Book Review - Prairie Cinderella: Vinnie Ream and the Gilded Age (Forgotten Women Book 3) by Joan Koster

 

Prairie Cinderella: 

Vinnie Ream and the Gilded Age

(Forgotten Women Book 3)

By Joan Koster

Publication Date: 12th February 2025

Publisher: Tidal Waters Press

Page Length: 344 Pages

Genre: Historical Biography

SHE IS GOING TO BE THE GREATEST SCULPTRESS Of THE GILDED AGE

Spirited Vinnie Ream might have been driven from her prairie home to the political hotbed of Washington City by the outbreak of the Civil War. But despite her plainspoken ways and western twang, she’s a survivor, and nothing will stop her from pursuing her art in a world dominated by men.

UNTIL DISASTER STRIKES

But on the cusp of success, all her dreams come tumbling down. With her family destitute and her sister threatened, she does the unthinkable. Can she claw her way back to the top or will she go down in history as a failure?

A biographical historical novel about the power of family ties, the pursuit of fame, and the pain of unrequited love, based on the life of 19th century American sculptor, Vinnie Ream Hoxie.

Given her progressive views, behaviour, and ambition, one might say that Vinnie Ream was born in the wrong century. Still, Vinnie’s successes indicate her capabilities as both a sculptress and a woman who dared to follow her dreams. The enduring presence of her Lincoln sculpture in the U.S. Capitol rotunda highlights her talent and resolve.

Immerse yourself in the enthralling world of Joan Koster’s Prairie Cinderella: Vinnie Ream and the Gilded Age (Forgotten Women Book 3) and journey through a remarkable chapter of history as seen through the eyes of Lavinia Ellen “Vinnie” Ream—an inspiring daughter, devoted sister, and talented sculptress. Don’t miss the chance to experience this vibrant era filled with challenges, triumphs, disasters, and clay.

The story unfolds through Vinnie’s first-person perspective, immersing readers in her innermost thoughts, feelings, and struggles. This intimate narrative style creates a powerful connection with Vinnie, amplifying the emotional depth of the story. A compelling and consistent narrative voice skilfully captures the era’s tone and language throughout the novel. This combination enhances the reading experience and makes a lasting impression on the audience. In Vinnie, Koster has created a protagonist readers will find both relatable and captivating.

Vinnie is portrayed as ambitious, resourceful, and rebellious. Her intelligence and creativity keep the reader highly engaged throughout the novel. Vinnie’s struggle to balance her artistic aspirations with societal expectations is well depicted, making her a sympathetic and relatable character. There is, however, an air of vulnerability about Vinnie in this novel, but the reader is not easily deceived, as she effortlessly manipulates the men around her. She takes full advantage of the fact that, despite her age, she looks childlike, which makes her intriguing to those she meets, especially at the beginning of the story. As the novel progresses, Vinnie is not averse to charming and flirting with men to achieve her goals, although she remains virtuous despite what others may think. At times, she is presented as a complex woman torn between her ambition and loyalty to her family. Her primary desire is to become a renowned sculptress, while also wanting to provide for her family and ensure her parents live comfortably for the rest of their days. Although she dreams of marriage and children, she fears that path may require giving up her sculpting and, in the end, she realises she has to make a choice, one way or the other. Vinnie is a well-developed and believable character. The author offers a rounded view of Vinnie’s life, depicting not only her independence and artistic passion but also her anxieties and flaws.

The author effectively transports the reader to Washington, D.C., during the Civil War era, vividly capturing the very essence of the city. The contrast between the grand Capitol building and the Ream family’s dilapidated home is particularly well depicted. The descriptions of the post office, the bustling city streets, and the political climate contribute to a believable backdrop. The portrayal of the Corcoran mansion, along with the stark contrast to prairie life, effectively emphasises how far Vinnie and her family have come, and how far they still have to go. The author’s richly detailed and atmospheric setting continues to develop as Vinnie tours Europe. The book’s depiction of Rome’s sights, sounds, and smells is so realistic that readers feel as if they are experiencing them alongside Vinnie. The setting is not just a backdrop; it actively shapes the characters’ experiences and interactions. Overall, Koster has crafted a rich and compelling setting to tell Vinnie’s story.

Through sensory details, the author vividly portrays the Capitol building, the Senate chamber, as well as Vinnie’s emotions. The descriptions are seamlessly woven into the story, improving the reader’s grasp of the setting and characters. The descriptive language is vivid and evocative, bringing the settings and characters to life. Her sculptures, including ‘Spirito Del Carnevale’, are beautifully and meaningfully described, even if the world was not quite ready for ‘Spirito Del Carnevale,’ yet!

This novel’s palpable tension drives its story forward. The pressures of being a single woman in the 19th century conflict significantly with Vinnie’s artistic aspirations, leading to considerable tension, especially within her family. Her sister, Mary, after being rejected by the man she loves, dreams of marrying for wealth and status, while Vinnie seeks something more meaningful, though she wouldn’t mind having wealth as well. Throughout the novel, Vinnie makes desperate attempts to secure commissions, worrying that her efforts might be thwarted by the prejudices and political manoeuvres of her adversaries. This tension is heightened by Vinnie’s inner anxieties, and scenes such as the chaotic atmosphere of the Senate floor, as well as her interactions with various senators and allies. Financial difficulties add to the novel’s tension; she frequently spends her earnings before receiving them, accumulating debt. Additionally, she is her own worst critic, and her insecurities about her work create a palpable sense of fear. The reader cannot help but be moved by Vinnie’s struggles for recognition and her quest to secure her future.

Koster’s extensive research on Vinnie Ream and her time is apparent in the novel’s detailed historical setting. Koster demonstrates a deep understanding of what makes history engaging, and it is safe to say that Vinnie would have approved of this adaptation of her life. This immensely enjoyable novel is likely to become a firm favourite among readers.

This book’s captivating nature stems from its vivid setting, compelling protagonist, and engaging plot. The author’s skilful use of description, dialogue, and pacing creates a captivating and immersive narrative. Prairie Cinderella: Vinnie Ream and the Gilded Age (Forgotten Women Book 3) by Joan Koster is not just an immersive read; it is powerful, impactful, and utterly unforgettable.

Review by Mary Anne Yarde

Yarde Reviews & Book Promotion

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Prairie Cinderella: 

Vinnie Ream and the Gilded Age

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Joan Koster

When she is not writing in her studio by the sea, Joan Bouza Koster lives in an 1860s farmhouse stacked to the ceiling with books. In a life full of adventures, she has scaled mountains, chased sheep, and been abandoned on a island for longer than she wants to remember.

An award-winning author of fiction and nonfiction works in the fields of ethnography, education, anti-racism and the arts, she holds a doctorate from Binghamton University and has published two textbooks on teaching the arts to young children. She is also the author of numerous academic papers based on her ethnographic research on agriculture, shepherding, and weaving in the Southern Peloponnese and on Crete. A professional handweaver, her creative work has been sold across the country.

Joan’s short stories have appeared in several anthologies, and have received awards from Women on Writing, Stone Thread Publishing, Tryst Literary Magazine, and Winning Writers. Her poetry has been published in Potomac Magazine, and her historical fiction has long-listed for the Mslexia Award.

Under the pen name, Zara West, she has published the award-winning romantic thriller series The Skin Quartet. with Wild Rose Press. Her new romantic suspense series, Tide Harbor Suspense, is forthcoming. Her biographical historical series is about adventurous nineteenth-century women who never should have been forgotten. Book 1, That Dickinson Girl, and Book 2 Censored Angel are published by Tidal Waters Press. 

A life-long educator, she shares her writing know-how and research into creativity in her top-selling Write for Success series: Fast Draft Your Manuscript and Get It Done Now, Revise Your Draft and Make It Shine, Research Your Subject and Validate Your Writing, and Power Up Your Language and Make Your Writing Shine. She also offers numerous writing workshops every year.

Joan also blogs at Women Words Wisdom where she shares the wisdom of women from all times and places, at American Civil War Voice where she shares tidbits of everyday life gleaned from 19th century first-hand sources, at Traditional Greek Weaving where her ethnographic research can be found, and at Zara West’s Journal where she explores the craft of writing. She can also be found on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, ResearchGate, Academia, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

She is a member of the Authors Guild, Non-Fiction Authors Association, Historical Fiction Society, Romance Writers of America, and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association.