A captivating historical novel based on the true story of Anita Hemmings, the first Black student to attend the prestigious Vassar College by – passing as white. For fans of The Vanishing Half and The Gilded Age.
Since childhood, Anita Hemmings has longed to attend the country’s most exclusive school for women, Vassar College. Now, a bright, beautiful senior in the class of 1897, she is hiding a secret that would have banned her from admission: Anita is the only African-American student ever to attend Vassar. With her olive complexion and dark hair, she has successfully passed as white, but now finds herself rooming with Lottie Taylor, an heiress of one of New York’s most prominent families.
Though Anita has kept herself at a distance from her classmates, Lottie’s sphere of influence is inescapable, her energy irresistible, and the two become fast friends. Pulled into her elite world, Anita learns what it’s like to be treated as a wealthy, educated white woman – the person everyone believes her to be – and even finds herself in a heady romance with a well-off Harvard student. But when Lottie becomes curious about Anita’s family the situation becomes particularly perilous, and as Anita’s graduation looms, those closest to her will be the ones to dangerously threaten her secret.
Set against the vibrant backdrop of the Gilded Age, an era when old money traditions collided with modern ideas, The Gilded Years is a story of hope, sacrifice and betrayal – and a gripping account of how one woman dared to risk everything for the chance at a better life.
Read some great reviews from our Preview readers here:
I loved this story. Anita’s daily struggle with herself to hide her true self and her heritage, despite her intelligence all because of outdated ideas and traditions. I thoroughly recommend this novel for its insight into the era of the time where money and wealth bought you anything you wanted, even an education and those who struggled to be educated despite their abilities, race and heritage. Carolyn, WA, 5 Stars
This is a historical fiction story about Anita Hemming, the first African-American student that graduated Vassar College in 1897. Set during the Gilded Age, where old monied families (and traditions) met with modern ideas, such as women’s college education, more freedom for women outside of the family situation, and the beginning of African-American college education. This compelling story about a true, yet very unknown brave intelligent woman, who just wanted to strive for the best college education she could get, despite her ambiguous skin colour. Although this is only part of Anita’s story, you will want to know more, research the history of novel and of the times, and will be left with an appreciation for all the people who have paved the way for all of us throughout the years. Amanda, VIC, 5 Stars
I really enjoyed reading about this remarkable, brave and inspiring lady, Anita Hemmings. The sacrifices she made all in the pursuit of an education. Anita craved an education at a prominent ladies college, Vassar, so took the entry exams to make her dream a reality. She omitted one fine detail in her application, that she was born into a coloured family, if she had declared this, she would never have been accepted. Anita lived her years at Vassar as a white woman, no one was the wiser due to her fair complexion. She was of striking beauty, sang like an angel and exceptionally intelligent, life was going smoothly to plan until her senior year when she is partnered with very wealthy, larger than life, Lottie Taylor. Anita and Lottie become fast friends, with Lottie opening Anita’s eyes to a whole new world that Anita has never imagined she would have ever experienced, she begins to dream of a world without prejudice, luxury, life abroad and achievement of a higher education. Karin Tanabe has written a beautiful story which is well worth reading. Wendy, WA, 5 Stars
A fascinating read, an intriguing insight into life in U.S. in early 1900. The description of the school took me back to my days in a convent school I 1960. The dialogue was informative, sometimes witty which kept the story moving. The characters were believable. A great read. Julie, NSW, 5 Stars
Loved this Historical Fiction, The Gilded Years by Karin Tanabe about Anita Hemmings, a courageous black women and her struggle to get an education. I loved the authors story telling, how she used it to illustrate the characters in the book, but mostly Anita’s character how hard she worked, how smart she was, how well liked she was and how she had future dreams. It also told a story of the struggle external and internal she face by having to hide her race, the fear she lived in from being found out, and the racism that existed in society at the time. I loved the twists and turns in this book, and the emotional ups and downs within the story, it really kept the story engaging. Also the descriptive passages that set the scene of the Prestigious Vassar College and Society at the time. Whilst Lottie the room mate was a little over the top, her character brings life to the social contrasts, attitudes and challenges faced by Anita at the time. For me this book was really thought provoking, and a very enjoyable page turner, I just had to keep reading to find out what happened next. Fran, VIC, 5 Stars
Wow!! What a terrific book. I was so surprised to enjoy this book. Usually I like contemporary novels but this one set in the late 1800’s was so interesting and I leaned a lot about how African American people were treated, especially women. An education that entertains and informs. So worth the read! Jenny, VIC, 5 Stars
The Gilded Years is the most fascinating historical fiction story I have read in a while. I want to listen and read stories about the history of race and the evolution of the cultural revolution and acceptance of all human kind. The late 1800s/early 1900s novels that are bestsellers are such books like Pride and Prejudice or series like Downton Abbey…but this true story had such purpose and positivity and optimism and resilience that I would strongly recommend everyone reads the story of Anita Hemmings. What it is to be a modern woman of the late 1800s. I am so keen to see the production of this story by Reese Witherspoon and Zendaya! This novel has opened my heart and given me heart palpitations of anxiety and foreboding, but still hope and a sense of community and friendship across diverse backgrounds and race. Thanks Better Reading for the preview novel. Preeya, QLD, 5 Stars
I loved this book so much. I absolutely cannot wait for the movie adaptation as I enjoyed Anita’s story so much. Karin Tanabe wrote such a beautiful, visual story the characters were so well written and the plot so captivating. Couldn’t put this book down. Meg, SA, 5 Stars
I have really enjoyed this book The Gilded Years. I found it really thought provoking about racism and also education for women in general during that era. The author made the story of Anita Hemmings and all the difficulties she faced come to life for me. I would recommend this book as a great read. Alicia, QLD, 5 Stars
Karin Tanabe’s historical fiction novel, The Gilded Years, is a deeply moving story of the last year of Anita Hemmings’ life at Vassar College, New York. Anita was the first Afro-American student to graduate from Vassar but to do so she had to “pass” as a white student. It wasn’t until 1944 that an openly Afro-American student graduated here. As we follow Anita’s life during her final year, 1897, we are made aware of the social expectations of the late 1800s in America. Society frowned on educating women even if white. There was a movement for voting rights for women. Afro-Americans were severely discriminated against in all fields of their life. Those in high society, i.e. the rich, looked down on everyone else, the poor, the native, Afro-Americans, and women were relegated to housewife, charity and entertaining roles. To get an education Anita passed as a white student. This caused her and her family much anxiety fearing she would be exposed and then lose her position at Vassar. Tanabe carefully details the stress they all were put under. The novel explores the themes of friendship, love (both romantic and familial), belonging and betrayal. Annette, ACT, 5 Stars
The story is based on the true story of Anita Hemmings, who was born a Negro with fair coloured skin and was able to pass as a white person. She used her fair skin colouring to enrol in the elite “Vassar” college that only accepted white students. She was an excellent student and graduated with honours, something which would have been impossible for her as a Negro. I love how the author has told Anita’s story in great detail, we see how difficult it was for Anita, how she became ostracised after her truth was revealed and the many sacrifices she made just to receive an education. Thank you to Simon & Schuster Publishing and also Better Reading for providing me with this Advance copy in exchange for my honest review. Kylie, NSW, 5 Stars
The Gilded Years by Karin Tanabe is a beautifully researched historical fiction based on the life of Anita Hemmings, the first African-American student to study at Vassar. The fact that Anita attend Vassar by passing- as a white student enabled the author to weave a strong story about race, gender, belonging, family, love and the constant fear of being exposed as a Negro. The prejudice and limitations on women’s prospects were even more diminished being the “wrong” skin colour. I was completely unaware of Anita’s story and am so grateful that I had the opportunity to read and learn about this remarkable women in a time when being black gave you very little chance of progression, acceptance, respect and success. Highly recommend, fabulous read. Ilona, VIC, 5 Stars
I enjoyed reading The Gilded Years for its story about living as someone else and the fear that the secret could be discovered at any time. Anita Hemmings was a very brave young woman of her time. I am extremely pleased that very little prejudice now occurs and that people from all walks of life can obtain their dreams without the need to live a lie. Janice, WA, 4 Stars
I’ve just finished The Gilded Years by Karin Tanabe, a fictionalised version of the first African-American woman to graduate from Vassar College. Anita Hemmings’ true story has been interwoven with Tanabe’s imagining of, what must have been an incredibly difficult concealment, during Hemmings four years of living and studying on the Vassar campus, surrounded by bigotry and risk of exposure. Although I found some of the dialogue a bit stilted, in general, I found this to be easy to read and, at times, I was even quite invested in the characters. Overall I enjoyed this book, and I would like to thank Better Reading for a free advance copy in exchange for an unbiased review. Tracy, VIC, 4 Stars
A wonderful, thought provoking read. An easy read about difficult circumstances in a hard time, enjoyed the afterword as well. Recommending this book and would be a great bookclub read. Lisa, WA, 4 Stars
This story was an interesting one. As Anita’s story is based on fact, this makes it even more fascinating! The flow of the story was good and the descriptions of life in 1897 was thorough and gave plenty of insight into what it was like at that time. I thought there was a little too much time spent on the roommate Lottie but I still enjoyed this book. Susan, NSW, 4 Stars
The Gilded Years by Karin Tanabe is a very powerful and thoughtful novel. It is based on the true story of an African-American women’s bravery who is trying to establish a future for herself by gaining an education at the prestigious Vassar College. It is the story of Anita Hemmings and it was very insightful for me. The fact that she was the first Black student to attend Vassar College-by passing as White, foreshowed her strong characters courage, determination, intelligence and perseverance. I loved how the novel also depicted her doubts and fears about the secret she keeps. It really showed the insecurities and vulnerabilities of Anita as she risks everything for the chance at a better life. Anita just wants to be accepted as herself and have the freedom as her friends. The contrast of Anita’s life to her friends is highlighted by the character of Lottie Taylor. A vibrant character that takes Anita under her wings, showing a life that Anita can only hope to achieve. A highly recommended novel, which will take your emotions through Anita’s life decisions. I am really looking forward to seeing the movie when it comes out too. Raffaela, VIC, 4 Stars
Based on a true story, Karin Tanabe’s The Gilded Years is a compelling and fascinating account of the life of Anita Hemmings, the first African-American to attend Vassar, the exclusive women’s college towards the end of the 19th century. Although it mainly focuses on her time in college and the risks and lengths she is forced to take to “pass” as a white woman, the story also covers the impact of this on her family and her community. The story also touches on the path she takes after graduation which continues the themes of prejudice, segregation and betrayal. At times the heartbreaking experiences of Anita may seem incredulous to us living about 100 years later and reading this provides many insights into the courage and determination of this woman and many others like her. Regina, NSW, 4 Stars
A true story with license taken with some of the characters. In the late 1800s, Anita Hemmings a very bright young lady in Boston was granted a scholarship to attend Vassar College in nearby Poughkeepsie New York. In these times there were only very limited opportunities for Negros to attend College. In her first 3 years Anita was very focused on her studies but in her last year she was distracted by being roomed with a girl, Lottie, who drew her into more social activities. Unfortunately this then drew attention to her, as she was a very attractive young women, who because of her pale colouring enabled her to pass as a white student. Heartwarming story that draws the reader into Anita’s life. Lisa, SA, 4 Stars
A really well researched and written story. The story is based on fact and set in America at the end of the 1890s. At that time, your position in life was dependant on your family name, wealth, colour and especially race. Anita was an academic high achiever who outwardly appeared white but because she had Black heritage she was not entitled to attend a good school to receive a decent education. This is the story of how she managed to pass as white, attend the school of her choice and excel in spite of the incredible pressures and stresses of keeping up the charade. Incredibly interesting and inspiring! Kerry, WA, 4 Stars
This was a challenging book. I found some of the language and terms used rather confronting, and had to keep reminding myself that it was a different era, and that attitudes were very different, so, as such, those attitudes were reflective of the time. I did enjoy most of it, and the story of the first woman of colour to attend Vassar was always going to be interesting. It is, however, missing something and at times becomes a little dull. Despite that, it is well worth a read in the interest of understanding a little of the trials of being a woman of colour in the late 1800s. Karen, VIC, 4 Stars
This is the fascinating story of Anita Hemmings who was the first African American woman to attend the prestigious Vassar college but only by passing as a white woman. Set in the 1890’s, a time of change and great disparity between the wealthy ruling class and the liberated African Americans. The civil war had only finished 30 years earlier but there was still horrendous racism throughout all levels of society. The author does a tremendous job in portraying this in a sensitive way but I was still shocked by some of the characters’ views and statements. The fact that most universities did not admit African Americans at that time is unbelievable to us now. I did, however, love the descriptions of the various locations, the clothing and the ambitions of many of the characters. The author has done her research as she describes the high society and college life of the times so well. The blatant and vitriolic racism is eye opening and confronting but the story of Anita Hemmings deserves to be better known. If you enjoy historical fiction based on a true story then you will be enthralled by this story. Kecia, NSW, 4 Stars
The Gilded Years by Karin Tanabe is a historical novel based on the true story of Anita Hemmings who became the first Black student to attend Vassar College by passing as white. In the USA in the late nineteenth century racial segregation was still enforced. Many educational establishments, including the prestigious lady’s college Vassar, refused to take Black students. Anita was a gifted student who won a place at Vassar by disguising her heritage. During her first years at the college, she worked hard and kept a low profile but in her senior year she roomed with New York heiress Lottie Taylor. Through her friendship with Lottie, she begins to take risks mixing in Lottie’s circles and falling in love with a Harvard student but her biggest mistake is to let Lottie meet her brother. While I valued learning about the appalling treatment of Negroes in the USA at this time, I felt the novel concentrated too much on Lottie and at times I struggled to understand why Anita would take so many risks when she was so close to her goal of graduating from Vassar. So, while educational I found the novel a little disappointing. Jacky, QLD, 3 Stars
The Gilded Years by Karin Tanabe is a fiction story based on the true life of Anita Hemmings who was the first part negro student to attend the exclusive and prestigious Vassar College in America, by passing as a white woman. Anita finds herself sharing a room with Lottie Taylor who comes from a prominent wealthy family in New York. Anita, on the other hand comes from a blue collared working class family. This book brings up some very relevant issues of that time (late 1890s) of class and social distinction. A huge difference between how white people are seen, compared against black people. (Black people were treated as second rate citizens in comparison to white people.) Whilst I was looking forward, and did enjoy reading this book at the time (and often had a chuckle), I found myself reluctant to pick it up again after having put it down. It wasn’t an enthralling page turner for me unfortunately. I felt it was rushed towards the end of the story, as though the writer just wanted her story to be finished. The character of Porter Hamilton (the love interest in a triangle between the two girls) was wishy – washy and cowardly, in my opinion. A couple of the other characters could have been explored further in depth too. Valerie, VIC, 3 Stars
The Gilded Years was a very informative book about a period in history that I did not know too much about. I really enjoyed learning about the history of the time and admit that I went and looked up these characters and time in history, before finishing the book. I didn’t find the characters lovable, however found that overall it was an enjoyable read. Rebecca, ACT, 3 Stars
A newbie to historical fiction, I quickly appreciated the attention to detail presented and the vast research the author would have undertaken to be able to write this book. Based on a real-life forward-thinking negro woman Anita Hemmings, I became quickly fascinated with her story, struggles and in general what the late 1800s meant for women looking to gain college educations but who were not from privileged white backgrounds. The book combines both fictional and real characters intertwined within Anita’s storyline. At times I found some of the fictional characters personalities, actions and stories to be a little over the top, they felt slightly far-fetched for me. It started to feel as if the book was focusing on these other characters more, dampening the real story being told, that of Anita’s. Anita’s struggle did become the main topic again within the last third of the book. Overall, I enjoyed the book, and it has left me wanting to know more about both Anita Hemming’s life after college and that of all women seeking education during this time. Natalie, WA, 3 Stars
In contemporary Australia, the education I wanted was freely available to me, which made the sacrifices Anita was willing to make to attend a prestigious American college difficult for me to comprehend. Her story made me very uncomfortable about race inequality in general, but particularly at the end of the nineteenth century, when this story takes place. Despite Tanabe’s compassionate writing, my overall impression of Anita’s dilemma is expressed in Anita’s own thoughts in the novel: “She chose instead to be America’s most educated coward”. With the benefit of never personally being in such a dreadful position, I like to think that I would choose maintaining ties with my family over education. Although rather slow and genteel, like the White world Anita inhabits, this book contains intriguing descriptions of the fashion and society of the “Gilded Age”. I am looking forward to the upcoming Reese Witherspoon film, which I expect will include some stunning visuals and music from the time. Recommended for readers who enjoy social justice stories. Heidi, VIC, 3 Stars
The Gilded Years is a historical fiction based on a true story. I found it to be quite slow moving at the start and it took me a while to get into, but the second half made up for this and I was eager to find out how it would all end. After reading this I couldn’t wait to find out more about Anita’s life. Melissa, WA, 3 Stars
Telling the story of Anita Hemmings, the first black student to attend the prestigious Vassar college by passing as white, this had plenty of potential to be a gripping historical read. Set in 1897 this story ultimately never grabbed me. It was filled with too much idle chit chat and at times too much concentration on Lottie instead of Anita. This is soon to be released as a motion picture and I suspect it may well work better as a film. My thanks to Simon and Schuster and Better Reading for my copy to read and review. Sadly not as compelling a story as I hoped it would be. Dale, NSW, 2 Stars
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