classified as "New Money", something to look down on. You were not pedigreed, a commoner trying to rise up.
Now, these were times far from ours now...but in reality, many of those rules and "class" differences still come into play today. It isn't right but old "traditions" die hard.
This is a very entertaining and interesting story about the times and relationships that happened during them. The main players are Caroline Astor—Mrs. Astor, of the Old Money and the Upstart, Alva Vanderbilt.
These two women square off and we get to be the fly on the wall. All the ambition, dislike, cruelty, and even heart is revealed. Well done.
The Social Graceshttps://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
A gifted copy provided by Berkley Publishing Group via NetGalley for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
April 20, 2021
The Gilded Age comes alive in Renee Rosen’s new novel, The Social Graces. Caroline Astor is the undisputed doyen of New York society who decides who will be invited to the most exclusive balls and events. Alva Erskine Smith has married into the wealthy Vanderbilt family, members of the nouveau riche. Alva is determined to break into Caroline’s world and will stop at nothing to get there.
This is a scintillating plunge into a world of outlandish parties, lavish feasts and all the trappings of the later part of the 18th century. Caroline and Ava come alive under the skillful pen of Rosen; we are given a glimpse into their world, both the good and the outrageous. Despite their rivalry both women have much in common, the wish for happiness for their children and well as the hopes for happiness in their own lives.
Rosen’s skillful writing, clever dialogue and wonderful descriptions bring the world of the Gilded Age and these two intriguing characters to life. I highly recommend this new novel to fans of historical fiction, especially of the Gilded Age, as well as fans of women’s fiction and book clubs.
Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for the e-ARC.
This is a scintillating plunge into a world of outlandish parties, lavish feasts and all the trappings of the later part of the 18th century. Caroline and Ava come alive under the skillful pen of Rosen; we are given a glimpse into their world, both the good and the outrageous. Despite their rivalry both women have much in common, the wish for happiness for their children and well as the hopes for happiness in their own lives.
Rosen’s skillful writing, clever dialogue and wonderful descriptions bring the world of the Gilded Age and these two intriguing characters to life. I highly recommend this new novel to fans of historical fiction, especially of the Gilded Age, as well as fans of women’s fiction and book clubs.
Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for the e-ARC.
October 3, 2021
The Gilded Age comes to lavish life in this tale of the rivalry between Alva Vanderbilt and Caroline Astor. Alva is a woman who know what it means to have nothing; Caroline is a woman tenaciously holding onto the Knickerbocker views of wealth being inherited rather than made. What begins with a snub turns into a decades long feud as the two attempt to outdo one another and rule the one realm in which women hold court—high society. Reading this story was like catching up on the latest salacious historical gossip, and I found it endlessly entertaining. The characters are fully realized, the writing is engaging, and the research that went into this story based on the real life feud was extensive. I loved reading about the conventions and traditions of late-19th century New York and gaining a better understanding of the extreme rules women of high society were required to follow. This is a tale of obsession, determination, and discovering what is truly worth fighting for.
April 20, 2021
I loved this book so much!!!!!!!!! I read this one in one day!!!! Renee Rosen's books have always been a social delight and this newest one does not disappoint. I love the high society and drama in this book. It was a pleasure to read and learn about society in the 1800's. You never really hear about the high class women in the 1800's and I highly recommend this book to everyone. Thank you to Berkley and Edelweiss for my early review copy
April 30, 2021
Thirty years after the Civil War, there became a stark divide between the incredibly wealthy and the nation’s poor. And no place showed the differences between the haves and have-nots than New York City in the late 19th century. And within this group of wealthy families, there was another divide. It was between the old monied, Knickerbocker families and the nouveau riche. The queen of high society was Caroline Astor. A woman so powerful and well-known that her calling card simply read: The Mrs. Astor. But times were changing and a new group of rich families were emerging and no one was wealthier and more determined to enter society than Alva, wife of William K. Vanderbilt.
In The Social Graces, author Renée Rosen, author of the wonderful Park Avenue Summer, takes us behind the scenes into the magnificent mansions of New York City and the summer cottages of Newport during the Gilded Age. The book is told from three points of view – Caroline, Alva and “Society”. The rivalry between Caroline and Alva is the central part of this engaging book. First Alva is shut out by Caroline from all social events but through cunning and smarts, she is able to turn the tables and become the woman everyone wants to attend their parties. But this is more than a catty play for a presence at a sumptuous ball. Rosen, through excellent research and her own creativity, helps us understand these women. They were daughters, sisters, mothers and wives. And the wealthy men who they married had all the freedom in the family. Marriages based on love were rare. Affairs were commonplace. Divorce was unheard of. Alva, whose own family had wealth and then lost it all, starts to see the disparity between the life she enjoys and the life most people lead. As the women’s suffrage movement grows, Alva has an opportunity to show her support. Caroline too has to evolve.
As a fan of historical fiction, The Social Graces was a very enjoyable book. It’s a light read that will keep you googling to see photos of the people, the homes, the balls, the gowns, the jewelry. Be sure to read the Author’s Note at the end which details where Rosen separates fact from fiction.
Many thanks to Berkley / Penguin Publishing Group, Edelweiss and the author for the opportunity to read this book in advance of its publication.
Rated 4.5 stars.
Review posted on MicheleReader.com .
In The Social Graces, author Renée Rosen, author of the wonderful Park Avenue Summer, takes us behind the scenes into the magnificent mansions of New York City and the summer cottages of Newport during the Gilded Age. The book is told from three points of view – Caroline, Alva and “Society”. The rivalry between Caroline and Alva is the central part of this engaging book. First Alva is shut out by Caroline from all social events but through cunning and smarts, she is able to turn the tables and become the woman everyone wants to attend their parties. But this is more than a catty play for a presence at a sumptuous ball. Rosen, through excellent research and her own creativity, helps us understand these women. They were daughters, sisters, mothers and wives. And the wealthy men who they married had all the freedom in the family. Marriages based on love were rare. Affairs were commonplace. Divorce was unheard of. Alva, whose own family had wealth and then lost it all, starts to see the disparity between the life she enjoys and the life most people lead. As the women’s suffrage movement grows, Alva has an opportunity to show her support. Caroline too has to evolve.
As a fan of historical fiction, The Social Graces was a very enjoyable book. It’s a light read that will keep you googling to see photos of the people, the homes, the balls, the gowns, the jewelry. Be sure to read the Author’s Note at the end which details where Rosen separates fact from fiction.
Many thanks to Berkley / Penguin Publishing Group, Edelweiss and the author for the opportunity to read this book in advance of its publication.
Rated 4.5 stars.
Review posted on MicheleReader.com .
May 17, 2021
Renee Rosen is an author who has been on my radar for years but one of her books just hasn’t found it’s way onto my nightstand yet! Last spring I was part of the cover reveal for this one and ever since then I have been dying to read this one. That cover is absolutely stunning and I love a well done historical fiction novel.
The historical fiction genre is flooded with books set in WWII and the Tudor period so a book like this one stands out as unique simply for the time period it’s set in. Plus the lush backdrop of the uber rich promises something entirely different and feels like a decadent read. I haven’t read a lot of books on the Vanderbilts or the Astors but I of course know the family names and some of their history.
I was eager to check this one out because I hoped to read something that was fairly historically accurate about families that I know some history about but that might dive in deeper to their lives. Plus I won’t say no to a high society gossip read! I sat down to read this one, that was slightly on the longer side (400 ish pages) and was transported. I read it in a couple of days and enjoyed all the Gilded Age had to offer in this one!
Rosen has an absolutely wonderful story telling style! It beautiful without being over the top or flowery. Her writing felt genuine and intelligent. I loved how well researched the characters and the history was. I don’t know how much was fictionalized, but many of the historical elements meshed with what I know of the era and families. The characters felt fully realized and historically preserved and I loved reading about all the rules the women had to follow. I mean I know women have historically had to adhere to strict social rules depending on their status so this book did a great job highlighting those rules and constraints. I adored the descriptions of the gowns and society events as well! All the descriptions in this book felt accurate and opulent in the way that I expected from a book of this period.
This book is told through Caroline and Alva but what I really liked about this one was that the Society had it’s own clear voice in the narrative. I thought that was a unique perspective to add into this novel. Often in historical fiction, we get one or two POVs and through them we can explore ‘society’ and it’s various constraints but in this one the author gives the Society it’s own voice in the story which was unique for me and I really liked it and thought it added a lot to the story. I often found myself wondering what it would be like to live in a lifestyle or society like that. It sounded positively exhausting. All the opulence and riches, while a nice bonus, didn’t buy happiness and the author does a great job highlighting that in this book.
The author did a ton of research and this book spans over a good chunk of time. Her research skills and the way she incorporated all her knowledge and research into the novel really made it sparkle like a diamond at a society party! I have been in a reading slump lately and this book pulled me out of it and gave me all the feelings. It was well written, entertaining, and just wonderful. I will definitely be reading more by Rosen in the future. If you love historical fiction, you NEED this one on your radar!
See my full review here
The historical fiction genre is flooded with books set in WWII and the Tudor period so a book like this one stands out as unique simply for the time period it’s set in. Plus the lush backdrop of the uber rich promises something entirely different and feels like a decadent read. I haven’t read a lot of books on the Vanderbilts or the Astors but I of course know the family names and some of their history.
I was eager to check this one out because I hoped to read something that was fairly historically accurate about families that I know some history about but that might dive in deeper to their lives. Plus I won’t say no to a high society gossip read! I sat down to read this one, that was slightly on the longer side (400 ish pages) and was transported. I read it in a couple of days and enjoyed all the Gilded Age had to offer in this one!
Rosen has an absolutely wonderful story telling style! It beautiful without being over the top or flowery. Her writing felt genuine and intelligent. I loved how well researched the characters and the history was. I don’t know how much was fictionalized, but many of the historical elements meshed with what I know of the era and families. The characters felt fully realized and historically preserved and I loved reading about all the rules the women had to follow. I mean I know women have historically had to adhere to strict social rules depending on their status so this book did a great job highlighting those rules and constraints. I adored the descriptions of the gowns and society events as well! All the descriptions in this book felt accurate and opulent in the way that I expected from a book of this period.
This book is told through Caroline and Alva but what I really liked about this one was that the Society had it’s own clear voice in the narrative. I thought that was a unique perspective to add into this novel. Often in historical fiction, we get one or two POVs and through them we can explore ‘society’ and it’s various constraints but in this one the author gives the Society it’s own voice in the story which was unique for me and I really liked it and thought it added a lot to the story. I often found myself wondering what it would be like to live in a lifestyle or society like that. It sounded positively exhausting. All the opulence and riches, while a nice bonus, didn’t buy happiness and the author does a great job highlighting that in this book.
The author did a ton of research and this book spans over a good chunk of time. Her research skills and the way she incorporated all her knowledge and research into the novel really made it sparkle like a diamond at a society party! I have been in a reading slump lately and this book pulled me out of it and gave me all the feelings. It was well written, entertaining, and just wonderful. I will definitely be reading more by Rosen in the future. If you love historical fiction, you NEED this one on your radar!
See my full review here
July 27, 2025
Another entertaining historical fiction from Rene Rosen! Here, we enter the Gilded Age of the Astors and Vanderbilt and their mark on society. It's an enjoyable story.
May 1, 2021
The Social Graces is just one of those books that's so excellent I'm still thinking of it even though I'm done with it.
This is high society upper crust Manhattan during the Gilded Age . Society was everything and if you weren't part of high society you were a nothing and no one would associate with you they believed.
+
I really didn't know much about the Vanderbilts and the Astors.
What I found very interesting is this book is based on true events.
One woman marries into one of America's wealthiest families the other comes from a family who got theirs from the railroads.
These women had dizzying wealth beyond imagination but did they have true happiness? In my opinion no!
They were not satisfied with what they had they were in fierce competition with each other for their places in society while snubbing each other publicly and privately.
Nothing was enough,houses and yachts were never big enough,fashions had to be made by foreign seamstresses out of the country and balls were thrown so extravagantly they worried how they would top it with the next social event.
Did they have true love, I don't believe so. Marrying for their place in society was more important to them than love and they encouraged their children to do so as well.
Divorce was not something women initiated back then because if you did it would cause a scandal and the invites to balls and other high society ranking would go down, But when one woman did dare to stand up for herself see what happens by reading this absolutely mesmerizing book.
Pub Date 20 Apr 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
This is high society upper crust Manhattan during the Gilded Age . Society was everything and if you weren't part of high society you were a nothing and no one would associate with you they believed.
+
I really didn't know much about the Vanderbilts and the Astors.
What I found very interesting is this book is based on true events.
One woman marries into one of America's wealthiest families the other comes from a family who got theirs from the railroads.
These women had dizzying wealth beyond imagination but did they have true happiness? In my opinion no!
They were not satisfied with what they had they were in fierce competition with each other for their places in society while snubbing each other publicly and privately.
Nothing was enough,houses and yachts were never big enough,fashions had to be made by foreign seamstresses out of the country and balls were thrown so extravagantly they worried how they would top it with the next social event.
Did they have true love, I don't believe so. Marrying for their place in society was more important to them than love and they encouraged their children to do so as well.
Divorce was not something women initiated back then because if you did it would cause a scandal and the invites to balls and other high society ranking would go down, But when one woman did dare to stand up for herself see what happens by reading this absolutely mesmerizing book.
Pub Date 20 Apr 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
October 29, 2020
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
I just finished The Social Graces, and was left absolutely speechless. I adored this book and was so incredibly impressed with Renée Rosen's beautiful writing! Throughout the entirety of this book, I felt like I was right there with the character's living in high society during the Gilded Age, as that was how descriptive and intricate the details of each chapter were.
This was a beautiful story narrated by two main characters, Caroline Astor and Alva Vanderbilt, and their different viewpoints living in New York Society from the perspectives of new money vs. old money. Their ongoing feud and competition in society outlined this book and how women were solely defined by their roles in social society. Having connections and obtaining a position of high social status were of the upmost importance to women during this time period. Both characters proved to maintain their confidence no matter what obstacles got in their way, and they never faltered to lose their strength as confident women.
I can't express how much I enjoyed this book from start to finish. Renée Rosen knocked it out of the park with this one and I would recommend this to anyone who loves a good historical fiction novel!
I just finished The Social Graces, and was left absolutely speechless. I adored this book and was so incredibly impressed with Renée Rosen's beautiful writing! Throughout the entirety of this book, I felt like I was right there with the character's living in high society during the Gilded Age, as that was how descriptive and intricate the details of each chapter were.
This was a beautiful story narrated by two main characters, Caroline Astor and Alva Vanderbilt, and their different viewpoints living in New York Society from the perspectives of new money vs. old money. Their ongoing feud and competition in society outlined this book and how women were solely defined by their roles in social society. Having connections and obtaining a position of high social status were of the upmost importance to women during this time period. Both characters proved to maintain their confidence no matter what obstacles got in their way, and they never faltered to lose their strength as confident women.
I can't express how much I enjoyed this book from start to finish. Renée Rosen knocked it out of the park with this one and I would recommend this to anyone who loves a good historical fiction novel!
April 21, 2021
Let me tell you that The Social Graces by Renee Rosen is an epic tale of the secrets and lives of two very powerful women - Alva Vanderbilt and the Mrs. Astor. The struggle between these two women is intense as Alva Vanderbilt is determined to break into society and be accepted... Mrs. Astor is equally as determined to keep her and her new money out of society.. so thus the games begin.
Along the way, we meet fascinating people from history that keep the reader interested in reading just one more chapter every night until the book is devoured. Fascinating look at the pressure and privilege that come with being "society ".
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkeley for this advance review copy for me to read and enjoy!
#bookstagram #arc #newrelease
#historicalnovel
#BerkleyBuddyReads
#BerkleyWritesStrongWomen
Along the way, we meet fascinating people from history that keep the reader interested in reading just one more chapter every night until the book is devoured. Fascinating look at the pressure and privilege that come with being "society ".
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkeley for this advance review copy for me to read and enjoy!
#bookstagram #arc #newrelease
#historicalnovel
#BerkleyBuddyReads
#BerkleyWritesStrongWomen
May 5, 2021
Rounding this up to 3 stars....
I haven't read a book like this in a long time. One where there is really no point to it. I was expecting more scandal as we dove deeper into the "New York Elite" in the late 1800's. The Astors and the Vanderbilts...but there was barely a touch of scandal. It was party after party. She built a big house so I'm going to build a BIGGER house. All "Keeping up with the Joneses." It got old. The character development felt flat. We really didn't know these characters too well, which is so unfortunately because the premise was promising!
You might like this book if you like historical fiction stories set in NYC.
I haven't read a book like this in a long time. One where there is really no point to it. I was expecting more scandal as we dove deeper into the "New York Elite" in the late 1800's. The Astors and the Vanderbilts...but there was barely a touch of scandal. It was party after party. She built a big house so I'm going to build a BIGGER house. All "Keeping up with the Joneses." It got old. The character development felt flat. We really didn't know these characters too well, which is so unfortunately because the premise was promising!
You might like this book if you like historical fiction stories set in NYC.
February 25, 2024
DNF@55%
Unfortunately, this one wasn't for me. I can see why it's rated so highly with 5* reviews. It is well written. But, for me, the story pales in comparison to the tv series.
What I did learn:
This is the beginning of what we know as the tabloids, the dawn of celebrity culture, where the private lives of public figures became fodder for mass entertainment. Every move of the Astors and the Vanderbilts was watched and reported on.
Unfortunately, this one wasn't for me. I can see why it's rated so highly with 5* reviews. It is well written. But, for me, the story pales in comparison to the tv series.
What I did learn:
This is the beginning of what we know as the tabloids, the dawn of celebrity culture, where the private lives of public figures became fodder for mass entertainment. Every move of the Astors and the Vanderbilts was watched and reported on.
May 1, 2021
With scenes as opulent as any House of Worth ballgown, Renee Rosen's THE SOCIAL GRACES lets readers rub gloved elbows with the grand dames of the Gilded Age. Meticulously researched and eloquently written, the cutthroat rivalry between Caroline Astor and Alva Vanderbilt shows what it took to rule American high society... along with the sacrifices these women made to stay on top.
April 29, 2021
I really liked "The Social Graces". It was a refreshing read.
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