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suvata's review
4.0
• Kindle e-book • Chirp audiobook
London 1923: Dolly Lane is a dreamer; a downtrodden maid who longs to dance on the London stage, but her life has been fractured by the Great War. Memories of the soldier she loved, of secret shame and profound loss, by turns pull her back and spur her on to make a better life.
London 1923: Dolly Lane is a dreamer; a downtrodden maid who longs to dance on the London stage, but her life has been fractured by the Great War. Memories of the soldier she loved, of secret shame and profound loss, by turns pull her back and spur her on to make a better life.
maplegrey's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
beastreader's review
5.0
I read The Girl Who Came Home and really thoroughly enjoyed it, however this book I could not stop reading from this author. I kept seeing this one make its way around the web a lot of times and each time I wanted to read it that much more. I finally got the chance to read this book. It far exceeded my expectations. I was instantly transported into the 1920's, the Savoy Hotel, and the grueling world of Broadway productions.
Until some books where one or two main character's voices are strong, in this book I loved all of the voices from Dolly, Loretta, Teddy, and Perry. Each one had a story to tell that was lovely. Although I was very drawn to Loretta, then Dolly, Teddy and Perry equally. The Girl from the Savoy is a must read.
Until some books where one or two main character's voices are strong, in this book I loved all of the voices from Dolly, Loretta, Teddy, and Perry. Each one had a story to tell that was lovely. Although I was very drawn to Loretta, then Dolly, Teddy and Perry equally. The Girl from the Savoy is a must read.
judithdcollins's review
5.0
A special thank you to HarperCollins and LibraryThing Early Reviewers for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Glamorous Cover.
Talented Hazel Gaynor returns following A Memory of Violets (2015) and The Girl Who Came Home (2014) with her latest, THE GIRL FROM THE SAVOY —Impressive, evocative, and captivating— rich in history, culture, art, and charm.
. . “Men and girls came and went like moths among the whisperings and the champagne and the stars.” – F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby
A young woman working as a chambermaid in a luxury historical hotel in London, dreaming of a dazzling career on stage, a chorus girl, a flapper, an actress, and beyond—from difficult choices, life altering changes, and devastating aftermath of soldiers, and the women left behind, during the war and post war.
From London stage -entertainment, allure, and glamour of the stars and the roaring 1920s!
Set in the years just after the Great War, when social boundaries were changing and women especially were fighting for greater independence. Told from three POV and narrators: Dolly, Loretta, and Teddy.
“That’s the beauty of a life on the stage. One can be whomever one chooses to be.”
The novel opens with a Prologue, Lancashire, England, March 1916—Teddy is going off to war, leaving Dorothy (Dolly) behind. Hope. Love. Adventure is their motto. Teddy was always her inspiration to be better. To strive for something far beyond her reach.
Then a brief chance meeting. An intriguing man. A composer.
“It is only by trying and failing, by losing something we really love, that we discover how much we want it.”
Flash forward to London 1923 with Dolly. She was a nicknamed “Dolly Daydreamer” from the other maids. She is delighted to begin a new position as a maid at The Savoy Hotel London. Where she can be surrounded by the rich and famous. A maid with ambition.
An opulent hotel with an impressive guest list, Hollywood stars, privileged American heiresses, and the darlings of London society. A place where the utmost discretion is required at all times. She will share a room with three other maids. Dolly gets a glimpse of the magic-from the dresses, shoes, glamour, and glitter of those around her. She longs to dance on the London stage. She wants an audition.
Her life takes a turn when she responds to a songwriter’s ad for a “muse” and becomes immersed into London’s theater scene. Will she ever be good enough? She was told fortune favors the brave. Nobody made it in this business by being coy and demure.
We also meet iconic star of the stage, the darling of the West End, Loretta May and her brother Perry. Dolly is now a part of this world and Loretta has everything Dolly wants and desires. Loretta is the darling of London society. The rebellious society, dressed, photographed, and painted and written by the best names in the world.
She was the reason everyone saved their money for their wages to buy ticket to her performance, and stand for hours to get a glimpse. They swoon over the star. However, Loretta’s life in crumbling yet all her fans are unaware of her pain. With secrets of her own. Loretta and Dolly may have more in common than they may think.
Dolly wonders if Teddy hears music. If he remembers how they used to love dancing. She wonders if he thinks of her all. A butterfly. Will the butterfly spread its wings in search for adventures? Life dances on.
Two men. Teddy and Perry. They mingle and change and she can’t stop dancing. When she closes her eyes, Dolly sees Perry. When she rests her check against the pillows, it is Teddy’s cheek she rests against.
If only the past could be locked away in the darkness and forgotten.
With flashes and heartbreaking letters to Teddy at war from Dolly, now in a hospital. Someone reading the letters to Teddy (perhaps a nurse, he thinks). From conditions they do not understand from the war, treating with hypnosis, electric shock, and warm baths. The guns are silent and yet he is still fighting his war.
He has his memories of Dolly, if he can remember. The War, the nurse reading the letters, and the butterfly in the window. Teddy always said she would be special. Teddy was always chasing butterflies. He never kept them. He liked to admire and let them go. A love so strong.
The highs, lows, and intensity of the time. From emotions, the damage, brokenness, friendships, shame, loss, loyalty, the aftermath of the war, romance, and aspirations and dreams of women of this era. From dazzle, scandal, love, music, success, and glamour. All intriguing to an ordinary girl like Dolly.
How does war change people and lives?
Gaynor poignantly captures the difficulties and impacts of war on the young men who survived during this time with the characters of Perry and Teddy. The burdens of war—a part of our history and the realities of war. I liked the contrast between the different social classes, and the two women, as well as time and place. Three distinct voices: the (Teddy) war, (Dolly) a maid, and a (Loretta) star.
“Get a job in a shop. Marry a nice young chap. Leave the dancing to someone else.”
Impeccably researched, Gaynor’s vivid and dazzling descriptions makes you feel as though you were re-living the era and the characters come alive on each page. I enjoyed the creative format of the novel with each chapter clearly defined by its voice and characters, and a lead in quote intro, setting the stage, broken out in Acts One (Hope), Two (Love) and Three (Adventure). The stages of life. Many metaphors and lovely quotes.
From a broken solider; shell shock (psychological disturbance caused by prolonged exposure to active warfare, especially being under bombardment.) what we call today PTSD. Gaynor offers vast references and additional reading regarding women and men in the 1920s as well as a wealth of historical and insightful information, and as an added plus, an entire playlist of music from the era.
With Loretta’s character, the author captures the essence of these amazing women, and the private life of a woman behind the spotlight. Dolly’s character is based on The Gaiety Girls and Cochran’s Young Ladies —working-class girls’ dreams. Where young girls flocked to the theater night after night, known as gallery girls. Where they watched their favorite stars perform, to forget their troubles at home. The wanted to laugh, sing, dance, and dazzle.
Music: Adore listening to music from this era with the jazz bands such as the Savoy Orpheans, the resident band at the sumptuous Savoy during the period in which the novel is set. Gaynor provides a playlist, and enjoyed watching/listening to all of her recommended songs, via YouTube.
I love the 1920s! As always, love reading of the "inspiration" (behind the scenes). A blending of fact and fiction, infusing lost stories and forgotten voices from the past. Gaynor breathes new life into her characters, with her imagination and powerful prose. (Definitely agree with her about the hats).
Fascinating additional reading of Rupert D'Oyly Carte (1876 –1948) an English hotelier, theatre owner and impresario, best known as proprietor of the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company and Savoy Hotel.
Highly recommend! For fans of Beatriz Williams, Kathleen Tessaro, Susan Meissner, and Karen White. Have also pre-ordered the audio, narrated by Jennifer Jones, Lucy Rayner, and Paul Fox. As mentioned previously, I am quickly becoming a fan of historical fiction, drawing me away from my typical mystery suspense thrillers. Have not read Fall of Poppies: Stories of Love and the Great War, quickly added to my TBR list.
* * * * *
On a personal note: In reference to a previous Tweet, I cannot help but think about this era, the characters, the novel (especially Dolly) and the Hotel Savoy London, and the American Bar--when I look out my window at legendary 5-star oceanfront Palm Beach, FL Breakers Resort.
The music from the HMF is a prime example of this era. Named for The Breakers’ founding father, Henry Morrison Flagler this thrillingly glamorous retreat is an ode to golden era Palm Beach, with all of its high style, and unapologetic decadence. At HMF they take the social rituals of cocktail culture as the perfect antidote to the incivility of modern life. Reminiscent of a bygone era. (Our own Savoy) When stepping into room, the ambiance, the mood, takes you back: Listen to the Music It awakens your spirit, and resonates the glamour and sophistication of the exciting and dazzling 1920's. (all of these selections are on my personal playlist).
Talented Hazel Gaynor returns following A Memory of Violets (2015) and The Girl Who Came Home (2014) with her latest, THE GIRL FROM THE SAVOY —Impressive, evocative, and captivating— rich in history, culture, art, and charm.
. . “Men and girls came and went like moths among the whisperings and the champagne and the stars.” – F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby
A young woman working as a chambermaid in a luxury historical hotel in London, dreaming of a dazzling career on stage, a chorus girl, a flapper, an actress, and beyond—from difficult choices, life altering changes, and devastating aftermath of soldiers, and the women left behind, during the war and post war.
From London stage -entertainment, allure, and glamour of the stars and the roaring 1920s!
Set in the years just after the Great War, when social boundaries were changing and women especially were fighting for greater independence. Told from three POV and narrators: Dolly, Loretta, and Teddy.
“That’s the beauty of a life on the stage. One can be whomever one chooses to be.”
The novel opens with a Prologue, Lancashire, England, March 1916—Teddy is going off to war, leaving Dorothy (Dolly) behind. Hope. Love. Adventure is their motto. Teddy was always her inspiration to be better. To strive for something far beyond her reach.
Then a brief chance meeting. An intriguing man. A composer.
“It is only by trying and failing, by losing something we really love, that we discover how much we want it.”
Flash forward to London 1923 with Dolly. She was a nicknamed “Dolly Daydreamer” from the other maids. She is delighted to begin a new position as a maid at The Savoy Hotel London. Where she can be surrounded by the rich and famous. A maid with ambition.
An opulent hotel with an impressive guest list, Hollywood stars, privileged American heiresses, and the darlings of London society. A place where the utmost discretion is required at all times. She will share a room with three other maids. Dolly gets a glimpse of the magic-from the dresses, shoes, glamour, and glitter of those around her. She longs to dance on the London stage. She wants an audition.
Her life takes a turn when she responds to a songwriter’s ad for a “muse” and becomes immersed into London’s theater scene. Will she ever be good enough? She was told fortune favors the brave. Nobody made it in this business by being coy and demure.
We also meet iconic star of the stage, the darling of the West End, Loretta May and her brother Perry. Dolly is now a part of this world and Loretta has everything Dolly wants and desires. Loretta is the darling of London society. The rebellious society, dressed, photographed, and painted and written by the best names in the world.
She was the reason everyone saved their money for their wages to buy ticket to her performance, and stand for hours to get a glimpse. They swoon over the star. However, Loretta’s life in crumbling yet all her fans are unaware of her pain. With secrets of her own. Loretta and Dolly may have more in common than they may think.
Dolly wonders if Teddy hears music. If he remembers how they used to love dancing. She wonders if he thinks of her all. A butterfly. Will the butterfly spread its wings in search for adventures? Life dances on.
Two men. Teddy and Perry. They mingle and change and she can’t stop dancing. When she closes her eyes, Dolly sees Perry. When she rests her check against the pillows, it is Teddy’s cheek she rests against.
If only the past could be locked away in the darkness and forgotten.
With flashes and heartbreaking letters to Teddy at war from Dolly, now in a hospital. Someone reading the letters to Teddy (perhaps a nurse, he thinks). From conditions they do not understand from the war, treating with hypnosis, electric shock, and warm baths. The guns are silent and yet he is still fighting his war.
He has his memories of Dolly, if he can remember. The War, the nurse reading the letters, and the butterfly in the window. Teddy always said she would be special. Teddy was always chasing butterflies. He never kept them. He liked to admire and let them go. A love so strong.
The highs, lows, and intensity of the time. From emotions, the damage, brokenness, friendships, shame, loss, loyalty, the aftermath of the war, romance, and aspirations and dreams of women of this era. From dazzle, scandal, love, music, success, and glamour. All intriguing to an ordinary girl like Dolly.
How does war change people and lives?
Gaynor poignantly captures the difficulties and impacts of war on the young men who survived during this time with the characters of Perry and Teddy. The burdens of war—a part of our history and the realities of war. I liked the contrast between the different social classes, and the two women, as well as time and place. Three distinct voices: the (Teddy) war, (Dolly) a maid, and a (Loretta) star.
“Get a job in a shop. Marry a nice young chap. Leave the dancing to someone else.”
Impeccably researched, Gaynor’s vivid and dazzling descriptions makes you feel as though you were re-living the era and the characters come alive on each page. I enjoyed the creative format of the novel with each chapter clearly defined by its voice and characters, and a lead in quote intro, setting the stage, broken out in Acts One (Hope), Two (Love) and Three (Adventure). The stages of life. Many metaphors and lovely quotes.
From a broken solider; shell shock (psychological disturbance caused by prolonged exposure to active warfare, especially being under bombardment.) what we call today PTSD. Gaynor offers vast references and additional reading regarding women and men in the 1920s as well as a wealth of historical and insightful information, and as an added plus, an entire playlist of music from the era.
With Loretta’s character, the author captures the essence of these amazing women, and the private life of a woman behind the spotlight. Dolly’s character is based on The Gaiety Girls and Cochran’s Young Ladies —working-class girls’ dreams. Where young girls flocked to the theater night after night, known as gallery girls. Where they watched their favorite stars perform, to forget their troubles at home. The wanted to laugh, sing, dance, and dazzle.
Music: Adore listening to music from this era with the jazz bands such as the Savoy Orpheans, the resident band at the sumptuous Savoy during the period in which the novel is set. Gaynor provides a playlist, and enjoyed watching/listening to all of her recommended songs, via YouTube.
I love the 1920s! As always, love reading of the "inspiration" (behind the scenes). A blending of fact and fiction, infusing lost stories and forgotten voices from the past. Gaynor breathes new life into her characters, with her imagination and powerful prose. (Definitely agree with her about the hats).
Fascinating additional reading of Rupert D'Oyly Carte (1876 –1948) an English hotelier, theatre owner and impresario, best known as proprietor of the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company and Savoy Hotel.
Highly recommend! For fans of Beatriz Williams, Kathleen Tessaro, Susan Meissner, and Karen White. Have also pre-ordered the audio, narrated by Jennifer Jones, Lucy Rayner, and Paul Fox. As mentioned previously, I am quickly becoming a fan of historical fiction, drawing me away from my typical mystery suspense thrillers. Have not read Fall of Poppies: Stories of Love and the Great War, quickly added to my TBR list.
* * * * *
On a personal note: In reference to a previous Tweet, I cannot help but think about this era, the characters, the novel (especially Dolly) and the Hotel Savoy London, and the American Bar--when I look out my window at legendary 5-star oceanfront Palm Beach, FL Breakers Resort.
The music from the HMF is a prime example of this era. Named for The Breakers’ founding father, Henry Morrison Flagler this thrillingly glamorous retreat is an ode to golden era Palm Beach, with all of its high style, and unapologetic decadence. At HMF they take the social rituals of cocktail culture as the perfect antidote to the incivility of modern life. Reminiscent of a bygone era. (Our own Savoy) When stepping into room, the ambiance, the mood, takes you back: Listen to the Music It awakens your spirit, and resonates the glamour and sophistication of the exciting and dazzling 1920's. (all of these selections are on my personal playlist).
bookswritingandmore's review
5.0
When Dolly Lane’s boyfriend Teddy Cooper went to war, Dolly expected them to marry upon his return. Dolly, a farmer’s daughter from Lancashire had always had her head in the clouds, dreaming of the West End and Broadway stages. In 1923, Dolly after working as a maid in a dreary little place gets one step closer to her dream: she just snatched a position at the very posh Savoy hotel. While hurrying, she crashes into a handsome russet-haired gentleman who drops a pile of music sheets: Perry Clements is an aspiring composer in search of a muse. He is on his way to his weekly tea at the Claridge with his sister Loretta, a famous stage actress, and also Dolly’s idol. That chance meeting in the rain would change both of their lives…
The author's prose is refined and subdued, yet perfectly reflects the era in the vocabulary and the dialogues; the period details are stunning in their accuracy and vividness, as if captured by a a photograph. The author displays such an astonishing knowledge of the artistic world at that time, whether it concerns the movies, the music, or the celebrities. The writing really carries the reader through out the story and makes you feel as if you are part of the 20's for at least a little while.
There are also plenty of interesting secondary characters who in their own way influence the course of the story. I loved Dolly's side kick at the Savoy. She had personality and was always up for fun and games. All the scenes with the two of them together were splendid.
There are three different perspectives in the book. Loretta the dancer, Dolly the dreamer and Teddy the boy Dolly was to marry. Each gives a totally different picture of the times they are living in from their points of view. Loretta struggles with her stage presence and the secret the hides. Dolly dreams of being on stage one day and not having to clean other people's room anymore. Teddy, I will leave to the author to describe to you. His story is a special one and any information might give away too much.
Let me just say, this book is a rare and special one. Miss Gaynor is quickly becoming one of my favorite historical fiction writers.
The author's prose is refined and subdued, yet perfectly reflects the era in the vocabulary and the dialogues; the period details are stunning in their accuracy and vividness, as if captured by a a photograph. The author displays such an astonishing knowledge of the artistic world at that time, whether it concerns the movies, the music, or the celebrities. The writing really carries the reader through out the story and makes you feel as if you are part of the 20's for at least a little while.
There are also plenty of interesting secondary characters who in their own way influence the course of the story. I loved Dolly's side kick at the Savoy. She had personality and was always up for fun and games. All the scenes with the two of them together were splendid.
There are three different perspectives in the book. Loretta the dancer, Dolly the dreamer and Teddy the boy Dolly was to marry. Each gives a totally different picture of the times they are living in from their points of view. Loretta struggles with her stage presence and the secret the hides. Dolly dreams of being on stage one day and not having to clean other people's room anymore. Teddy, I will leave to the author to describe to you. His story is a special one and any information might give away too much.
Let me just say, this book is a rare and special one. Miss Gaynor is quickly becoming one of my favorite historical fiction writers.
kty11's review
4.0
This was amazing! The characters and development of the story was great and by far my favorite book this year. I couldn't help but fall in love with each character and root for Dolly, the main character. This book definitely did a great job in putting a perfect picture into your head while reading.
100pagesaday's review
4.0
Dorothy Lane, Dolly to her friends, has always dreamed of more for herself than to be a maid. However, as World War I approaches, her love, Teddy is sent off and things change drastically for them both. Teddy returns with shell shock and Dolly has endured much in his absence. Now, Dolly chases adventure in London where she finds employment as a maid to the stars at the Savoy. While at the Savoy, Dolly takes up an advertisement for a musician looking for a muse. Perry Clements is a struggling composer, his sister Loretta May is a starlet of the stage. Dolly agrees to inspire Perry while Loretta teaches her to stand out in a crowd and brings Dolly closer to the life she has dreamed about.
A tantalizing story about love, loss, recovery and ambition that spans World War I through the Jazz Age in London. Switching points of view between Dolly, Loretta and Teddy there is a very full view of the damaging effects of the war from every angle. Dolly's was the most intriguing for me as her secrets kept during the war unravel and she begins to finally realize her dreams. Dolly is a true dreamer and adventurer. I admired her resilience and ability to chase her fantasy life. Teddy's point of view was also crucial for me, even though it didn't quite fit in with the Dolly and Loretta's shared experiences. His struggle with shell shock and remembering what he could have had was very delicately done and drew me into his experience. Finally, what drew me into the book was the setting and time period, the glamour of the Savoy was brilliantly described and the mood of the time could be imagined through the descriptions of music, theatre, dance and dress.
A tantalizing story about love, loss, recovery and ambition that spans World War I through the Jazz Age in London. Switching points of view between Dolly, Loretta and Teddy there is a very full view of the damaging effects of the war from every angle. Dolly's was the most intriguing for me as her secrets kept during the war unravel and she begins to finally realize her dreams. Dolly is a true dreamer and adventurer. I admired her resilience and ability to chase her fantasy life. Teddy's point of view was also crucial for me, even though it didn't quite fit in with the Dolly and Loretta's shared experiences. His struggle with shell shock and remembering what he could have had was very delicately done and drew me into his experience. Finally, what drew me into the book was the setting and time period, the glamour of the Savoy was brilliantly described and the mood of the time could be imagined through the descriptions of music, theatre, dance and dress.
christinavarela's review
4.0
A rags to riches story, a kin to My Fair Lady, minus the predictability which was a welcome surprise. Entertaining.
rebelbelle13's review
2.0
I chose this book to read specifically because I was currently watching Downton Abbey, and I wanted to read more of the location and time period- 1920's England- and this fit the bill. They both focus on the whole 'upstairs-downstairs' dichotomy of those in service, and those being served. It seemed to be quite historically accurate, which I appreciated. Gaynor even dealt with PTSD and other post war issues very well. My issue lay specifically with the pacing and the characters. The book was too long, too meandering at points, and I found myself quickly losing interest about 75 pages in. Too much time was spent on the in-between here- Dolly working at the Savoy, before she starts meeting with Perry and Loretta.
Speaking of Dolly, her story and character read like a Mary Sue fanfiction of the 1920's stage. She's a nobody, a maid, and she gets 'discovered' by one of the biggest stage stars of the decade and becomes a star herself? Loretta sees to it personally that Dolly becomes a big star. How nice and convenient for her. Not to mention that EVERYONE that meets her (I'm not exaggerating) says that Dolly is going to be a star, that she's important, that she's destined for greater things than cleaning hotel rooms. We get it, she's the protagonist who gets to see all her grandest wishes come true. You don't need to spell it out for us.
Also, the ending is rushed, and we don't get to see what happens after all the prep of the book. There's all this build up, and zero payoff.
As a little slice of historical fiction, this is great. As a story about Dolly, it's really not. I'm torn how to rate it, but ultimately, it dragged too much, and for me, the enjoyment of the era got lost in Dolly's stage ambitions.
Speaking of Dolly, her story and character read like a Mary Sue fanfiction of the 1920's stage. She's a nobody, a maid, and she gets 'discovered' by one of the biggest stage stars of the decade and becomes a star herself? Loretta sees to it personally that Dolly becomes a big star. How nice and convenient for her. Not to mention that EVERYONE that meets her (I'm not exaggerating) says that Dolly is going to be a star, that she's important, that she's destined for greater things than cleaning hotel rooms. We get it, she's the protagonist who gets to see all her grandest wishes come true. You don't need to spell it out for us.
Also, the ending is rushed, and we don't get to see what happens after all the prep of the book. There's all this build up, and zero payoff.
As a little slice of historical fiction, this is great. As a story about Dolly, it's really not. I'm torn how to rate it, but ultimately, it dragged too much, and for me, the enjoyment of the era got lost in Dolly's stage ambitions.