Rare Objects

A Novel

By: Kathleen Tessaro

Narrated by: Susan Bennett

Length: 13 hrs and 28 mins

Publisher's summary

In Depression-era Boston, a city divided by privilege and poverty, two unlikely friends are bound by a dangerous secret in this mesmerizing work of historical fiction from the New York Times best-selling author of The Perfume Collector.

Maeve Fanning is a first-generation Irish immigrant born and raised among the poor, industrious Italian families of Boston's North End by her widowed mother. Clever, capable, and as headstrong as her red hair suggests, she's determined to better herself despite the overwhelming hardships of the Great Depression.

However, Maeve also has a dangerous fondness for strange men and bootleg gin - a rebellious appetite that soon finds her spiraling downward, leading a double life. When the strain proves too much, Maeve becomes an unwilling patient in a psychiatric hospital, where she strikes up a friendship with an enigmatic young woman who, like Maeve, is unable or unwilling to control her unladylike desire for freedom.

Once out, Maeve faces starting over. Armed with a bottle of bleach and a few white lies, she lands a job at an eccentric antiques shop catering to Boston's wealthiest and most peculiar collectors. Run by an elusive English archeologist, the shop is a haven of the obscure and incredible, providing rare artifacts as well as unique access to the world of America's social elite. While delivering a purchase to the wealthy Van der Laar family, Maeve is introduced to beautiful socialite Diana Van der Laar - only to discover she's the young woman from the hospital.

Reunited with the charming but increasingly unstable Diana and pursued by Diana's attractive brother, James, Maeve becomes more and more entwined with the Van der Laar family - a connection that pulls her into a world of moral ambiguity, deceit, and, ultimately, betrayal. Bewitched by their wealth and desperate to leave her past behind, Maeve is forced to unearth her true values and discover how far she'll go to reinvent herself.

©2016 Kathleen Tessaro (P)2016 HarperCollins Publishers

Worthwhile!

Hated for it to be over but thought the ending was well done. Felt rather the sense of justice done.

Boston, circa 1932

The strongest element of this book is the setting, Boston, 1932-33. There are some lovely discriptions of the ethnic community where Maeve lives with her Irish mother and Italian neighbors. Even though the story was a little over-long (a trim by an editor would have helped ) I enjoyed this one. Excellent narration by Susan Bennett.

Susan Bennett's Voice My 1st Choice

Great story that touches on life in general & I live that even in the present era, things aren't really much different. of course, my personal opinion is that Susan Bennett has the capability of making a boring book a very exciting novel!

This novel is a treasure.

Any additional comments?

Exquisitely narrated. Beautifully written. Rich characters.
I loved this book and didn't want it to end.

Charming, well-written—a satisfying read

Nothing drives me more crazy than a meandering story with a stilted finish. Yet, I find that so often books start out with a bang and terrible pacing, leaving me bored in the middle and then dissatisfied with the ending, as if the author got bored himself and decided to try to wrap things up as quick as possible. This is a long way of saying that the pacing of this book was perfect. It held my interest, had a well/thought out ending and seemed to understand it’s intentions from the get go. I loved it and felt satisfied and wanting more when I finished. It’s a good feeling I haven’t felt for sometime.

Boston historical novel--Loved it!

Interesting story of a young woman struggling to survive in the 1930's, whilst living with her demons, insecurities, and regrets. Not making the same mistakes is a struggle, but Maeve eventually finds her way.
The narration is the best I've heard, bringing the book to life. Bravo to Susan Bennett.
The ending could have been a little better, tying the beginning chapter, but it was good enough to bring hope to the reader. Overall, I loved the story.

Liked it , alot!

There are two different worlds of people in this book. It was very enlightening and very interesting at the same time. I love going back in time to see how people lived and what trials they go through. They all seemed to have worked so hard! I will listen again. I find that listening more than once, gives me a complete, clear picture of the book and characters. Glad I purchased. Good narration.

Amazing

The detail, the insight and story were exquisite! I thought The Perfume Collector was wonderful, but this story grabbed at my soul.

Kathleen Tessaro, a superb writer keeps the reader enthralled at every turn. Would highly recommend this author.

Excellent story as well as perfect performance. I would recommend it to anyone who has faced multiple trials and tribulations.

Magnificent story & superb narrator

Susan Bennett is a magnificent narrator. Her seamless navigation among the characters’ voices made the heartbreaking, and ultimately redemptive, story all the more enjoyable! Thank you!