{"product_id":"book-c7yq","title":"Love and Other Consolation Prizes","description":"\u003cb\u003eFrom the bestselling author of \u003ci\u003eHotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet \u003c\/i\u003ecomes a powerful novel, inspired by a true story, about a boy whose life is transformed at Seattle’s epic 1909 World’s Fair.\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cb\u003e“An evocative, heartfelt, beautifully crafted story that shines a light on a fascinating, tragic bit of forgotten history.”—Kristin Hannah, author of \u003ci\u003eThe Nightingale\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e For twelve-year-old Ernest Young, a charity student at a boarding school, the chance to go to the World’s Fair feels like a gift. But only once he’s there, amid the exotic exhibits, fireworks, and Ferris wheels, does he discover that \u003ci\u003ehe\u003c\/i\u003e is the one who is actually the prize. The half-Chinese orphan is astounded to learn he will be raffled off—a healthy boy “to a good home.” The winning ticket belongs to the flamboyant madam of a high-class brothel, famous for educating her girls. There, Ernest becomes the new houseboy and befriends Maisie, the madam’s precocious daughter, and a bold scullery maid named Fahn. Their friendship and affection form the first real family Ernest has ever known—and against all odds, this new sporting life gives him the sense of home he’s always desired. But as the grande dame succumbs to an occupational hazard and their world of finery begins to crumble, all three must grapple with hope, ambition, and first love. Fifty years later, in the shadow of Seattle’s second World’s Fair, Ernest struggles to help his ailing wife reconcile who she once was with who she wanted to be, while trying to keep family secrets hidden from their grown-up daughters. Against a rich backdrop of post-Victorian vice, suffrage, and celebration, \u003ci\u003eLove and Other Consolations\u003c\/i\u003e is an enchanting tale about innocence and devotion—in a world where everything, and everyone, is for sale. \u003cb\u003eRead by Emily Woo Zeller, with a note read by the Author\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cb\u003eAdvance praise for \u003ci\u003eLove and Other Consolation Prizes\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e “Ford is a master at shining light into dark, forgotten corners of history and revealing the most unexpected and relatable human threads. . . . A beautiful and enthralling story of resilience and the many permutations of love.”\u003cb\u003e—Jessica Shattuck, author of \u003ci\u003eThe Women in the Castle\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e “All the charm and heartbreak of \u003ci\u003eHotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet . . . \u003c\/i\u003eBased on a true story, \u003ci\u003eLove and Other Consolation Prizes\u003c\/i\u003e will warm your soul.”\u003cb\u003e—Martha Hall Kelly, author of \u003ci\u003eLilac Girls\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House","offers":[{"title":"Audiobook","offer_id":49332765753648,"sku":"BDc7yq","price":22.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Audio CD [40]","offer_id":49332765786416,"sku":"40c7yq","price":40.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0879\/2784\/9264\/files\/218663-c7yq-Square.jpg?v=1733856393","url":"https:\/\/downpour.com\/products\/book-c7yq","provider":"Downpour","version":"1.0","type":"link"}