The Red Coat

A Novel of Boston

By: Dolley Carlson

Narrated by: Christina Delaine

Think Downton Abbey, set in the heart of Boston.

Irish domestic worker Norah King's decision to ask her wealthy employer, Caroline Parker, for an elegant red coat that the Beacon Hill matriarch has marked for donation ignites a series of events that neither woman could have fathomed. The unlikely exchange will impact their respective daughters and families for generations to come, from the coat's original owner, marriage-minded collegian Cordelia Parker, to the determined and spirited King sisters of South Boston, Rosemary, Kay, and Rita. As all of these young women experience the realities of life - love and loss, conflict and joy, class prejudices, and unexpected prospects - the red coat reveals the distinction between cultures, generations, and landscapes in Boston during the 1940s and '50s, a time of change, challenge, and opportunity.

Meet the proud, working-class Irish and staid, upper-class Brahmins through the contrasting lives of these two families and their friends and neighbors. See how the Parkers and the Kings each overcome sudden tragedy with resolve and triumph. And witness the profound impact of a mother's heart on her children's souls. Carlson brings us front and center with her knowing weave of Celtic passion - both tragic and joyful - words of wisdom, romance, humor, and historical events.

©2018 Dolley Carlson (P)2019 Tantor

Fun read

Fun read, you will enjoy the book immensely. Loved the historical accuracy of all the old places around Boston.

An Excellent Book Told by a Talented Reader

THE RED COAT is captivating! I kept thinking, “Then what happened?”
Christina Delaine, whose voice gives individual life to each character, is an outstanding narrator. As a listener, I was transported to mid-20th century Boston with such detail that the story felt really real. During a presentation in my home town, the author Dolley Carlson revealed that much of the story IS real. Bostonians may recognize their neighbors as they read or listen to this marvelous creation.

Loved every minute

I am 2nd Generation Irishman. This is the best Audible Book. It was as if I was hearing a conversation between my Nanny Mulvihill and her Sister Auntie Bridgie! The way they said “Jesus, Mary and Joseph” in their Irish brogues. I totally related to the Southies and felt the pain of how too much drinking by the husbands led to breaking the family ties.
Cordelia on the other hand was very proper living on Beacon Hill. When her husband died I thought she flourished and was creative in her shop and renting rooms to men one of whom became her husband.
Norah was the principal character with all of her wisdom that she passed down so beautifully to her children and beyond!
I have already recommended “The Red Coat” to a friend who is in another book club.

Record of abandoned traditions

I loved the story and the truth of life in this time frame and with the Irish Catholic families of the time. It started before my time but was not that different than my own experience. The author has woven a beautiful story of her family’s tale.

loved it

fun read for those who grew up in an Irish Catholic family in the 50's