This book has taught me a lot about America from 1900-1920, particularly in relation to the abolitionist and revivalist movements, and has inspired me to visit The Morgan Library and Museum (should I ever be lucky enough to travel to NYC.) Tension was high and tellable throughout the story as readers are held in the centre of a deception and the plot threatens to turn for the worse throughout. 
Despite the inspiring nature of Belle's life, and her role in feminist history, I could not connect to the perspective and style from which she was written. This book was too long-winded and gave the impression of rambling the same ideas again and again. Unfortunately, the writing style desensitised me to the characters and decreased the pace of the plot.