From the bestselling author of Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and
Sweet comes a powerful novel, inspired by a true story, about a boy
whose life is transformed at Seattle's epic 1909 World's Fair.
"An evocative, heartfelt, beautifully crafted story that shines a
light on a fascinating, tragic bit of forgotten history."--Kristin
Hannah, author of The Nightingale
For twelve-year-old Ernest Young, a charity student at a boarding
school, the chance to go to the World's Fair feels like a gift. But only
once he's there, amid the exotic exhibits, fireworks, and Ferris wheels,
does he discover that he is the one who is actually the prize. The
half-Chinese orphan is astounded to learn he will be raffled off--a
healthy boy "to a good home."
The winning ticket belongs to the flamboyant madam of a high-class
brothel, famous for educating her girls. There, Ernest becomes the new
houseboy and befriends Maisie, the madam's precocious daughter, and a
bold scullery maid named Fahn. Their friendship and affection form the
first real family Ernest has ever known--and against all odds, this new
sporting life gives him the sense of home he's always desired.
But as the grande dame succumbs to an occupational hazard and their
world of finery begins to crumble, all three must grapple with hope,
ambition, and first love.
Fifty years later, in the shadow of Seattle's second World's Fair,
Ernest struggles to help his ailing wife reconcile who she once was with
who she wanted to be, while trying to keep family secrets hidden from
their grown-up daughters.
Against a rich backdrop of post-Victorian vice, suffrage, and
celebration, Love and Other Consolations is an enchanting tale about
innocence and devotion--in a world where everything, and everyone, is
for sale.
Praise for Love and Other Consolation Prizes
"Exciting . . . [Jamie] Ford captures the thrill of first kisses and
the shock of revealing long-hidden affairs."--Kirkus Reviews
"Strong . . . A laudable effort that shines light on little known
histories."--Library Journal
"Poignant . . . Vibrantly rendered."--Booklist
"Combining rich narrative and literary qualities, the book achieves a
multi-faceted emotional resonance. It is by turns heart-rending, tragic,
disturbing, sanguine, warm, and life-affirming. Perceptive themes that
run throughout culminate at the end. A true story from the 1909
Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition inspired this very absorbing and moving
novel. Highly recommended."--Historical Novel Society (Editors'
choice)
"Ford is a master at shining light into dark, forgotten corners of
history and revealing the most unexpected and relatable human threads. .
. . A beautiful and enthralling story of resilience and the many
permutations of love."--Jessica Shattuck, author of The Women in the
Castle
"All the charm and heartbreak of Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and
Sweet . . . Based on a true story, Love and Other Consolation Prizes
will warm your soul."--Martha Hall Kelly, author of Lilac Girls
