The Daring Ladies of Lowell

A Novel

By: Kate Alcott

Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell

Length: 10 hrs and 40 mins

Publisher's summary

From the New York Times best-selling author of The Dressmaker comes a moving historical novel about a bold young woman drawn to the looms of Lowell, Massachusetts - and to the one man with whom she has no business falling in love.

Eager to escape life on her family’s farm, Alice Barrow moves to Lowell in 1832 and throws herself into the hard work demanded of "the mill girls." In spite of the long hours, she discovers a vibrant new life and a true friend - a saucy, strong-willed girl name Lovey Cornell.

But conditions at the factory become increasingly dangerous, and Alice finds the courage to represent the workers and their grievances. Although mill owner, Hiram Fiske, pays no heed, Alice attracts the attention of his eldest son, the handsome and reserved Samuel Fiske. Their mutual attraction is intense, tempting Alice to dream of a different future for herself.

This dream is shattered when Lovey is found strangled to death. A sensational trial follows, bringing all the unrest that’s brewing to the surface. Alice finds herself torn between her commitment to the girls in the mill and her blossoming relationship with Samuel. Based on the actual murder of a mill girl and the subsequent trial in 1833, The Daring Ladies of Lowell brilliantly captures a transitional moment in America’s history while also exploring the complex nature of love, loyalty, and the enduring power of friendship.

©2014 Kate Alcott (P)2014 Random House Audio

Historical fiction about mill workers

Alice is a farm girl who ventures south to Lowell, Massachusetts to work in the cotton mills, where tragedy strikes her new friend. She comes into herself while fighting for rights for the mill girls, and justice for her friend. Interesting historical look at early factory working conditions and 19th century feminism, with a little romance thrown in for good measure.

Very intersting Story. Very well read.

What did you love best about The Daring Ladies of Lowell?

I enjoyed the way the girls supported each other in the story.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Daring Ladies of Lowell?

The night of the strike.

What does Cassandra Campbell bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I love to listen to her voice. She is one of my favorite narrators.

If you could rename The Daring Ladies of Lowell, what would you call it?

I am not sure, maybe "The Girls of Lowell Mill".

Reads like a YA novel

Some interesting history here, but wrapped in a story that is so predictable and so unlikely that it takes away from the read. The story is based on actual events and the plight of the young women working in the mils of Lowell was very real. No need to add an implausible romance.

overall a good read!

I enjoyed this book a lot. A good story of determination, courage, friendship, romance and trust; trust oneself as well as others.
I also like that it was clean with no fowl language and no sexual scenes. Good writing!

Just barely historical fiction.

Any additional comments?

A Cinderella story that was hard to imagine ever remotely happening in real life. Characters weren't consistent and the premise hard to believe. Disappointing for historical fiction but slightly ok as a human interest/romance story.

Great Story

I really underestimated this book. it was a very good story that keeps the listeners interest but also tells of the history of girls who worked in the textile mills in the middle 1800's.
I had to research the history of this time of industry in the country. Amazing details of this time for women. I recommend it. Excellent narration, Cassandra Campbell is the best.