The Parting Glass

Vividly recreates the class and ethnic conflicts of early-19th-century New York City. In the 1830s, Maire O'Farren and her brother, Seanin, flee Ireland's poverty and political strife for a better life in America. Because of hostility to immigrants, Maire changes her name to Mary Ballard and assumes a British accent to secure a job as lady's maid to the rich and beautiful Charlotte Walden. Seanin, now calling himself Johnny Prior, gets a position in the Walden family's stables so he can stay close to Mary. When Seanin falls for Charlotte, Mary facilitates their trysts even though she's also in love with Charlotte. Liddie, a black prostitute who frequents the Hibernian, an Irish bar, provides sensual comfort to soothe Mary's heartache and the two embark on an affair. Charlotte's commitment to Johnny is tested when her mother forces her to choose an appropriate husband. As Charlotte struggles with life-changing decisions, Mary learns the secret of the connection between her brother and what really goes on at the Hibernian. By day, Mary Ballard is lady's maid to Charlotte Walden, a belle of New York City high society. On her nights off, Mary becomes her true self: Irish exile Maire O'Farren, finding love in the arms of a prostitute and as a companion to members of a dangerous secret society. Charlotte has a secret of her own: an affair with a stable groom, unaware that her lover is actually Mary's brother. When the truth of both women's double lives begins to unravel, Mary is forced to choose between loyalty to her brother and loyalty to Charlotte. -- adapted from jacket