Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for this eCopy to review

The Woman Who Went Over Niagara Falls in a Barrel is inspired by the true story of Annie Edson Taylor, the first person to survive going over Niagara Falls in a barrel, it is a testament to courage and determination.

From the moment I picked up the book, I was captivated by Cauchi’s vivid storytelling. The way she brought Annie’s character to life was nothing short of magical. I could feel Annie’s fear, her resolve, and her indomitable spirit as she prepared for and executed her daring feat. The historical context was richly detailed, making me feel as though I was right there in the early 1900s, witnessing this incredible event unfold.

The narrative was both heart-wrenching and inspiring. I laughed, cried, and found myself holding my breath during the tense moments leading up to Annie’s plunge over the falls. Cauchi’s writing is both poetic and gripping, making it impossible to put the book down. The themes of defying societal expectations and pushing the boundaries of what is possible resonated deeply with me.

Overall, The Woman Who Went Over Niagara Falls in a Barrel is a beautifully crafted novel that celebrates the extraordinary bravery of a woman who refused to be confined by the limitations of her time.

This historical fiction novel is about Mrs Annie Edson Taylor., the first person to go over Niagara Falls in a barrel. I admit I had never heard of Mrs. Taylor before, as I imagine most of you are in the same camp as me. However, I always love reading about fearless women who were trailblazers, unsung heroes, and the women who caused change while taking little to no credit for it. Mrs. Taylor fell into the first category. She loved doing stunts, proving how fearless she was, and she was further motivated by poverty. She had hoped that she would be able to ride the barrel down the rapids, live to tell the tale, and then make money from it. Unfortunately, things didn't work out the way she had planned. She chose an unscrupulous business partner who took advantage of her and took her barrel and her money, leaving her to die penniless. However, she did have a wealth of friends - women who she had helped throughout the years, who loved her dearly and would do anything for her in return. In between the chapters in the story, there are letters to and from Mrs. Taylor., as well as other correspondence. I found this book - and Mrs. Taylor - to be fascinating. If you are a fan of historical fiction, then you will definitely want to check this out.

I remember as a child hearing about a woman who went over Niagara Falls in a barrel. I was thrilled to learn more about Annie Edson Taylor in a new fictionalized account of her life, The Woman Who Went Over Niagara Falls in a Barrel by Caroline Cauchi.
Annie, a former teacer, was 63 and considered an old woman when she became the first person to succeed in her daring exploit in 1901.
At the start of the book it’s 1901 and she is living in lodgings provided for women down on their luck. The women who live there can’t afford to pay rent so they earn their keep by cooking and cleaning.
Annie is emotionally stilted, having carried unresolved grief since the death of her son in the year he was born, followed by the death of her husband two years later when she was 20.
A recurring theme is women helping each other. Cauchi reveals that Annie published a memoir in which she said she undertook the stunt to earn money to help two women who lived at the boarding house. This story of two friendships forms big part of the story.
Annie found it hard to get backers for her audacious stunt. Eventually a showman agreed to fund the cost of the special barrel she designed. Annie will pay him back from promotional earnings afterwards. Her age is recorded as 43.
The terrifying stunt is beautifully recorded and we can almost imagine we are crammed into the reinforced and sealed barrel, unable to hear anything except the mighty roar of the water.
Annie survived, unlike countless others who attempted the same feat. Her “manager” stole the barrel and did promotions without her. Her success faded very fast and she ended up in a pauper’s grave in the 1920s. Fortunately a campaign to rectify this saw her being re- buried in Stunter’s Corner at Niagara.
I loved how indomitable and determined Cauchi made Annie. She was entirely unlike women were supposed to be at this time, demure, quiet and the property of men. It’s wonderful that her achievement has been made visible again.

Annie Edson Taylor was 63 when she went over Niagara Falls in a barrel, the first person to survive this stunt. She is now largely forgotten and not much is known about her life, but Caroline Cauchi takes the facts that are available and turns them into an interesting read. The woman herself is fascinating and Cauchi brings her to life vividly, with interesting points being made about how women are written out of history (although I did find it a little repetitive and heavy handed in pushing that point at times). We can’t know, obviously, how accurate this portrayal is but it’s an enjoyable read and it’s always good to see new books about unusual women who have been invisible in the past.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy in return for an honest review.

Introducing the remarkable Mrs. Annie Edson Taylor, the first individual to navigate Niagara Falls in a barrel—a daring feat accomplished over a decade before any male daredevil attempted the same.

While the act of plunging over the falls may seem extraordinary, this narrative delves deeper into Annie's life and motivations. After enduring the tragic loss of her newborn son in 1861 and her husband's death at the Battle of Gettysburg two years later, Annie embarked on this perilous journey not for fame, but to support her friends. Her bravery in the face of danger is truly inspiring, demonstrating an extraordinary commitment to those she cared for, even at the risk of her own life.

This beautifully crafted account, grounded in true events, takes readers on an emotional journey through Annie's resilience and courage.

http://thesecretbookreview.co.uk

The Woman That Went Over Niagara Falls In A Barrel tells the story of Annie Edson Taylor, a truly extraordinary woman. I absolutely loved this book and learnt so much about an inspirational woman, I would urge anyone to read this book.

The title gave me the impression that Annie is a legend because of the drop with the barrel. How wrong was I.
And I am glad I was wrong.
This is an engaging read about Annie Edson Taylor, who went through waterfalls of pitfalls and hardships in her life, and who changed the lives of others.
Other characters were multidimensional like Annie.
Plot: 4.5
Characterisation: 4.5
Prose: 4.5
Themes: 5
Excellent read.

What a fantastic read! Historical fiction at its best, in my opinion! Thank you for introducing us to Annie.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Based on true events, this is the story of the first woman to go over Niagara Falls in a barrel. There is a strong sense of time, place and setting. The writing is eloquent and emotional and a reminder of how women have unreservedly been written out of history.

Poor kitty cat.
Being used as a scape goat for testing. Shame for Shame.
Shaking my head at this whole game plan. Why would someone do something so foolish dangerous I'll never know. Not me. I value my life too much.
It us a good story And somewhat humorous too. I'm not sure what to think honestly.
5 stars from me for keeping me entertained. I highly recommend even though it is told in In Verse style.

School teacher. Widow. Legend. Meet the courageous Mrs Annie Edson Taylor, The bravest woman you've never heard of and the first person to go over Niagara Falls in a barrel - over a decade before any male daredevil had the balls to do the same!

There's no way I would go over Niagara Falls in a barrel. But this book is so much more than just going over Niagara Falls. If we could get into Annie's inner thoughts, we would soon realise that there is more to her character. She lost her newborn son in 1861 and her husband two years later at the Battle of Gettysburg. Annie's reasons for doing this amazing but death defying act was to help her two friends. What an incredible thing to do, especially when it could have ended up with Annie losing her life. This is a beautifully written story that's based on true events. My emotions were all over the place. Annie had incredible courage.

Published 1st October 2024

I would like to thank #NetGalley #HarperCollinsUK #OneMoreChapter and the author #CarolineCauhi for my ARC of #TheWomanWhoWentOverTheNiagaraFallsInABarrel in exchange for an honest review.

Well... I have never heard of Annie, but now I feel as though I know her really well.

This is a groundbreaking book, one which reminds us that life for women was once way more challenging than it was now but there are still elements within this story which ring true today.

Annie is a fantastic main character, I can't believe she is a real person and I'd never heard of her. She shows sheer bravery and determination in her feat to go down the Niagara Falls and survive, but my favourite part of her character is her caring nature, how much she helped other women and was living to help others. What a woman!

I was truly riled when her manager disappeared and was truly behind every moment of Annie's endeavour to get justice.

I loved the various quotes from people whose lives were touched by this woman woven in throughout the story too.

What a stunning story!

Having just visited Niagara Falls for the first time time and hearing about the woman who went over the falls in a barrel I knew I’d have to read this book.
What a story! Annie Edson Taylor, wife and mother, at 63 was the first person to go over the falls in barrel. Crazy idea yes! but reading this book puts a new light on what a courageous woman Annie was. We learn of her sad life and of why she decided to undertake such a crazy feat in 1901.
I loved this book and am in awe of Annie and the amazing research the author has undertaken to write a beautiful story.
It is one of those books that will stay with me for a long time.

This book tells the story of Annie Edson Taylor, the first person to ever go over Niagara Falls in a barrel.

The daredevil stunt of tumbling down Niagara Falls in a barrel was what drew me to this book, but it ended up being so much more that that. It was a tale of loss and betrayal, but also of perseverance, courage and defying odds. The impact that one can have on others simply by staying true to themselves, despite the noise of the world.

I am struggling to find the right words to review this book. How do you sum up the story of an incredible woman like Annie Edson Taylor? How am I supposed to voice my thoughts about the words of an author as talented ad Dr Caroline Cauchi? There is only one word for it; MAGIC.

The story within the story is beautiful. The writing is beautiful. Everything about this book is beautiful. The character development is first class.

I laughed, cried, gasped, cried some more. Every single words is perfection! I can't wait for the world to learn the story of Annie, The Queen of thr Mist, as told by Caroline Cauchi.

A very interesting story which Intrigued me. I couldn't imagine doing something so dangerous as going over Niagara Falls in a barrel and the absolutely courage of this woman was amazing. Especially as she had a husband and a baby. This should be made into a film. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

Wow, what a historical fiction gem! Caroline Cauchi delivers The Woman Who Went Over Niagara Falls in a Barrel with such artistic writing skill and research thoroughness that I will never forget this fascinating tale! The author brought this courageous woman to light and life with her exceptional prose and helped me realise Annie Edson Taylor’s accomplishment but also her struggles, determination and true grit.

Some might say Annie was crazy to attempt such an impossible stunt as going over Niagara Falls in a barrel and rightfully so. But it was a way for this sixty-three year old to overcome her grief and prove her worth. Facing potential death shook the cobwebs from her mind and gave her a sharper perspective.

In so many ways The Woman Who Went Over Niagara Falls in a Barrel is a deep psychological character study for we are able to delve into Annie’s thoughts through her diary and see how private she was about her life. She never lets out very much about her past to those around her but we do learn that her only child was born and died in 1861 and her husband died two years later at Gettysburg. Losses that deeply affected her life. We, like the author, then ask the questions: what was Annie’s motivation to risk her life, lie about her age and believe she could survive a stunt that so many others had died attempting? What did she have to gain or lose (and to our minds a fair bit with the latter!). The author handles all these questions beautifully and paints a picture that makes sense.

Through extensive research Ms Cauchi learned that Annie wanted to earn money to help two friends—'one battling illness and the other to care for a child.’ Since there is no further info about these two available, the author created a young mother named Tilda and her baby Nora and older boarding house owner Mrs Lapointe to flesh out the possibilities of who they might have been and their importance to Annie. And Ms Cauchi has done a magnificent job in delivering these three important female characters (along with Annie). They all felt very real and I became emotionally invested in their lives. These women were part of the motivation behind Annie’s decisions and actions. They were as much a blessing to her as she was to them. When Annie decides to go ahead with her dangerous mission, they support and believe in her. Her cleverness and resourcefulness are evident in her plans. This wasn’t a quick hairbrained stunt idea but rather one well thought out. She drew upon science and other information available for her predictions and preparations. She was confident she’d survive the Niagara Falls drop in a barrel that she designed herself. Very clever indeed!

I must add, this story is not just a portrait of one woman, though Annie is the main focus. Character Tilda shares a viewpoint and offers another perspective on Annie but we also follow her personal journey. This young woman’s challenges are gut wrenching – what drove her away from home. How she ends up one night at Mrs Lapointe’s boarding house, shivering and drenched with a child on her hip. She has little funds but is allowed to stay for it is a home created for women in trouble. Tilda’s growth is astounding when she is given love. And courage springs from her closeness with Annie. In fact, Annie had quite an effect on the other women as well as noted by Evelyn Sinclair who said, “Mrs Taylor was more than just working in the boarding house; she was a guiding light in a world I believed was vicious and unforgiving. She taught me how to sew and how to tell stories. Made sure my voice was heard. Gave me hope. God bless her.” Mrs Lapointe provided a home that became a refuge. These women cheered and buoyed each other up from their troubles. This aspect of the novel is quite moving.

And, of course, the barrel stunt is a major plot focus in this varied tapestry. I have been to Canada’s Niagara Falls (I am a Canadian!) and looked over the edge of the viewing platform and marvelled at the awe-inspiring beauty, majesty and peril. To imagine someone going over this gigantic rushing waterfall is mind blowing and from such a height. Not to mention the significant force on the body it would cause—and in a barrel! To think Annie, a real person, did such a thing leaves me speechless. To face the raw unbridled power of nature and survive it, is epic. It was a great moment of victory for women for a number of reasons. It made a strong statement for those who tried to take charge of their lives after being dominated and belittled by men. Secondly, not only was Annie the first woman to attempt the impossible stunt but also the first person to ever live to tell the tale. Many men did not.

The one thing about this whole event, though, that is heartbreaking, is what happened afterward. The awful betrayal by her manager – a circus man who vowed to help her achieve her feat. He took advantage of her victory and stole what should have provided years of recognition and financial support for her and those she cared about. The whole sorry mess left her poor and a burial in a pauper’s grave. But, of course, the story does not end there as a community of friends and acquaintances who loved this woman pulled together and gave her the place she deserved in history and also gifted her a respectable gravesite with a re-burial ceremony.

As for Annie today, we should never forget this remarkable woman born in 1838 who at sixty-three in 1901 defied death! From schoolteacher, to dance instructor, to clerical worker and barrel stunt woman she is a heroine worthy to be acknowledged. She defied the archaic ideas, modes of restraint and ageism put on women of her era. She was a beacon of light and hope. I cannot rave enough about this novel and what a brilliant ‘fictionalised love letter’ Ms Cauchi has written in honour of Annie Edson Taylor. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to One More Chapter and Netgalley for the ARC.