The New Colossus

This book a roller coaster ride of suspense with scandalous twists and turns on every page. It is so filled with immaculately researched detail that the action springs to life with an authenticity that educates as it shocks and thrills. The ruthless cunning of robber barons is legendary but in these pages we understand how these men were able to manipulate and circumvent all the safeguards of democracy. And in the midst of everything is a heartbreakingly modern romance. But most of all this is the portrait of remarkable woman who was creating a new role for women and journalism as she lived it day to day. Nellie Bly takes on mind-boggling prejudice, male dominated institutions and cold-blooded corruption pre-figuring the changes that await America many decades in the future. This book grabs you buy the throat - but your heart and mind are quick to follow.

I loved the fast paced, intriguing story of the journalistic hunt for the killer of Emma Lazarus. While so many of the historical figures were familiar names to me, I actually knew very little about Nellie Bly, Emma Lazarus, Joseph Pullitzer and Jay Gould until reading The New Colossus. The book brings all of these amazing historical characters to life and gives the reader a real flavor for what life was like in the late 1880's in America, a very rich and exciting time in American life. As a Jewish reader, I especially enjoyed looking at the complex status of Jews in New York City and in the country at a time when both anti-semitism and the opportunity for great success in business existed side by side. I also loved the additional historical background that the author gives us readers at the end of the book. The book reminded me why I loved being a history major in college (even though I went on to have a satisfying legal career). The New Colossus resurrects an enormous number of fascinating events in the late 1880's in America that deserve to be long remembered. And will be, because The New Colossus is a fun read for everyone.

Wonderful book about the amazing reporter Nellie Bly and her quest to find the truth behind the famous poet, Emma Lazarus. Nellie is confronted with greed, corruption, and violence and yet she still presses on determined to bring the truth about Emma's death to light. I have always been intrigued by stories of Nellie Bly that I had heard growing up but this book brought her to life. She was truly an amazing woman who would not let the oppressors of the time whether rich or poor beat her down or break her spirit. I truly enjoyed this book and will whole-heartedly recommend it to everyone!

An utterly gripping story full of intrigue, duplicity, love and, of course, murder! Every character is so vivid, so memorable while also fitting so believably into the larger tapestry of New York politics and corruption in the historically fascinating year of 1888.
From the machinations and extravagances of the Robber Barons, to the Great Blizzard and the tobacco juice on the floors of the city newsrooms, I felt I was there, living it all.
"The New Colossus" is a colossally great read!

The New Colossus is an intriguing murder mystery set in New York City in the 1880's. It centers around Nellie Bly, (a real person)a young woman with great drive and determination to break into the man's world of journalism and prove her capabilities. For anyone who loves mystery and history, this novel shows the temper of the times, the corruption that existed and the difficulty of women to assert themselves and enter into the workplace. The reader learns about many significant individuals who lived at that time including Emma Lazarus, Joseph Pulitzer and Jay Gould.
Marshall Goldberg is a skilled writer who seamlessly weaves his story through fact and fiction. Just when you are certain that you know what is happening, you turn the page and Goldberg has completely altered your thoughts and sent you down another path.
I highly recommend The New Colossus, "a fast read," "a page turner" and a fascinating and enjoyable novel.

I was captivated by reading The New Colossus--literally I could not put the book down. I was completely immersed in the character and plot development and thought I was living in the late 19th century in New York City waiting to learn what happened to Dr. Ingram, Nellie and ultimately to Emma Lazarus. I had heard of Nellie Bly and knew a little about Emma Lazarus, but the New Colossus provided me a provocative way to learn about a period in our country and New York City's history about which I was totally unfamiliar.

The author has clearly done exhaustive research and has effectively blurred the boundary between compelling historical fiction and actual history. All this presented in the form of fast paced detective story with principled protagonists pitted against the forces of wealth and power. A great read which I highly recommend.

Nellie Bly, a Woman in New York, struggles with her story about investigating a murder. Marshall Goldberg does an amazing job mixing in history and fiction. Although some of the information and history that he gives is not sound, he's able to draw in the reader into the interesting story of Miss Bly. As we get deeper into the story, secret to begin to unfold of who the murderer was and the factors that led to the investigation that she is writing about. The most enjoyable part of the new colossus is Mr. Goldberg's ability to incorporate figures of the late 1800s into the book. You see notable figures such as Mr. Pulitzer and many others. If anyone is looking for a Quick read that is filled with suspense, thriller and a bit of romance, then The New Colossus is the right book for you!

A wonderful read! Thoroughly engrossing and informative. I learned so much more about the influential persons and their relationships of the time whom I knew primarily by name only. I now understand much more about what my grandparents used to speak regarding the developing America, nationalities and conflicts, politics and underhand dealings. I highly recommend this book to serious readers.

Great read! The story takes place during a fascinating period of hyper growth and development in the US. The book focuses on some of the more amazing characters from that era. I had always heard of Nellie Bly – but knew scant details until reading this story. It was a quick, very enjoyable and highly informative read. Goldberg in a master of dialogue and really brought the story to life. He had details throughout that suggest extensive research. Many times, I forgot that I was reading a work of fiction.

I believe that for each of us our ultimate review rests on how engaged and entertained we were. Using those criteria, I would not hesitate to give this the highest rating and a strong recommendation.

What an excellent informative book. For anyone interested in journalism this book is worth a read.
Women who are interested in knowing more about the advancement of women during the 1800s,
this book will help fill in the blanks that have been deliberately left out.

The story is somewhat interesting but the characters were not well developed. The story is too one dimensional. The author did not delve into the main character's personality or background with much feeling, so you do not connect with the character on a personal level. The love interest between Nellie Bly and Ingram is very cut and dry- very predictable. The book wasn't horrible but it doesn't deserve so many 5 star ratings.

I just completed the New Colossus. I could NOT bookmark my Kindle; a page turner in the most expansive sense of the word.The gripping plot pushes the reader forward. Extremely well written. Exhaustive research and penetrating character studies. I look forward to more of Goldberg's work.

“The New Colossus" is the best historical novel I’ve read since “Ragtime.” Like Taylor Branch’s “Parting the Waters” and “Ragtime” it is a total page turner. Three days after reading, it has a better mental resonance than “Ragtime” or any other historical novel I’ve read.The plot is fantastic; on fact checking, it appears to be historically accurate. I will read it again with less speed and greater historical appreciation.

This book had me riveted from the first page. Marshall Goldberg blends edge of the seat suspense and intrigue within the fascinating historical context of late 19th century New York. Nellie Bly was a whirlwind and her exploits kept me up far too late. Thoughtful, informative and compelling plot all rolled into one. A wonderful read.

This book had me riveted from the first page. Marshall Goldberg blends edge of the seat suspense and intrigue within the fascinating historical context of late 19th century New York. Nellie Bly was a whirlwind and her exploits kept me up far too late. Thoughtful, informative and compelling plot all rolled into one. A wonderful read.

Fantastic read. An interesting yarn based on true events. Author's style is fluid and informative. Go for it if you want to know more about women in American history and the hardships they overcame to achieve their goals. Nel Blye wants to know how Emma Lazarus died. So will you.

I read this book as an electronic advance reading copy (e-ARC) provided by NetGalley. I have submitted my comments to the publisher via that web site.

This book casts real life individuals, led by investigative journalist Nellie Bly, in a fictional mystery about the death of poet Emma Lazarus, who wrote "The New Colossus," now part of the Statue of Liberty national monument. Nellie Bly sounds like an amazing person--brave, intelligent, empathic, and hard working--and the setting of Gilded Age New York City is as compelling as ever. The plot is a bit weak, and the author's historical details occasionally seem oversimplified. This book is recommended for public libraries.