Review of Naked Truth
Posted: 01 Sep 2021, 17:03
[Following is a volunteer review of "Naked Truth" by Carrie Hayes.]
Naked Truth by Carrie Hayes is based on the true story of two adventuress sisters and their struggle for emancipation. The two sisters, Tennessee Claflin and Victoria Woodhull, with very different personalities, set out and conquer men, markets and even politics in Post Civil War America. It took a while to immerse in the book as I had to adjust my mindset to appreciate the blatant snake-oil salesmanship snippets, to when women didn’t have the vote and other rights we take for granted and when rampant sexism and bigotry was accepted. However, once fully immersed this book is a riveting page-turner I couldn’t put down.
Their story begins in the murky spiritualist world with the Claflin family of professional con artists working as clairvoyants and healers. Tennessee Claflin is at the fore and she is coerced into seducing a Vanderbilt, to which she agrees as a means to take charge of her destiny. Tennessee, as a divorcee is used as a source of easy money by the family and by Victoria as well who despite being a progressive thinker also abuses Tennessee as a money source. The sisters then take on New York, Wall Street, start a newspaper and engage in the suffrage movement. The advent into politics becomes the breaking point and they are eventually betrayed by the voracious family they have worked hard to support.
Just when you feel you are going crazy in disbelief, the snippets from newspaper adverts, articles as well as memoirs and diaries from persons of the day remind you that this is real.
The book is littered with colourful historical figures, some familiar to me and others vague, which could make it hard to read for those not familiar with US history. I had never heard of Tennessee Clafin and Victoria Woodhull before reading this book but managed to glean some bit of history not usually told such as Victoria Woodhall being the first woman to run for US President on the Equal Rights Party ticket.
Hayes tells the tale from multiple viewpoints and I found the shifts disjointing initially. Whilst the novel doesn’t shy away from sexuality and disease, Hayes writes with an elegant provocation that veils unpleasant directness.
The book is meticulously researched, well crafted and edited. The era’s clothes, language, mannerisms are all exquisitely detailed and come alive with the rich writing texture. This book is recommended read for lovers of feminist history and historical fiction. A fascinating read, I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars
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Naked Truth
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Naked Truth by Carrie Hayes is based on the true story of two adventuress sisters and their struggle for emancipation. The two sisters, Tennessee Claflin and Victoria Woodhull, with very different personalities, set out and conquer men, markets and even politics in Post Civil War America. It took a while to immerse in the book as I had to adjust my mindset to appreciate the blatant snake-oil salesmanship snippets, to when women didn’t have the vote and other rights we take for granted and when rampant sexism and bigotry was accepted. However, once fully immersed this book is a riveting page-turner I couldn’t put down.
Their story begins in the murky spiritualist world with the Claflin family of professional con artists working as clairvoyants and healers. Tennessee Claflin is at the fore and she is coerced into seducing a Vanderbilt, to which she agrees as a means to take charge of her destiny. Tennessee, as a divorcee is used as a source of easy money by the family and by Victoria as well who despite being a progressive thinker also abuses Tennessee as a money source. The sisters then take on New York, Wall Street, start a newspaper and engage in the suffrage movement. The advent into politics becomes the breaking point and they are eventually betrayed by the voracious family they have worked hard to support.
Just when you feel you are going crazy in disbelief, the snippets from newspaper adverts, articles as well as memoirs and diaries from persons of the day remind you that this is real.
The book is littered with colourful historical figures, some familiar to me and others vague, which could make it hard to read for those not familiar with US history. I had never heard of Tennessee Clafin and Victoria Woodhull before reading this book but managed to glean some bit of history not usually told such as Victoria Woodhall being the first woman to run for US President on the Equal Rights Party ticket.
Hayes tells the tale from multiple viewpoints and I found the shifts disjointing initially. Whilst the novel doesn’t shy away from sexuality and disease, Hayes writes with an elegant provocation that veils unpleasant directness.
The book is meticulously researched, well crafted and edited. The era’s clothes, language, mannerisms are all exquisitely detailed and come alive with the rich writing texture. This book is recommended read for lovers of feminist history and historical fiction. A fascinating read, I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars
******
Naked Truth
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon