Reviews

City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert

Only show reviews with written explanations

zsofsta's review against another edition

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emotional informative inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing sad 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

laurenofgreengables's review against another edition

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funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective sad

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No

5.0

funnypeaches's review against another edition

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emotional lighthearted sad 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

3.0

set in the new york city of the 40s, with america on the verge of joining the war, showgirls gallivanting along 52nd street, and comedy musicals to keep people’s spirits up, the book captures the essence of chaotic girlhood, which is relatable even in 2024.

the city is portrayed in all its shiny seductive heartbreaking glamour. the girls are portrayed in their hopelessly youthful carelessness.

books_inthewild's review against another edition

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3.0

I liked this book… until the end.

The book starts with the line “I received a letter from his daughter the other day”- and the voice of Vivian tells her life story to this daughter, Angela.

The life story of Vivian was thrilling and filled with unique characters. However- this “Angela” she was speaking to throughout the telling of her story really didn’t seem necessary, and in the end, who her father is, was disappointing as well.

I was thoroughly engrossed in the theatre life in Manhattan and the adventures of Vivian and all the “cast” from the theatre, friends and family! Once it got to the later years of her life- and meeting the father of Angela- I found it lost me. I skimmed to see if there was going to be some WOW for why the story went in that direction, but it just didn’t hit the mark for me.

Overall… worth reading. And maybe others will like the ending!

heather_boo's review against another edition

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3.0

Initially, I was afraid the story was going to be nothing more than a catalog or diary of the sexual exploits of a failed and spoiled upper class white woman. (Vivian). By the narrator’s own admission she is not an interesting person. She’s not intelligent. She’s not intrinsically creative. Any good ideas come from those around her. At least it gives the reader some satisfaction that she knows this about herself. All she wants is to have sex and sew, her words spoken in truth. Elizabeth Gilbert decides to weave a story around around this simple fact. This simple girl. The most insightful and interesting character doesn’t show up until nearly the end. It’s HIS story that is worth listening to. He has the depth of emotion and character that is only scratched at the surface before he is taken away. I was thankful when the final curtain came down at the end, I wasn’t connecting to Vivian, and even with the offer of friendship I wasn’t interested in spending anymore time together.