Love and Other Consolation Prizes

A Novel

By: Jamie Ford

Narrated by: Emily Woo Zeller, Jamie Ford

From the bestselling author of Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet comes a powerful novel, inspired by a true story, about a boy whose life is transformed at Seattle’s epic 1909 World’s Fair.

“An evocative, heartfelt, beautifully crafted story that shines a light on a fascinating, tragic bit of forgotten history.”—Kristin Hannah, author of The Nightingale

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 he 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, Love and Other Consolations is an enchanting tale about innocence and devotion—in a world where everything, and everyone, is for sale.


Read by Emily Woo Zeller, with a note read by the Author


Advance praise for Love and Other Consolation Prizes

“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.”—Jessica Shattuck, author of The Women in the Castle

“All the charm and heartbreak of Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet . . . Based on a true story, Love and Other Consolation Prizes will warm your soul.”—Martha Hall Kelly, author of Lilac Girls

Intriguing. Hard to put down.

It opened my eyes to another lifestyle and the good and bad aspects of life. I found myself wanting to listen at every opportunity.

A sad, beautiful tale

Ford writes another touchingly, painful novel filled with colorful characters. The love between Ernest, Maisy, and Gracie is complicated by the dark setting of the Garment District. The narration flows well. I enjoyed the book.

love and loyalty

Amazing story of how even hardship like can bring love, respect, and kindness often in thee strangest places.

Sweet read

loved it!! every once in a while you need to read a sweet book about true love at first sight. this is it.

A lot of heart

The book has so much heart and charm. It's sad and heartbreaking and beautiful and funny. Jamie Ford is a treasure. Emily Woo Zeller dose a marvelous job, just about perfect narration.