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House of Gold | Natasha Solomons

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First, I love this cover! Total #covercrush

Set in World War I era, this novel looks at the banking family of Goldbaum, a family that has great worldwide influence. Power and politics play a great role, as well as religion and familial duty. I liked the novel‘s pace, though the ending was a bit rushed and tied up some storylines a bit too well, while leaving others with a lot of questions. Still, a good read! #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

Crazeedi Great book! 4y

kspenmoll Just loved this book! 4y

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House of Gold | Natasha Solomons

pick

This was an interesting historical fiction novel about the wealthy Goldbaum family, their influence, and the beginning of WWI.

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House of Gold | Natasha Solomons

This post contains spoilers

It‘s time for some discussion for this month‘s #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead ! I have posted 6 questions under spoilers; just scroll through my feed or search #LiteraryCrew to find them. I think this only touches the surface - lots could be discussed in this one!

What are your overall impressions of the novel?

Jerdencon, catebutler, kspenmoll, BookNAround, CoffeeNBooks, CarolineLovesToRead

CoffeeNBooks I really liked reading this one. Great choice! 4y

BookNAround I liked it but it had problems for me. 4y

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House of Gold | Natasha Solomons

This post contains spoilers

6. Were you surprised by the novel‘s ending? (Question from Random House book guide) #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

CoffeeNBooks Yes and no. I was hoping that everyone would return home safely, but knew that probably wouldn't happen. I was actually surprised that Albert made it home. 4y

CarolineLovesToRead I was expecting the family to migrate to the U.S. or was also thinking that some would perish in the war. I did not expect Albert to return home. That was a nice surprise 4y

BookNAround Yes. You don‘t have someone slip beneath the waves and still get saved in the end, especially in the ocean. I almost threw the book across the room at that revelation. 4y

kspenmoll I too was surprised Albert made it home. 4y

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House of Gold | Natasha Solomons

This post contains spoilers

5. How is motherhood explored throughout the novel? (Question from Random House book guide) #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

CoffeeNBooks For Greta, motherhood was a responsibility, she was expected to produce an heir for the family. 4y

kspenmoll Greta had a distance relationship ship with her own mother which was typical of her class in time. It seem they got closer when she left and through letters. She herself initially knew she was responsible to produce an heir, but wanted a different kind of relationship with her children than she had with her mother. 4y

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House of Gold | Natasha Solomons

This post contains spoilers

4. Besides duty, gardening plays a role in the novel. What does gardening mean to Greta? Does the family‘s attitude toward gardens change as the war rages on? (Based on question from Random House book guide) #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

CoffeeNBooks I think gardening is a way for Greta to have some control in her life, and I think as the war went on, it was a way for her to help others and take her mind off things. 4y

CarolineLovesToRead The garden is something Greta can have as her own, be herself and make something she can be proud of. It's also a connection between herself and her mother-in-law. The garden kept her mind off of the war and gave her even more to accomplish 4y

BookNAround To be honest, I found it a little strange that Greta, who had never shown any inclination for plants or to garden at home in Vienna all of a sudden takes to it at the suggestion of her mother in law. I realize that Solomons used it to show the difference between Greta and the rest of the family, the way she was loosening and moving away from the strict and controlled past but it seemed an unlikely hobby to me. 4y

kspenmoll I think the gardening gave her a sense of control in a world where she had none. Her mother in law was kind to her and tried to show her a way to be true to herself within the confines of her marriage and her role as a woman in society. Greta made her garden her own and planted what felt good for her she certainly did not want to wild away the days as a lady and her position.As a gardener myself, I can understand how it gave her a creative outlet 4y

kspenmoll (Con) A sense of control, and a purpose during the war it was her own corner of the world 4y

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House of Gold | Natasha Solomons

This post contains spoilers

3. The Goldbaums are a Jewish family. How does their faith shape their role in society, as well as choices they make? (Based on question from Random House book guide) #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

CoffeeNBooks It seems so strange and wrong that though they were expected to play such a vital role, they were still somewhat cast out because they were Jewish. But I thought it was important that no matter what, they took their faith into consideration when making decisions. 4y

CarolineLovesToRead They were respected amongst their Jewish relatives and did follow their faith. Unfortunately this meant that Henri couldn't marry Claire or visit Russia. Sad that they were a reapectes family but not accepted amongst non Jewish 4y

kspenmoll Their faith ultimately kept them outcasts in society. They stood by their faith, despite its burdens at times. 4y

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House of Gold | Natasha Solomons

This post contains spoilers

2. One of the themes of the novel is duty to family. Think about the characters in the novel - how do they each respond to duty in their actions? What are their thoughts and feelings toward these duties? (Based on question from Random House book guide) #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

CoffeeNBooks I think Albert took on the duties expected of him in a responsible manner because he knew he was supposed to and he was the most responsible one. I think Greta tried the make the best of her situation and still be herself within the confines of what was expected of her. I think Clement acted so irresponsibly because consciously or unconsciously, he didn't want to take on the duties that were expected of him. 4y

CarolineLovesToRead Albert and Greta knew their duty to their families and although both didn't like it they went on with the marriage. Both finding their own way to live in the marriage with Albert working and Greta building her garden. 4y

kspenmoll I agree with all. Both main characters took their duty to family seriously. Greta was so young & her rebel streak made her unhappy & initially unable to reach out to Albert, but her mother-in-laws garden advice turned her life/marriage around. 4y

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House of Gold | Natasha Solomons

This post contains spoilers

1. The Goldenbaums are reportedly loosely based on the Rothschild family. Do you know much about the Rothschild family? What about this era and the financial ties between nations prior to World War I? #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

Jerdencon Honestly I didn‘t know much at all - this is why I like historical fiction so much - always learning 4y

CoffeeNBooks I don't know anything about the Rothschild family, and I didn't know much about the financial ties among the various countries. This was a really interesting read. Historical fiction is my favorite genre, and I think it's because I always learn so much while I'm reading. 4y

CarolineLovesToRead I didn't know about the Rotschild family. I don't believe I've read a book with storyline on a financial family. I found it interesting and love learning more about the family 4y

BookNAround I didn‘t know much about the family or the interconnectedness of the nations before the war so that was definitely interesting to learn about. 4y

kspenmoll I was only familiar with the family name so this aspect of the novel fascinated me. It also saddened me, because despite all, their Jewish heritage marked them. 4y

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House of Gold | Natasha Solomons

#LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead - the final week of reading the tagged book! As we enter the final year, what are your thoughts and impressions? Mine appear in the comments below.

I will also post possible books for next month later on today.

Jerdencon, catebutler, kspenmoll, BookNAround, CoffeeNBooks, CarolineLovesToRead

Librarybelle I find myself liking Greta more as she matures and begins to think of the bigger picture. Anyone else concerned about how the various family members will fare with WWI looming? And, what does Karl, who used to live below the palace, have to do with everything? The next section is the longest section, so I hope we learn a lot! I find this fascinating - I‘ve not much knowledge of this specific piece of this time period. 4y

BookNAround I finished the whole thing by mistake (if you believe that, I have a bridge to sell you) so I‘ll button my lips until next week. But I have comments. Boy do I have comments! 4y

Librarybelle @BookNAround 😂 Oh boy! Cannot wait for the discussion! 4y

CoffeeNBooks I'm definitely curious about how Karl fits in to the story. I read ahead quite a bit yesterday, so I'm hesitant to say too much because I don't necessarily remember what was part of last week's section and what's part of this week's section. I've really enjoyed reading this book! 4y

CarolineLovesToRead I too have finished the book. I've enjoyed Greta's character. She has taken on role of wife and has matured. Glad you have brought up Karl. Was wondering how he fits in from the first time we have met him. I too wondered what would happen to the family as they enter the great war. Looking forward to discussing the book next week 4y

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House of Gold | Natasha Solomons

We are in the midst of the third week of reading this month‘s #LiteraryCrew #Buddyread . Any impressions from your reading? Mine appear in the comments below.

Jerdencon, catebutler, kspenmoll, BookNAround, CoffeeNBooks, CarolineLovesToRead

Librarybelle I am enjoying this one! The writing flows well for me, and this aspect of history I know so little, so it‘s been a great dive into a different layer of history for me. I find myself hoping that Greta and Albert can become closer. 4y

CarolineLovesToRead I enjoyed this read. Love the descriptions of the parties and gardens. I can picture myself there. I too hope that Greta and Albert fall in love. This little drama in the family kept me reading to find out what would happen to them and to Henri and Otto.... She created great characters 4y

catebutler Oh gosh! I dropped the ball with this one, I‘ll catch up on the reading this week. 4y

CoffeeNBooks I'm glad Greta and Albert have been able to be more civil to each other. I think Grata is starting to like him more. I think she just doesn't understand Albert's reserved personality. I wonder if he feels he has to be the more responsible brother, since Clement is not so responsible, it seems. Maybe that's what causes him to be more reserved. 4y

kspenmoll Agree with you all regarding Greta & Albert‘s relationship. I am also enjoying learning more about Jewish lives, culture, history during this time period & in Austria-Hungry. 4y

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BookNAround

House of Gold | Natasha Solomons

The Oz monster likes to lurk. #catsoflitsy #literarycrew

rubyslippersreads 😻😻😻 4y

Bookzombie 💕🐈 4y

LeahBergen 😆😆 4y

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House of Gold | Natasha Solomons

#LiteraryCrew
“None of the others knew that she had freely chosen to marry Albert Goldbaum.It might have been a good decision or it might have been a bad one,but it had been hers.”
Greta left Vienna to marry Albert,sight unseen, as arranged by their families & live with him in England.The night before the wedding she wrote a note,suggesting they not marry & be miserable.He said he would call it off if she wanted-given a choice,she said yes.

Librarybelle Good quote! 4y

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House of Gold | Natasha Solomons

Check in post for #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead of the tagged book. I‘m enjoying the posts! Any initial impressions to share with the group? I love @kspenmoll ‘s description of the writing as lush!

Jerdencon, catebutler, BookNAround, CoffeeNBooks, CarolineLovesToRead

BookNAround I‘m bad! I wait for your first post to remind me to start reading. 😂 4y

Librarybelle @BookNAround 😂 No worries! 4y

CoffeeNBooks I really like it so far, and I'm curious to see how Greta reconciles her responsibilities in her new marriage and life with her need for independence. 4y

CarolineLovesToRead I really like Greta so far. A spitfire. Looking forward to reading more to see how her marriage and life living with in-laws develops. 4y

kspenmoll @CarolineLovesToRead She is such a wonderful character & so unique for the times. 4y

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House of Gold | Natasha Solomons

Sunday morning #coffeeandabook
#LiteraryCrew

Cinfhen Great mug 😍 4y

britt_brooke Perfect! 4y

Sungirl79 That coffee is so good!! Love their coffee!!! Love the mug too!! 4y

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House of Gold | Natasha Solomons

#weeklyreport #LiteraryCrew #sundaybuddyread #PemberLittens #buddyread #cozy #audiomystery #RegencyEngland

Top row are books still in process; bottom row are books that are finished.

Cinfhen, TheBookHippie, Librarybelle, Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks, meghathecloud

Librarybelle Looks like good reading this week! 4y

Cinfhen Excellent!! Looks like a good group of books 😍 4y

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks 🎉🎊📚 4y

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House of Gold | Natasha Solomons

#LiteraryCrew #buddyread
Already enjoying Greta Goldbaum‘s devil may care attitude towards Viennese life prior to WWI. She will soon leave sparkling, urbane Vienna for drab England to marry.To prepare herself she is reading English novels.She delights in & much prefers Dickens to Austen.”Jane Austen she couldn‘t get along with at all.There were far too many young ladies eager to get married. Mr. Darcy sounded like a bore. and Mr. Bingley worse.”

Librarybelle 😂 Love the quote! Personally, I don‘t think I could get along with Dickens! 😂 4y

kspenmoll @Librarybelle Enjoy tale of two cities but not much else about dickens. 4y

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House of Gold | Natasha Solomons

The next #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead starts today!

Tagging those who expressed interest, or who plan to join in the discussion, but anyone is welcome. Let me know in the comments if you would like to join us!

Jerdencon, catebutler, kspenmoll, CoffeeNBooks, CarolineLovesToRead

catebutler Can‘t wait! 4y

BookNAround On my coffee table right now waiting to be picked up! 4y

kspenmoll Starting this week! Looks great! (edited) 4y

See All 6 Comments

Librarybelle Yay, @catebutler @kspenmoll ! 4y

Librarybelle Hooray, @BookNAround ! Sorry I missed tagging you on the post! 4y

Jerdencon Read this already but will join the discussion! I enjoyed it! 4y

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House of Gold | Natasha Solomons

Saturday morning #coffeeandabook.
#LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead

MoonWitch94 I keep seeing ads for Bones Coffee. Would you recommend? 4y

CoffeeNBooks @MoonWitch94 I love Bones Coffee! I'm a bit obsessed with all the different flavors they have, lol! 4y

AmyG @MoonWitch94 I love their coffee, too. They have the best flavors. 4y

MoonWitch94 @CoffeeNBooks @AmyG Thanks!! Good to know. I love trying companies new to me. I‘m currently obsessed with Door County Coffee ☕️ but looking to change it up. 4y

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sprainedbrain, Librarybelle, meghathecloud

House of Gold | Natasha Solomons

#bookmail #LiteraryCrew #Pemberlittens #buddyread

Excited these came in the mail today!

Librarybelle Hooray! 4y

meghathecloud Yay!! 4y

57 likes2 comments

House of Gold | Natasha Solomons

October‘s #LiteraryCrew #BuddyRead is the tagged book, based on the group‘s voting. 1911, an arranged marriage, a looming war, & a family dynasty on the verge of crumbling. This sounds like a good one!

Posted are the suggested weekly readings, though read at your own pace. I‘ll do checkin posts throughout the month, with discussion questions on the 31st. Tagging those who read Sept‘s book, but all are welcome...comment below!

KarouBlue, Jerdencon, catebutler, BookNAround, BethM, Chrissyreadit, CarolineLovesToRead, Chelsey_5

CoffeeNBooks I have a copy of this book and haven't read it yet! I'd love to join you this month! 4y

Librarybelle Yay, @CoffeeNBooks ! Glad you can join us! 4y

Jerdencon I read this about a year ago ... really enjoyed it and will join for the discussions 4y

See All 6 Comments

Librarybelle Sounds great @Jerdencon ! 4y

kspenmoll If I have time would love to join in. Book sounds like one I would enjoy. 4y

Librarybelle You‘re more than welcome to join if you can, @kspenmoll ! 4y

59 likes6 comments

House of Gold | Natasha Solomons

Thanks Diane! This sounds like a really interesting book!
@Crazeedi

Dcueto Happy birthday, neighbor!!!! 5y

CoffeeNBooks @Dcueto Thanks! 😊 5y

Crazeedi I looked at your book list, didnt have any, but our tastes are similar, so I think you will enjoy!❤ 5y

CoffeeNBooks @Crazeedi Yes! I hadn't heard of this one before, but it sounds great! 5y

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Crazeedi

House of Gold | Natasha Solomons

pick

I read this book in a day. Beginning in 1913,tells of the Goldbaum banking family, branches in 5 countries of Europe. The story centers on Greta from the Austrian branch, who marries Albert from the English branch (2nd cousins twice removed). At first I truly didnt like her, but as the story unfolded, I began to sympathize with her. High finance and exclusive living entwine.

77 likes