I took a class from Ellen Cooney at MIT on writing short stories. It was a good class, though it happened during a rather tumultuous term. She talked about what she wrote in class , but never had us read anything of hers. That is probably a sign of a secure writer---that you don't have to get validation from the class of students you are teaching.
About the book. I enjoyed it---it was a nice diversion. I instantly thought of my mother as I read the detailed passages about the horses. There was much to-do about the bells, which really set off the entire story.
AS I read, I was reminded of the stories I would hear at school about male students who worked at gay strip clubs to make money for school. I am sure Cooney was exposed to similar stories in teaching at MIT and Harvard and wonder if those served as inspiration for the men at the hotel.
The writing was tight, though rather romantic. There was definitely a theme of women's empowerment---women taking thier lives and sexuality into their own hands. Woman holding non-domestic jobs and a brief appearance of Fannie Farmer. The sex scenes were done well---not too much focus on them, but enough to portray some sensuality and, again, the opportunity for empowerment.
I liked the New England scenes, which were well done and believable for the time period. The characterizations of the people were equally believable though, again, rather romantic.
7/10
