Book Review-Whirlpool-A Novel of Niagara Falls-Eileen Enwright Hodgetts

I loved this book-read it in one sitting-just could not put it down. It is the story of Evangeline Murray and how she is convinced by the Women’s Freedom Movement-which was in it’s infancy at that time, to go over Niagara Falls in a barrel and thus attain fame and fortune. She was newly widowed and had multiple bills to pay off as well as take care of her two sons. Now, going over Niagara Falls is and was VERY dangerous, but no one bothered to tell her just how dangerous-until she meets up with Joshua McClaren.

Now remember the time frame-woman were supposed to be home and taken care of-definitely not chancing going over the falls in a barrel. Joshua tried to explain in his own taciturn way and ultimately, after much ado. Evangeline began to listen—but was it too late? She does send him a letter—but he can’t read.

To find out whether Evangeline makes it and whether Joshua helps her-you will just have to read the book (you won’t be sorry-hint-I loved the ending!)

From the back of the book:

The year is 1923 and the jazz age is in full swing. Evangeline Murray, a young widow from Ohio, is recruited by the Women’s Freedom Movement to represent the spirit of modern womanhood by going over Niagara Falls in a barrel. Evangeline eagerly embraces her opportunity to achieve fame and fortune, until she sees the power of the River and begins to understand the risk she is taking. Joshua McClaren, an enigmatic battle-scarred veteran of World War I, and the best boatman on the river, reluctantly agrees to launch the headstrong Evangeline. Joshua has seen hundreds of bodies surface in the Whirlpool below the Falls, and has faced death on the battlefields of Flanders. He has no respect for the charming, impetuous Mrs. Murray, and her desire for fame. Before the barrel can be launched, each of them will have to face their own demons, painful secrets will be revealed and the Niagara River will claim two more lives.

If you would like to know why Eileen Enwright Hodgetts wrote this book-she did a guest post on my blog--click here to read it!!

This book can be purchased at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and at other fine bookstores!



I received a copy of this book from the author for review purposes-the opinions are my own.