The Red Coat - A Novel of Boston

I absolutely loved this book The red coat. Dolley's was so acurate. It was so emotional for me. I grew up in S.Boston and went to Gate of Heaven Grammar School and St. Augustine so I could relate to both. My parents are also from the same part of IRELAND as the author.

Was this a memoir? Not exactly. Fictional characters. Was this a novel? Not sure. Can a novel exist without a plot? Was this edited? Doesn't seem so. Was it full of stereotypical characters? Yes. Was it grossly overwritten? Beyond belief.

I did not enjoy this book. It meandered along aimlessly, with only the red coat, as a tenous thread. Far too much time was given to extraneous details, about food, clothing and gossip and not enough exposure to the relationships themselves.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and did not want it to end. The characters are fully developed and possess realistic qualities unlike typical one-dimensional and unflattering class portrayals. This heartwarming story is filled with strong women making the best of their situation, eliciting both laughter and tears. Despite being from Boston and connecting with many locations mentioned in the book, I consider The Red Coat a must-read for everyone who enjoys historical fiction as well as a good read.

“To read “The Red Coat” is to be instantly transported to another world – Irish families in post WWII South Boston. From the very first scene where an upper class Beacon Hill socialite and an Irish washerwoman exchange ownership of a red coat, the reader is treated to a lesson in all things Bostonian – from dressing up to shop downtown at Filene’s to Irish Catholic policemen in the South end. Along the way, we are privy to intimate details of the tumultuous family life of both the Irish “Kings” and the Brahmin “Parkers.” How these two intertwine throughout the decade makes for a fascinating story. Author Dolley Carlson (who has based this first novel on her own family – she is ‘Ruth Ann’) colorfully describes the social manners, class distinctions, religious challenges, and even mid-century fashion and retail to make it truly come alive. And the setting of Boston landmarks (generously presented in sidebars and photos) serves as a main character in itself. Dolley Carlson is a fabulous storyteller with a trained eye to detail and well-documented research. I’m recommending “The Red Coat” to all my New England and Irish friends and hope you will read it too.” - Lucinda Secrest McDowell

This is one of "those books" - the kind you start reading and don't want to put down - the kind that finds you reading a bit more slowly towards the end - because you don't want it to end ...for those of us who grew up in Boston - the wonderful ring of "I've been there ...I've KNOW this place...having lived on both Beacon Hill - and for a short while in South Boston (on West Broadway) I did know that place. There is NOTHING about this book that rings false....from the many people who populate the book - to the events. One of the most charming aspects of this book are the many sidebars - containing photos of the places talked about, historical events, even the Jordan Marsh blueberry muffin recipe...I had wondered about one or 2 of the family pictures - being so "real" - and did not realize until the end that the author of the book is in fact Ruth Ann...so now I know that the photos are of her real family - Both of the families are wonderfully described - and if this were a "book club" read - I can only imagine the many questions that would come up - the book actually leaves you wanting to know more - a sequel please !! I want to KNOW how (for instance) Cordelia and David's marriage worked out - what DID happen to Pip?? It will take me a while to "forget" this book - I will always be happy I chanced on the review for it in People Magazine and my sweet daughter presented it to me on Mother's Day ....Just don't begin to read this book unless and until you have some time on your hands - otherwise you will find yourself walking around with the book in your hand all day - reading with one hand - and fixing dinner with the other ...you get the idea....

I am an historical author myself. One of the first things an author sets out to do is create a world for her characters ... and Dolley Carlson does a masterful job at creating the world of Boston in the 40's and 50's. What a charming story of living in South Boston in those relatively innocent days when in spite of the struggles of normal life, some of them severe such as abuse and alcoholism, families stuck together and loved each other through the difficult days. I have to be transparent here. Dolley is a dear friend of mine, and I even know her real name is Ruth Ann, but I was shocked at the end when I realized she was the little girl, Ruth Ann, in the book. I am so proud of her debut novel. This is a book I can highly recommend to my friends, and I can't wait for her next one!

Stilted writing; meandering story line; two-dimensional, stereotype characters; no resolution in the ending. All supposedly held together by the tenuous thread of a garment given away at the beginning of the book, which despite the teaser on the back cover ultimately has no significance to the story. Several of the plot lines are unresolved, the original owner and then first recipient of the coat gradually become peripheral characters, the reader knows little of their fate, particularly Rosemary who moves away, and Cordelia--does she end up married? The pictures and snippets of Boston landmarks in the margins are entertaining, but the photographs of the family members are confusing: is this meant to be a novel or a lazy memoir?

I found this book to be predictable, trite, and boring. There was no plot, no character development, and poor writing. I read this for my Book Club but could only get through part one. I did like the vignettes about Southie and Boston which are the only reason I rated this two and not a one. I owned a red coat from Jordan Marsh and it lived a more compelling life than the one in this disappointing novel.

I fell in love with Carlson's female characters in "The Red Coat - A Novel of Boston." As a woman, she has given us well-developed characters who experience real life in the 20th-century world of the Irish immigrant in Boston, Massachusetts. Norah King is the mother -- a devout Catholic; a woman of resiliency and hope and a strong faith who copes with tragedy and an alcoholic husband. Her daughters grow into womanhood in the shadow of an abusive father, and yet hope flickers in their dreams and futures even as their mother dies an early death. Carlson has a deft ear for Irish dialect and dialogue. Her plot and storyline are linked together by a classic red coat. The themes of despair, hope, and love and family and faith will inspire you. Find a quiet corner, settle in with this wonderful novel and a "cuppa" as you enter the world of an Irish immigrant family and get to know them.

I enjoyed this book immensely growing up in Boston. A wonderful story about a devout religious Irish Catholic family during WW2 and in the 1950s.
At first a bit slow but the pace picks up. I was that the story only touched on the female siblings and hardly discussed the male ones. The ending was too quick and unsatisfying.

I found it charming and nostalgic. The many inserts with pictures and explanations of places and idioms were unique and delightful. However, I wonder how much a reader who is not familiar with Boston would enjoy it.

The style of writing felt old fashioned, and there really wasn't a plot as much as a loving memorial to old Boston.

Because it was old fashioned, though, I was aggravated by the number of punctuation errors and other editing misses. Just sayin'.....

Not sorry I read it.

Absolutely one of the best books I have read. Couldn't put it down. If you are from Boston, or not, it is a must read! It truly depicts life in Pre WW2 boston. A little like Downton Abbey! I was fortunate to meet Dolley Carlson on Charles st, Boston, this spring. Had a wonderful conversation with her and have a signed copy! Great book!

I haven't been to wonderful Boston in decades, but The Red Coat transported me there immediately! The characters grabbed me from the first page and would not let go until the threads of their lives were woven together at the end. The author's gift for dialogue, setting, attention to detail, and intriguing plot will captivate you and touch your heart. It's a five star read!
Connie Hanson

Unforgettable characters drive this larger-than-life, multi-generational Bostonian narrative. I was riveted! -- Sherilyn Schneekluth, Newport Beach, CA

- Sherilyn Schneekluth
- Newport Beach