The Incorrigibles

Reviews

Praise for The Incorrigibles:
"I was completely enthralled by this powerful and, at times, gut-wrenching historical fiction about social injustice and female empowerment. With dual timelines set eighty years apart, Meredith Jaeger captivates with the inspiring story of two fierce women whose wills of steel carry them through their struggles for independence and retribution. An emotional, beautiful novel, The Incorrigibles both entrances and illuminates."—Samantha M. Bailey, USA Today and #1 international bestselling author of A Friend in the Dark
 
“A story of immense strength and beauty, The Incorrigibles illustrates the way in which women fighting for justice can unite across historical and class divides. A novel for anyone who has ever found themselves a frustrated, lonely voice shouting for what’s right, this book offers one message:  hope. Jaeger is a master storyteller.”—Katy Hays, New York Times bestselling author of The Cloisters
 
“The Incorrigibles is a sensitively explored and thoughtfully rendered story showcasing the courage and determination of two strong-but-wronged women from different generations. Jaeger deftly weaves dual timelines so equally compelling that each time the narrative shifted, I was disappointed to see it end. The Incorrigibles is a heartbreaking admonition of women’s oppression, and a hopeful reminder of their resilience and grit. A triumphant tale chronicling the cruel bonds of oppression and the sweeping, invincible bonds of friendship. A captivating read! One of those rare books that both captivates and elucidates. I savored every page.”—Lori Spielman, New York Times bestselling author of The Life List

"Meredith Jaeger’s The Incorrigibles interweaves the tales of two women eighty years apart, both fighting to shape their own narratives and tell their own stories. I adored this impeccably-researched feminist novel brimming with strength and resilience.”—Jillian Cantor, USA Today bestselling author of Beautiful Little Fools

"The Incorrigibles is a sweeping, evocative novel about communities formed in the margins, the connective power of art, and resilience forged in the face of injustice. Meredith Jaeger is a fierce chronicler of resistance who's offered us an indelible glimpse into two distinct eras in San Francisco—and the hearts of two unforgettable women. I'll never look at lace again without thinking of Annie and Judy."—Katie Gutierrez, nationally bestselling author of More Than You'll Ever Know

"Utterly enthralling, beguiling, and masterfully wrought, Meredith Jaeger's The Incorrigibles is the must-read historic fiction of 2024. Featuring a propulsive, immersive, dual narrative that weaves together two women's stories across the boundaries of time, The Incorrigibles is at once heart-wrenching and soul-affirming. Absolutely bingeworthy and transportive."—May Cobb, author of The Hunting Wives

“In this engrossing and poignant read, Meredith Jaeger shines a light on women who have been forgotten in time, illuminating how injustices we face in the present are so often echoes of those from the past. At the heart of this timely story are two such women who are equally fascinating, flawed, resilient and incredibly complex—as all the very best characters are. With its fast pacing that will have you flipping the pages; important themes that will stick with you long after reading; and rich historical details that immerse you in two incredible time periods, this is one that can’t be missed.”—Brianna Labuskes, author of The Librarian of Burned Books

“Among its many strengths, The Incorrigibles highlights Meredith Jaeger’s knack for creating original stories about resourceful and courageous women. I loved discovering a new angle into San Francisco and its colorful history.”—Elise Hooper, author of Angels of the Pacific

"Jaeger’s style has bloomed into a gripping voice that launches the story then never pauses for breath.... The women in Jaeger’s novel save each other when they can and rely on providence...when they can’t. Justice and equality are routinely denied them by men who “know better,” and eventually the only solution is for both women to wrest their fates free."—LA Times

"Judy and Annie are very sympathetic characters. Both of them must find the courage to stand up to men who want to control them, and find the lives they have dreamed of. Jaeger skillfully develops strong themes of both self-determination and solidarity. I was so invested in the plights of these two heroines that I found the book hard to put down and read all 354 pages in just two days. Highly recommended."—Historical Novel Society

"The narrative shifts between both time periods as these women, their lives uprooted by the men who failed them, find strength and resilience by nurturing their talents and building others up.”—Booklist

“In Jaeger’s hands, Annie’s story offers a moving and well-researched glimpse into the challenges facing women immigrants in the Gilded Age.”—Publishers Weekly Expand reviews