The Way Of Beauty by Camille Di Maio – 377 pages
ARC courtesy of the author in exchange for an honest review
Book Blurb:
Vera Keller, the daughter of German immigrants in turn-of-the century New York City, finds her life upended when the man she loves becomes engaged to another woman. But Angelo Bellavia has also inadvertently opened up Vera’s life to unexpected possibilities. Angelo’s new wife, Pearl, the wealthy daughter of a clothing manufacturer, has defied her family’s expectations by devoting herself to the suffrage movement. In Pearl, Vera finds an unexpected dear friend…and a stirring new cause of her own. But when Pearl’s selfless work pulls her farther from Angelo and their son, the life Vera craved is suddenly within her reach—if her conscience will allow her to take it. Her choice will define not only her future but also that of her daughter, Alice.
My Review: 4 stars
Camille Di Maio stole my heart by bringing historic New York to life in The Way of Beauty. The magic that Penn Station held from the early 1900s was something I had no knowledge of. The original station was planned and advocated by Alexander Cassatt, the brother of one of my favorite artists. It was considered to be the shining example of the Beaux-Arts style. I’ve been in Penn Station numerous times and I can assure you, it’s now nothing short of average. Learning about this history was a welcome addition to the novel.
The heart of New York City, the financial district, was also brought to life. My daughter lives on Pearl Street and Del Monico’s is across the street from her building. Having much of the book’s action take place in an area I’m so familiar with was really fun to read about. I’ve attached photos from my recent visit.
Surrounding the historical significance is a romance about love that builds over time and love that’s lost and found. Loving one man for his inherent goodness and loving one man for their shared passion. The power of friendship, the class differences that immigrants face and details about the suffragette movement were brought to life as well. It was eye opening to learn about the women’s’ march from New York to Washington D.C. to rally for the right’s of women. Truly, it’s reminiscent of the marches going on now for other feminist movements. Overall, the book is a bit predictable but still a very enjoyable read. 
Quotes I liked:
It was the one good thing about having little – there was little to lose.”
-“Loneliness is its own poverty.”
-“The key to happiness. One more chapter.”
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