The Virgin Cure Synopsis
From #1 international bestselling author Ami McKay comes The Virgin Cure, the story of a young girl abandoned and forced to fend for herself in the poverty and treachery of post-Civil War New York City.
McKay, whose debut novel The Birth House made headlines around the world, returns with a resonant tale inspired by her own great-great-grandmother's experiences as a pioneer of women's medicine in nineteenth-century New York.
One summer night in Lower Manhattan in 1871, twelve-year-old Moth is pulled from her bed and sold as a servant to a finely dressed woman. Knowing that her mother is so close while she is locked away in servitude, Moth bides her time until she can escape, only to find her old home deserted and her mother gone without a trace. Moth must struggle to survive alone in the murky world of the Bowery, a wild and lawless enclave filled with thieves, beggars, sideshow freaks, and prostitutes.
She eventually meets Miss Everett, the proprietress of an "Infant School," a brothel that caters to gentlemen who pay dearly for "willing and clean" companions--desirable young virgins like Moth. She also finds friendship with Dr. Sadie, a female physician struggling against the powerful forces of injustice. The doctor hopes to protect Moth from falling prey to a terrible myth known as the "virgin cure"--the tragic belief that deflowering a "fresh maid" can cleanse the blood and heal men afflicted with syphilis--which has destroyed the lives of other Bowery girls.
Ignored by society and unprotected by the law, Moth dreams of independence. But there's a high price to pay for freedom, and no one knows that better than a girl from Chrystie Street.
In a powerful novel that recalls the evocative fiction of Anita Shreve, Annie Proulx, and Joanne Harris, Ami McKay brings to light the story of early, forward-thinking social warriors, creating a narrative that readers will find inspiring, poignant, adventure-filled, and utterly unforgettable.
About This Edition
| ISBN: |
9780061140341 |
| Publication date: |
2nd July 2013 |
| Author: |
Ami McKay |
| Publisher: |
Harper Perennial an imprint of HarperCollins |
| Format: |
Paperback |
| Pagination: |
352 pages |
| Primary Genre |
Historical Fiction
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| Other Genres: |
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| Recommendations: |
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Ami McKay Press Reviews
In July 2012 Lovereading asked members and browsers whether they would like to review this title ahead of publication. A few lucky readers were selected to do so and below you can find out what they thought:
'Written in the first person, this is an absorbing novel. It's difficult to write of such matters without sermonising, without making them overly squalid in description, even with a note of prurience. Ami McKay manages all this and more. This is a rich tale of a young girl coping and seeking and one that is a delight to read.' Paul Ward - Click here to read the full review.
'Her focus on the rights (or lack there of) of women/girls at this time is illuminating, shocking and ultimately redemptive.' Rachel Bridgeman - Click here to read the full review.
'The Virgin Cure is a captivating novel with several plot twists and a surprise ending. McKay has expertly crafted a cast of moving and convincing characters with vivid descriptions of the ghettoes in Manhattan’s lower east side. Ami McKay does not disappoint and if we have to wait too long for her next book I will simply have to re-read “The Virgin Cure” and enjoy it again.' Terri Wright - Click here to read the full review.
'Powerful and gripping are not adequate words to describe the emotions that arise from reading this book. The reader becomes connected to Moth who is a strong, jaded yet naive little girl.' Josephine Sherwood - Click here to read the full review.
'I enjoyed the novel and the style in which it was presented with little annotations in the margins from newspaper, advertisements relevant to the text. The story might make for uncomfortable reading but was an insight to the social history of a metropolis like New York and many other cities at the time.' Geraldine Barnes - Click here to read the full review.
'The story of Moth, a girl growing up in the Manhattan slums of the 1870s is a compelling combination of story, history and romance...The twists and turns of Moth’s battles for independence provide a vivid portrait of the underside of the American dream.' Cath Humphris - Click here to read the full review.
'There is something strangely repellent about the debauched world of the nineteenth century prostitute, and yet Moth’s delicate simplicity, steals right into your heart, and flutters with spirited wonder through the worst of her experiences. Overall, The Virgin Cure is an emotional and thought provoking read, and one that will remain with me for a very long time.' Josie Barton - Click Here to read the full review.
'From the start I loved this book. The subject matter of child prostitution is grim and there are some startling scenes in the book. However, this is a fascinating book, giving the reader a glimpse into the past.' J B Johnston - Click Here to read the full review.
'This is a great book - I really loved it even though it wasn't my usual type of book. I cared about Moth - she is likeable and tough and would thoroughly recommend this if you like a good read!' Sally Doel - Click Here to read the full review.
'McKay has delivered a powerful, provocative and magical novel and I absolutely loved it.' Francesca Ashurst - Click Here to read the full review.
'The Virgin Cure by Ami Mckay is historical fiction at its finest. It takes place in NY in 1871. We are introduced to Moth, a young girl who is about to he sold into servitude. Moth is unforgettable and the book is told in her voice. We follow her as she exposed to the seedy side and people who inhabit this dark side of life. She becomes a "fresh Maid" and men of a certain type will pay dearly for her. The life this young girl leads will sweep you away I could not put this book down and cannot stop thinking about Moth. I recommend this book to anyone who loves beautiful writing and strong heroines.' Rhonda Lomazow
'For the most part, the story is fast paced and keeps the reader of the edge of their seat, wanting to know how Moth will overcome such tragic conditions. The characters are believable, and you really do empathise with Moth as she is a worthy heroine.' Becca Golby - Click here to read the full review.
'I particularly enjoyed the author’s side notes, poems and old newspaper articles, which give the reader a feel for what it was actually like to live in society at that time and add historical interest to the novel. Although the story is at times harrowing I take my hat off to Ms Mckay for delivering an ultimately uplifting and thoroughly enjoyable read. I loved it so much that I will seek out Ami McKay first novel, the Birth House, and will be recommending The Virgin Cure to all my friends.' Ruth Richards - Click here to read the full review.
'The story is authentically written and held my interest, but I was disappointed that, following the eventual loss of Moth’s maidenhood, her fate and her future were wrapped up within just eighteen pages, as though the author didn’t want to take her story further in any depth.' - Lindsey Whittle - Click here to read the full review.
