Victoria Crossing

I originally picked up this book because I love reading historical novels, especially those set in New York City. It’s fascinating to hear about this city as the waves of immigrants arrived to help make what it is today.

While this book does ultimately deliver on that premise, it takes a bit of work to get there. I was very close to putting this book down and not finishing it when I pushed myself to read just one more chapter. I’m glad I did because I eventually enjoyed the story, though it was very sad at times. I don’t know that the average reader would push through the somewhat slow beginning.

As for those sad parts, I commend Wallace on his work in this area. I really felt how hopeless and desperate Victoria and Maeve must have felt when they were penniless and living in a hovel, working their fingers to the bone just to barely scrape by. Their rise to self-sufficiency seems a bit of a fairy tale, because I don’t feel they could have made it without the help of Joel Silver. Even if this part of the story is a bit far-fetched, I did enjoy reading about their business.

I felt the ending was a bit of a cop-out. After all of the tension and fear of the previous pages, it seems like the villain’s last actions are completely against his character, of which we had seen in many terrible ways before. On the other hand, I like how Wallace indirectly told us how the main characters wound up through this antagonist’s eyes – a different way to show us the ending.

Overall, I’m glad I read Victoria Crossing. It gave me a view into the immigrant experience and helped me remember that I am blessed with so much.

I received a free copy of this book as part of my involvement with Netgalley. All thoughts are my own.

Good reading adventure novel. Romance and intrigue.

Pretty predictable. Just okay. Very weak characters except the main one and she came across as having no "heart".

It was an enjoyable reda

Orphaned, Victoria travels from Ireland to New York City to escape the potato famine. She quickly meets Maeve, a young girl also on her way to NYC. They are tricked out of their meager savings very quickly, and forced to take work as underpaid seamstresses. Determined to thrive, the pair quickly come up with a plan.

I thought this was an interesting and well written book. I wish the author had stuck to Victoria’s point of view, but that’s really my only complaint. Overall, well worth picking up.

Preferred the first book by the author, but mostly enjoyed this.

I read all of Michael Wallace work. Enjoyed it very much.

Michael Wallace has created a gem of a story in VICTORIA CROSSING. Two young women with backgrounds more similar than they know, set off from Ireland to America in search of a better life. Like many before them, Victoria MacPherson and Maeve O’Reilly are looking to escape the devastation of the potato famine. During their long ocean journey the two become friends and decide to share their talents and resources upon their arrival in America. Unfortunately after disembarking the ship and entering New York, Victoria and Maeve’s naivety leave them terribly unprepared for the hustle and bustle of life on the city streets. After only a day they find themselves robbed, broken and alone. Left with only two choices the women can accept defeat and join the ranks of the many poor and hungry immigrants or work together to conquer this new and prosperous city.
Michael Wallace has created a beautiful novel in Victoria Crossing. From the Irish countryside to the streets of New York City, I felt like I was there. I could see and hear the hungry devastated Irish families. I could feel their fear as they lost their homes and their loved ones died from starvation. I could feel the frustration of the new immigrants as they wandered the New York City streets looking for work and wanting a piece of the American dream.
I especially loved the characters the author has created. Victoria is a strong female lead wanting to make her break with hard work, grit and determination. Maeve is softer and loyal, but every bit as determined to help Victoria make her mark. Their male counterparts (Joel and Patrick) are strong respectful and protective without being overbearing. I especially liked the development of love and respect between Victoria and Maeve’s brother Patrick. It was not easily won. And last but not least let’s not forget the villains. Every good story has a few of them and this story does not disappoint. To say more would give away the ending and that’s for the reader to enjoy.
If you like a well written novel with strong female characters, a good story line, a little romance and plenty of villains then VICTORIA CROSSING is for you. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I think you will too.
I appreciate being given an advanced copy of VICTORIA CROSSING from Net Galley for a fair and honest review.