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mulhollen's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I loved reading about the theater world of 1940s New York. The story and characters of this time were quite interesting.
The first half of the book had me captivated, but the ending got slow and the books beginning only comes back into play at 85% complete or so. I wish we heard more about Frank, Nathan, and those later moments in life in as much interesting detail as her 20s.
The first half of the book had me captivated, but the ending got slow and the books beginning only comes back into play at 85% complete or so. I wish we heard more about Frank, Nathan, and those later moments in life in as much interesting detail as her 20s.
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexual assault and Rape
nattie_moff's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
A really cozy read and a nice break from some of the heavier books I’ve been consuming lately.
The premise of the book feels shakey. I wish it was more of a stand alone tale rather than a woman writing her life’s autobiography to answer such a simple question. Let’s be honest, no one would *actually* read that 480 page letter. With that being said, I loved the ragtag group of societal misfits and the old time glitz and glamour feel. Olive is such an underrated character and Peg is the aunt we all wish we had. I love that it turned into a feminist, girl power feel of a story. It was refreshing to read about a woman who proudly didn’t fit into society’s mold. Vivian didn’t have a traditional love story but built such a beautiful and happy life with a group of girlfriends. In the end, her living situation and sex life was the ultimate dream, if you ask me.
Also, this would make such a good TV/ streamer series ❤️
Also, this would make such a good TV/ streamer series ❤️
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol
Moderate: Infidelity, Misogyny, and War
Minor: Sexual assault
lindsey_bear's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Wow! I enjoyed every word of this one—Gilbert so eloquently wove historical fiction themes of feminism, WWII, NYC showgirl culture in a way that made it feel relevant to you. This book is for any woman who wants to read a strikingly honest and believable, but also adventurous coming-of-age story. A huge theme was female friendship, and this was emphasised in the end as Vivian reflects on the many friendships we get engulfed in throughout the novel. It genuinely feels like you’re learning Vivian’s lessons with her, in real time. I cannot recommend this one enough, and am so glad I took the chance on a book that normally isn’t my preferred genre.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Pregnancy, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Grief, Abortion, Addiction, Sexism, Sexual assault, War, Death, Adult/minor relationship, Death of parent, Infidelity, Misogyny, Rape, Outing, and Sexual content
nataliebootlah's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This is the brilliant story of Vivian Morris’ life—from being kicked out of college to getting shipped off to her semi-estranged aunt in Manhattan to actors, plays, sex, and show girls.
It’s basically a 400-page response a woman named Angela receives when she asks what her father meant to Vivian. Ultimately it’s a coming of age novel about a beautiful, rich girl finding her way (and making mistakes) through show business, war, love, loss, and life.
I loved the darling cast, dazzling New York City nightlife, and overall ode to Vivian’s life. It’s everything you’d expect from a multi-faceted, complex, and sometimes unreliable narrator. That’s showbiz, baby!
It’s basically a 400-page response a woman named Angela receives when she asks what her father meant to Vivian. Ultimately it’s a coming of age novel about a beautiful, rich girl finding her way (and making mistakes) through show business, war, love, loss, and life.
I loved the darling cast, dazzling New York City nightlife, and overall ode to Vivian’s life. It’s everything you’d expect from a multi-faceted, complex, and sometimes unreliable narrator. That’s showbiz, baby!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Alcoholism, and Infidelity
Moderate: Sexual assault, Death, Homophobia, Grief, and War
haleymaple's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Alcohol, and Sexual content
Minor: Sexual assault and War
charlotteappleyard93's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
City of Girls is told from the perspective of Vivian recounting her rather colourful life to an enigmatic figure named Angela, as she attempts to, in great detail, explain the extent of her relationship with her father who remains a bit of a mystery until the later portion of the book. This is an interesting structural device that both works and doesn't. On one hand it keeps you quite engaged as you wonder who exactly Angela's father is, as more male characters are introduced, and become increasingly intrigued by what the end game is. However, it's also a bit farfetched that Vivian would take nearly 500 pages to explain herself.
Although the writing is very conversational and sucks you in as if you are listening to a good friend tell you a very juicy story, the dialogue is too intricate and convincing for the conceit of the book to really work. For Vivian to be writing out her life story for Angela this would make her an 'unreliable nartator' but the characters and dialogue are far too believable and rich to be the memories of a woman in her 80s. So kind of a compliment as well as a criticism! It doesn't take away from the books brilliance.
The 1940s is wonderfully vivid and the atmosphere of the theatre is beautifully captured and just dripping in nostalgia. Vivian's older and wiser descriptions of her young and vain 19 year old self are also hilariously catty. I felt such an affection for this character and was totally caught up in her journey. For the bulk of the book she is sewing her wild Oates in New York enjoying the glamorous company of showgirl Celia Ray (the blurb is quite misleading and makes their relationship seem more important than it is, this is very much Vivian's story alone). It also follows her career as a costumer and involvement in the creation of an exciting new musical called City of Girls, which aims to revitalise the shabby theatre her Aunt Peg runs. These event perhaps span a few years but take up most of the book and are filled with fantastic character and important events and scandal that help shape who Vivian becomes later in life. It's often sexy, fun and deliriously exhilarating.
However, there are moments of great sadness as she explores loss and the aftermath of the war. You really feel Vivans grief and emotions as she learns from her mistakes and digs herself out of a heartbreaking pit of self loathing emerging as a fully formed, confident woman who is completely happy and unashamed of who she is.
I loved this book! I was so invested and touched by it. It was also surprising and just took me somewhere I was not expecting, particularly with her relationship with Angela's father, which was poignant and in great contrast to her more playful and physically passionate relationships with other men in the story. I enjoyed City of Girls discussion on double standards and gender roles and also its focus on female friendship and different kinds of love. It was also so sex positive, which was great. I loved Vivian for all her flaws and think this is a must read if you love a good character study
Although the writing is very conversational and sucks you in as if you are listening to a good friend tell you a very juicy story, the dialogue is too intricate and convincing for the conceit of the book to really work. For Vivian to be writing out her life story for Angela this would make her an 'unreliable nartator' but the characters and dialogue are far too believable and rich to be the memories of a woman in her 80s. So kind of a compliment as well as a criticism! It doesn't take away from the books brilliance.
The 1940s is wonderfully vivid and the atmosphere of the theatre is beautifully captured and just dripping in nostalgia. Vivian's older and wiser descriptions of her young and vain 19 year old self are also hilariously catty. I felt such an affection for this character and was totally caught up in her journey. For the bulk of the book she is sewing her wild Oates in New York enjoying the glamorous company of showgirl Celia Ray (the blurb is quite misleading and makes their relationship seem more important than it is, this is very much Vivian's story alone). It also follows her career as a costumer and involvement in the creation of an exciting new musical called City of Girls, which aims to revitalise the shabby theatre her Aunt Peg runs. These event perhaps span a few years but take up most of the book and are filled with fantastic character and important events and scandal that help shape who Vivian becomes later in life. It's often sexy, fun and deliriously exhilarating.
However, there are moments of great sadness as she explores loss and the aftermath of the war. You really feel Vivans grief and emotions as she learns from her mistakes and digs herself out of a heartbreaking pit of self loathing emerging as a fully formed, confident woman who is completely happy and unashamed of who she is.
I loved this book! I was so invested and touched by it. It was also surprising and just took me somewhere I was not expecting, particularly with her relationship with Angela's father, which was poignant and in great contrast to her more playful and physically passionate relationships with other men in the story. I enjoyed City of Girls discussion on double standards and gender roles and also its focus on female friendship and different kinds of love. It was also so sex positive, which was great. I loved Vivian for all her flaws and think this is a must read if you love a good character study
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual assault, and War
betsygrace's review against another edition
Too much weird sexual content and sexual assault/rape vibes for me. It’s very normalized in the circle that the main character runs in, and I got tired of hearing it (listened on audiobook)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Alcohol, Rape, Violence, Domestic abuse, Misogyny, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Sexual harassment, Sexual assault, Toxic friendship, and Toxic relationship
lotten4's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I really liked the ambiance. (Also, good writing)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, War, Alcohol, Mental illness, Death of parent, Death, and Alcoholism
Moderate: Death of parent, Toxic relationship, Toxic friendship, Rape, Injury/Injury detail, Sexism, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Pregnancy, and Sexual violence
flowtjo's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Dang!! I was shocked at how much I loved it. It's really a 4.5, there's just *something* that's stopping me give it 5 stars. But I love love loved it and Elizabeth Gilbert knocked it out of the park. Strong queer themes, an unapologetic main character, male and female characters with substance...DAMN I can't get enough of it!!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Rape and Sexual assault
karlanoelle's review against another edition
adventurous
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
If you enjoyed The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, I think you might like this book. I appreciate that Gilbert wrote a story about a flawed woman who doesn't necessarily meet society's expectations for who a good woman is and who isn't necessarily likable to some, but isn't objectively a bad person and exhibited some redeeming qualities, especially as she aged and grew. I liked reading about Vivienne's journey to sexual empowerment and overall confidence in who she is as a person and about the strength and struggles of female friendships and companionship in all their forms. While Vivienne's undoubtedly the main character, I found the supporting cast to be charismatic and well developed as well, and dare I say, also interesting.
I'd especially recommend the audiobook. I loved how vivid Gilbert's writing is and how distinct and personable Vivienne's voice was, as well as the attention to detail and how the world building really made New York City pop off the pages. I truly felt like I was sitting at brunch or something with her and listening to her tell me the story of her life, and the voice actress was particularly exquisite in how she brought the narrative to life.
I'll say that the second half of the book feels very fragmented from the first half in that the titular play and some of the characters we've come to know become virtual non-players. I also imagine that some readers will find the first half much more exciting and interesting than the second half, especially if they were primarily driven to the theater and showgirl aspects. However, I found Vivienne to be an engaging enough character that I was already emotionally invested in her life trajectory at that point, so I didn't mind as much that the story's pace slowed down - particularly since the second half is when we get to witness some of Vivienne's character development, as she grapples with what she did and how that cuts against who she wants to be.
I'll also say that the pacing of the book is off in the sense that it didn't need to be this long. At times, I forgot that the purpose of Vivienne's letter was to answer Angela's question of the status of the relationship between her father and Vivienne. We don't even find out who Angela's father was until towards the end of the book, although I do think it's important to understand the events that led up to Vivienne's path crossing with his and how she grappled with that before their paths crossed again later on.
Overall, I can see this being a fun summer read, and I enjoyed it.
I'd especially recommend the audiobook. I loved how vivid Gilbert's writing is and how distinct and personable Vivienne's voice was, as well as the attention to detail and how the world building really made New York City pop off the pages. I truly felt like I was sitting at brunch or something with her and listening to her tell me the story of her life, and the voice actress was particularly exquisite in how she brought the narrative to life.
I'll say that the second half of the book feels very fragmented from the first half in that the titular play and some of the characters we've come to know become virtual non-players. I also imagine that some readers will find the first half much more exciting and interesting than the second half, especially if they were primarily driven to the theater and showgirl aspects. However, I found Vivienne to be an engaging enough character that I was already emotionally invested in her life trajectory at that point, so I didn't mind as much that the story's pace slowed down - particularly since the second half is when we get to witness some of Vivienne's character development, as she grapples with what she did and how that cuts against who she wants to be.
I'll also say that the pacing of the book is off in the sense that it didn't need to be this long. At times, I forgot that the purpose of Vivienne's letter was to answer Angela's question of the status of the relationship between her father and Vivienne. We don't even find out who Angela's father was until towards the end of the book, although I do think it's important to understand the events that led up to Vivienne's path crossing with his and how she grappled with that before their paths crossed again later on.
Overall, I can see this being a fun summer read, and I enjoyed it.
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexual assault and Alcoholism