In 1901 Buffalo is a prosperous city of industry and trade. Enormous hydroelectric projects are underway, powered by the waters of Niagra, and the city is on the brink of the Pan-American Exposition. The vast wealth of the captains of industry gives them the power to dominate society and the decks are stacked against those people who fear for the environment or work to establish social justice. With rumours of corruption in the air, suspicious deaths, poverty, discrmination and labour unrest, tensions ripple below the surface of a high society which considers itself both charitable and forward-looking.
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Miss Louisa Barrett, the headmistress of a progressive private school for girls, works toward the greater good by trying to instil a social consciousness in her privileged students. Despite her need to maintain an unblemished reputation and fears of losing her position and independence, love and concern for her orphaned goddaughter force her to investigate the suspicious deaths. The industrial and personal secrets which emerge have irrevocable consequences for all concerned.
The review of this Book prepared by Joyce Verkerk
