The Golden Cup | Belva Plain

The Golden Cup: A Novel

Extended Synopsis

The triumphant saga that began in Evergreen continues in The Golden Cup, a powerful narrative set against the backdrop of early 20th-century New York. The story centers on Hennie De Rivera, a woman of hidden desires who stands apart from the immense wealth of her relatives in the Werner banking dynasty. While her family moves in circles of high society, shy Hennie harbors grand dreams and finds herself drawn to the daring activist Dan Roth, whose commitment to fighting for New York's poorest immigrants brings both controversy and passion into her life.

As the gathering clouds of World War I loom, the De Rivera and Werner families face a series of heartbreaking discoveries and complex social shifts. Tensions rise as Paul Werner—Hennie’s nephew—marries a debutante fiancée while struggling with his lingering, forbidden yearning for Anna Friedman, his mother’s beautiful maid. Belva Plain masterfully delivers a multi-generational tale of secrets, sacrifice, and the profound personal consequences that arise when individuals dare to challenge the rigid social expectations of their time.

Author Biography

Belva Plain was a celebrated American novelist best known for her sweeping family sagas, including the Evergreen series. Her work is recognized for its deep emotional resonance, intricate character development, and evocative depictions of Jewish-American life and societal change throughout the 20th century.

Reader Targeting

• Fans of epic multi-generational family sagas and historical fiction.
• Readers who enjoy character-driven stories set during the early 20th century and World War I.
• Followers of Belva Plain’s work and the Werner Family Saga.

Bibliographic & Physical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this book part of a series?
Yes, The Golden Cup is the second installment in the multi-generational Werner Family Saga, directly following the events of Evergreen.

What time period does the novel cover?
The story takes place in the early 20th century, capturing the social and political atmosphere leading up to World War I.

Can I read this book if I haven't read the first one?
While it is the second book in the series, it functions as a continuation of the family narrative; reading Evergreen first provides helpful context for the family dynamics, but this novel stands as a compelling historical drama in its own right.

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