Strong Passions

A Scandalous Divorce in Old New York

De: Barbara Weisberg

Narrado por: Elisabeth Ashby

What could possibly go wrong in a wealthy matriarch's country home when her dilettante son, his restless wife, and his widowed brother live there together?

Strong Passions, rooted in the beguiling times of Edith Wharton's "old New York," recounts the true story of a tumultuous marriage. In 1862, Mary Strong stunned her husband, Peter, by confessing to a two-year affair with his brother. Peter sued Mary for divorce for adultery-the only grounds in New York-but not before she accused him of forcing her into an abortion and having his own affair with the abortionist. She then kidnapped their young daughter and disappeared.

The divorce trial Strong v. Strong riveted the nation during the final throes and aftermath of the Civil War, offering a shocking glimpse into the private world of New York's powerful and privileged elite. Barbara Weisberg presents the chaotic courtroom and panoply of witnesses who provided contradictory and often salacious testimony. She then asks us to be the jury, deciding each spouse's guilt and the possibility of a just resolution.

Social history at its most intimate, Strong Passions charts a trial's twists and turns to portray a family and country in turmoil as they faced conflicts over women's changing roles, male custody of children, and men's power-financial and otherwise-over their wives.

©2024 Barbara Weisberg (P)2024 Tantor

Unexpectedly good....

Came across the book at the library then checked to see if it was on audible, so I just got it and well..... talk about scandal upon scandal .. Good book, Old School drama among the upper echelon never can get enough of a crowd.... will listen to again in due time....