GRACE OF THE EMPIRE STATE
Gemma Tizzard
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January 28, 2025 (US)
January 20, 2026 (Canada)
336 pages
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This book is set in 1930, New York City. It focuses on the building of the Empire State Building and the O’Connell family.
Times were tough, it was the beginning of the Depression. Jobs were scarce. The O’Connell family was managing adequately because the oldest son had a job on the building site of the Empire State Building. But, he had an accident, was unable to work, unable to earn money. The decision was made to send his lookalike twin sister to work in his place, dressed in his clothes.
This premise sounds highly improbable but it works. The story flowed well, I liked the characters, particularly the strength and determination of Grace, the twin sister. The story covered many aspects from the time period: the probable horrors and dangers of working on a high rise building before safety precautions were in place, the plight of people who had no employment, the horrific dance marathons where people danced with the slim likelihood of earning money. The importance of family also played a large role. Both with the O’Connells and their friends, the Gagliardis.
There was a fair bit of exciting drama towards the end of the book. Perhaps it was a bit too much, but since I read to be entertainment, I was fine with it.
I appreciated the Author’s note at the end on how she decided to write this story. It is obvious that a lot of research went into construction details. This is her debut novel and she has indicated that she has an interest in “untold women’s stories”. I look forward to what comes next.
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