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bargainsleuth's review
3.0
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I’ve read two other Gill Paul books, Jackie and Maria: A Novel of Jackie Kennedy & Maria Callas and The Collector’s Daughter: A Novel of the Discovery of Tutankhamun’s Tomb. I enjoyed them both, as they surrounded subjects for which I’m familiar. Yet when I picked up The Manhattan Girls, I knew nothing of Dorothy Parker other than that she was a writer and was a member of the Algonquin Round Table.
The book is full of sharp and witty women and men and their banter. My main problem throughout the book was that without having prior knowledge of Parker and her friends, I had no idea what was real and what was imagined. In one sense, that’s freeing for the reader, but in another sense, it’s really hard to see the fact in the fiction. I wished there were an afterward revealing what was true or not, where liberties were taken, and what happened to the people described in the novel.
While I found the writing top-notch as usual for a Gill Paul novel, I had trouble connecting because of the above-mentioned facts. I still feel like I didn’t know Dorothy Parker all that well. I did enjoy finding out more about the starting up and the early days of The New Yorker magazine. I would recommend for anyone who enjoys historical fiction set in the 1920s, or for fans of Dorothy Parker and her friends.
I’ve read two other Gill Paul books, Jackie and Maria: A Novel of Jackie Kennedy & Maria Callas and The Collector’s Daughter: A Novel of the Discovery of Tutankhamun’s Tomb. I enjoyed them both, as they surrounded subjects for which I’m familiar. Yet when I picked up The Manhattan Girls, I knew nothing of Dorothy Parker other than that she was a writer and was a member of the Algonquin Round Table.
The book is full of sharp and witty women and men and their banter. My main problem throughout the book was that without having prior knowledge of Parker and her friends, I had no idea what was real and what was imagined. In one sense, that’s freeing for the reader, but in another sense, it’s really hard to see the fact in the fiction. I wished there were an afterward revealing what was true or not, where liberties were taken, and what happened to the people described in the novel.
While I found the writing top-notch as usual for a Gill Paul novel, I had trouble connecting because of the above-mentioned facts. I still feel like I didn’t know Dorothy Parker all that well. I did enjoy finding out more about the starting up and the early days of The New Yorker magazine. I would recommend for anyone who enjoys historical fiction set in the 1920s, or for fans of Dorothy Parker and her friends.
kristi518's review
4.0
I was drawn to this book by the description of it being a 1920's Sex and the City type story. I wasn't disappointed either.
While the book is supposed to be about Dorothy Parker I feel like equal time was given to her three friends. I enjoyed the dyanmic of their friendships as a group and with each other individually. Their friendship and lives faced many ups and downs which made the story very realistic and enjoyable to read.
While the book is supposed to be about Dorothy Parker I feel like equal time was given to her three friends. I enjoyed the dyanmic of their friendships as a group and with each other individually. Their friendship and lives faced many ups and downs which made the story very realistic and enjoyable to read.
smalltownbookmom's review against another edition
5.0
I did not expect to love this book as much as I did!! Set in 1920s Manhattan, we get to know four friends as they navigate life and love in the city during the time of prohibition and increasing levels of women's freedoms. Very much a Sex in the city vibe, I loved each of the characters and really enjoyed reading about the origins of the New Yorker magazine. The author doesn't shy away from tough topics either, covering suicide attempts, depression, alcoholism, abortion, rape and more! Highly recommended for fans of Fiona Barton and great on audio.
reads2love's review
4.0
This was a fun trip to the past that gives you an inside look at the lives of these four women. Their stories were fascinating and interesting. The details about their trials and troubles were captivating. It was an era that sounded glitzy and glamorous, but what they endured was gritty and relatable in modern times.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review.
hannahjsimpson's review
3.0
This tale follows four ladies of the famed Algonquin Round Table as they navigate the roaring twenties, their careers, and their relationships. I must admit I was not familiar with any of the characters (who are all based on historical figures) so I was constantly Googling names and places mentioned in the book.
While I appreciated Jane, Winifred, and Peggy, I found Dottie's arc to be a slog. Her constant neediness, and high brow emotional cruelty, made me wonder why the other three even bothered with her. I found this to be especially interesting as Dorothy Parker was the only character I was familiar with going into the book.
The writing of the book was well done and I appreciate the delicacy of writing from four different perspectives. I can only imagine the challenge of that plus getting the historical details of speech correct as well.
Fans of Fiona Davis will appreciate this book and I am going to look into more work by Gill Paul.
While I appreciated Jane, Winifred, and Peggy, I found Dottie's arc to be a slog. Her constant neediness, and high brow emotional cruelty, made me wonder why the other three even bothered with her. I found this to be especially interesting as Dorothy Parker was the only character I was familiar with going into the book.
The writing of the book was well done and I appreciate the delicacy of writing from four different perspectives. I can only imagine the challenge of that plus getting the historical details of speech correct as well.
Fans of Fiona Davis will appreciate this book and I am going to look into more work by Gill Paul.
cathylpowell's review against another edition
5.0
A 1920s Sex and the City featuring Dorothy Parker and her three friends:
Jane Grant, first female reporter for The New York Times, who is determined to launch a new magazine.
Winifred Lenihan, Broadway actress; beautiful, talented, and a casting-couch target.
Peggy Leech, magazine assistant by day, brilliant novelist by night.
It is hard to know where to start. In a way I wanted to read it quickly because I was enjoying the story so much. But instead I didn’t. I savoured the book and learning about the various women and the adventures that they had.
All four of them go through difficult times, but Paul brings the period and these most interesting women to life. I loved it.
If you are interested in this period, I would urge you to read it.
Jane Grant, first female reporter for The New York Times, who is determined to launch a new magazine.
Winifred Lenihan, Broadway actress; beautiful, talented, and a casting-couch target.
Peggy Leech, magazine assistant by day, brilliant novelist by night.
It is hard to know where to start. In a way I wanted to read it quickly because I was enjoying the story so much. But instead I didn’t. I savoured the book and learning about the various women and the adventures that they had.
All four of them go through difficult times, but Paul brings the period and these most interesting women to life. I loved it.
If you are interested in this period, I would urge you to read it.
akwillson's review against another edition
funny
informative
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
ashc123's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-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
tifflesy's review
3.0
It wasn't a terrible read but it became chapters of the same old, same old. Only 2 of the 4 seemed to have learned their lessons by the end of the book.
3.75 stars.
3.75 stars.