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Through a Dusty Window: New York City Stories 1910-2001 by Delancey Stewart & Giveaway (Kindle eBook – US only)

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Brownstone townhouse

Through a Dusty Window: New York City Stories 1910-2001 by Delancey Stewart is a collection of ten short stories that center around a New York City brownstone on 77 Street and the people who lived there over the years, as well as the events that were occurring around them at that time in history.  I don’t think I’ve ever come across any historical fiction that is portrayed through short stories so that alone makes this little gem unique but so do the stories that touch on  Prohibition to World War II; the Vietnam-era Summer of Sam killings to John Lennon’s murder.  I really love older historic homes or apartment buildings and all the history that must exist within their walls and I often find myself wondering about the lives that went before my own and what they may have endured or rejoiced in.

Each story draws you in, painting a vivid picture of time and place, and while you only spend a short time with the folks living in this apartment you still feel as though you’ve gotten to know them.  The author ties all the stories together with little pieces that appear within each story as well as the first and last story really bringing the life of this old brownstone full circle.  This was a short book, very easily read in one sitting, and one I really enjoyed.  As with all short story collections I always have my favorites and this one was no different although all the stories were good.  I’ll only share a few points from a couple of my favorites as I wouldn’t want to spoil the book for those of you who will read it.  The first story I really liked was The Hidden Legacy taking place in 1910 which had a little girl refusing to give up the hiding place of a doll she took.  The next was called Telegram and it took place in 1943 during World War II and features a young woman whose husband is fighting in the war and she simply can’t work up the desire to do anything while worrying about him.  My last favorite was The Harbinger, taking place in 1953.  This one features a young couple with the wife Hazel experiencing some emotional problems.  The interesting thing about this one was how the issues of mental health were tackled at that point in history.

Through a Dusty Window is a short collection and if you’re fond of short stories this one is sure to be a winner and even if you aren’t it’s a nice break from reading a full length novel and the stories really are good.  I really enjoyed this little peek into the past and the lives of the people who lived in this New York brownstone.  I would most certainly read more from Delancey Stewart in the future!

Through a Dusty Window: New York City Stories 1910-2001 by Delancey Stewart is touring with Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours so be sure to visit the other tour stops scheduled for more thoughts on the book.  Delancey can be found on her website as well as Facebook and Twitter.  Your own copy of Through a Dusty Window can be purchased at Amazon, Amazon Canada, or B&N.

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GIVEAWAY DETAILS (Kindle eBook format – US only)

I have one copy of Through a Dusty Window: New York City Stories 1910-2001 by Delancey Stewart up for giveaway in Kindle eBook format only.  To enter…

  • For 1 entry leave me a comment entering the giveaway.
  • Tweet, like on Facebook, or Blog about this giveaway for an extra entry!

This giveaway is for one Kindle eBook open to US residents only and I will draw for the winner on Saturday, April 13/13.  Good luck!

 

Source:  Review copy provided by Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours and the Publisher.  No compensation was received and all opinions are my own.

 

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Comments

  2. Ooh, this one sounds right up my alley, and I would love a chance to win, Dar! I love short stories like this that are linked, and the idea that all of them take place in the same apartment building over a period of time really excite me! Excellent review today!

    zibilee(at)figearo(dot)net

  3. I grew up in NYC, and I love reading about the lives of folks who lived there long ago. I don’t usually read short stories, but this collection sounds really interesting and, as you say, it will be a nice break from reading a a full-length novel.

    DeniseK1@outlook.com

  4. This sounds like a great collection of stories! Please enter me in this giveaway. I’ll post this in my blog’s sidebar. I’m a follower. Thank you, Darlene.

    suko95(at)gmail(dot)com

  5. Thanks for the giveaway! This sounds great! I subscribe via email: mestith at gmail dot com

  7. Thanks for the giveaway. Book sounds great. I follow via email and have tweeted the giveaway.

  12. I love stories that are somehow connected, too. Thanks for the chance to win.
    nanze55(at)hotmail(dot)com

  14. I found the comment about the time period of 1953’s handling of mental illness fascinating. The apartment going from one tenant to another over a large span of time is got to be a fantastic read.
    I tweeted
    Through a Dusty Window: New York City Stories 1910-2001 by Delancey Stewart & Giveaway (Kindle eBook – US only)

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