Every Tuesday, fellow blogger Bibliophile By the Sea hosts First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros, where bloggers share the first paragraph of the book they are currently reading or thinking about reading soon.
I’m almost halfway through this historical fiction based on true crime set in Newport, Rhode Island during World War I. I’m really enjoying it so far…and I was immediately drawn in by the Prologue.
Plot Summary from Amazon
When you’re fighting an injustice, can it be wrong to do what’s right? Inspired by the scandalous true story that shocked a nation at the close of WWI.
With America’s entry into World War I, the population of Newport, Rhode Island, seems to double overnight as twenty-five thousand rowdy recruits descend on the Naval Training Station. Drinking, prostitution, and other depravities follow the sailors, transforming the upscale town into what many residents—including young lawyer William Bartlett, whose genteel family has lived in Newport for generations—consider to be a moral cesspool.
When sailors accuse a beloved local clergyman of sexual impropriety, William feels compelled to fight back. He agrees to defend the minister against the shocking allegations, in the face of dire personal and professional consequences. But when the trial grows increasingly sensational, and when outrageous revelations echo all the way from Newport to the federal government, William must confront more than just the truth—he must confront the very nature of good and evil.
Certainty recalls a war-torn era when the line between right and wrong became dangerously blurred.
Here’s the first paragraph of the Prologue (this is from an uncorrected proof, so please check with the finished book after publication for confirmation):
Newport, Rhode Island
June, 1919William Bartlett had visited the Newport City Jail only once before, on his ninth birthday, when he’d been treated to a tour of the facility by the police commissioner himself, a longtime acquaintance of his father. The elder Mr. Bartlett, an attorney, had worked on numerous criminal cases, some quite prominent – he’d represented an interested party in the infamous Lizzie Borden murder trial in Fall River back in ’92 – and so had considerable experience with the comings and goings of the jailhouse and the inhabitants thereof. To his young son William, however, it was an illuminating and sobering experience. The commissioner’s office, the squad room filled with policemen in uniform, the booking room where prisoners waited to be processed, all these were interesting, but the jail cells themselves, most filled with drunks or vagrants on that particular day, held an unexpected fascination for the boy.
What do you think? Would you keep reading? Stay tuned for my full review…
This sounds interesting because it covers aspects of the war stateside. I never heard of this scandal and I’m curious how and why the sailors are accusing a pastor of molestation. Thanks for sharing a new to me title.
Turns out it’s a really interesting/horrifying reason they’re accusing him…definitely a great story and even more powerful that it’s based on truth.
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This one sounds really pretty awesome Sarah and Newport, RI is a favorite stopping ground for us. I’d read on.
I like the time period, the premise, and the opening.
Set in Newport and based on a real crime … that sure got my attention! I like the opening, too, and will look forward to your review.
Oh wow, I can definitely see why this one drew you in! I mean, it seems to have everything you could want from a historical fiction novel. I myself am planning to read some more WWI literature and I think I’m going to have to put this one on my list! Thanks for sharing 🙂 Hope you have a great week!
My Intro
Juli @ Universe in Words
From the blurb, I am intrigued….and the descriptions in the excerpts definitely gave a sense of what the jail was like. Yes, I want to know more.
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I was in Newport for the first time a few weeks ago and really loved the place. Also, I really like reading anything having to do with that time around World War I, so this book would be a winner for me. I will look forward to your review!
I’ve heard of this book, but wasn’t sure it was for me. I’m still not sure. I hope you enjoy it!
I enjoy historical fiction and I’m curious about World War I, so I’m sure I’d like this book. It would be especially interesting since it shows life in one area of the U.S. while the war raged in Europe.
My Tuesday post features WAR BRIDES, which takes place on the home front in England during World War II.
I am very intrigued by everything about this book. I will look for your thoughts.
Sounds kind of interesting. Girl Who Reads
I enjoy historical fiction and this sounds like a good one. Thanks for stopping by today. Have a nice week! kelley—the road goes ever ever on
I like the first paragraph which is a good thing because I’m on the tour for this book too. Enjoy the rest of the book.