A Moth and a Pear Tree

The Virgin Cure by Ami McKay
Published: July 2, 2013 by Harper Perennial
First Published: October 25, 2011
I went into this not knowing what to expect. Even though part of me knew it was a historical fiction, for some reason I expected hints of a dystopian society. Also, while I had read rave reviews of it, I also remembered hearing that it wasn't as good as the author's first. So I may not have had the highest expectations, but maybe that's part of the reason I fell in love with this so easily.

The story takes place in the 1870s in New York City, a time I haven't really read before. Although since I have read books that take places in the 1850s and others in the 1900s, did think it was an interesting mix of the two periods.

I'm almost at a loss of words on how to describe, although part of that is because I think it's better if you go in not knowing what to expect. Parts of it did remind me of Nell Gwynn in The Darling Strumpet, except while Nell winds up giving birth to the son of a king, the prospects for our heroine, Moth, aren't nearly as bright.

There's an ominous feeling through most of the book that something awful is about to happen. Yet when it finally hits, while it doesn't play out the way you expected, but it still heartbreaking.

My main regret with this, is that I read it so quickly. But hearing that the author's first novel is supposed to be even better gives me a lot of look forward!

5/5

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Disclosure: I was provided this book through TLC Book Tours. All opinions expressed are my own.