The Transformation
by Catherine Chidgey
Buy book: $13.50

Tampa, Florida, 1898: A hazy frontier where the Old World meets the New, where miracles of transformation are possible and the soil is so fertile that dry sticks take root and flower. Dominating the town is the magisterial new Tampa Bay Hotel and dominating the hotel is an exotic creature by the name of Monsieur Lucien Goulet III, wig maker to the wealthy and glamorous. As winter nears its end, Goulet is entranced by a head of hair belonging to the young widow Marion Unger. But this material, without which he absolutely cannot form his greatest masterpiece, is hard to come by, as it is still attached to its owner.

 

So far, this book is very interesting. I just read the description and we obviously haven't met some of the characters yet. It's so cold here, I can appreciate the freezing and crackling of trees. If our library has this book, I will check it out, but I probably wouldn't rush out to buy it.

I have never visited Tampa but went online and checked out the hotel. Thankfully it is still standing and is part of the University of Tampa but has a museum which is open to the public. I plan on visiting when I get to Tampa. I have also reserved this book - will make a great read over the holidays!