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funkyannad's review
informative
inspiring
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
4.0
bargainsleuth's review
4.0
For this and all my other book reviews, visit www.bargain-sleuth.com
Gloria is a former society girl who is trying to distance herself from her father, who was convicted of coordinating a Ponzi scheme. She changes her last name, doesn’t talk to her family, and meets another young lady called Estee’ Lauder, who has dreams of being the next Elizabeth Arden or Helena Rubenstein. Gloria soon gets a job at Saks Fifth Avenue and is swept up in the world of skincare and makeup. Estee’ sees this as a way to get her products into the famed department store, but Gloria is hesitant to introduce her friend to her boss.
This book is about strong women asserting themselves at a time when that was unusual. It’s also the story of friendship and its ups and downs, supporting one another and being honest when necessary. It’s about being ambitious for oneself and going the extra mile for others in order to achieve those goals. The only thing I wished for at the end of the book was some author’s notes on what was real or imagined in Estee Lauder’s life. Of course, the book is not told from her point of view but Gloria’s and is really a secondary character. It definitely makes me want to research a little more to find out the true story of Lauder and how she came to be one of the biggest names in her field.
Gloria is a former society girl who is trying to distance herself from her father, who was convicted of coordinating a Ponzi scheme. She changes her last name, doesn’t talk to her family, and meets another young lady called Estee’ Lauder, who has dreams of being the next Elizabeth Arden or Helena Rubenstein. Gloria soon gets a job at Saks Fifth Avenue and is swept up in the world of skincare and makeup. Estee’ sees this as a way to get her products into the famed department store, but Gloria is hesitant to introduce her friend to her boss.
This book is about strong women asserting themselves at a time when that was unusual. It’s also the story of friendship and its ups and downs, supporting one another and being honest when necessary. It’s about being ambitious for oneself and going the extra mile for others in order to achieve those goals. The only thing I wished for at the end of the book was some author’s notes on what was real or imagined in Estee Lauder’s life. Of course, the book is not told from her point of view but Gloria’s and is really a secondary character. It definitely makes me want to research a little more to find out the true story of Lauder and how she came to be one of the biggest names in her field.
sumiya59's review
adventurous
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
kfrey's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
alyssajcori's review
2.0
This was a necessary palate cleanser after my previous read, but alas, it only earned 2 stars. This novel is narrated by a woman who befriends Estee Lauder before she is THE Estee Lauder. As lover of Estee Lauder products, New York City, and historical fiction, this had all of the makings of an enjoyable read for me when I needed something light. If you want to read about flawed characters making the same mistakes over and over again in a charming setting, this book is for you.
blessing_aj's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
tense
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
4.0
This was a good read. Long-winded but understandably so, because it’s historical fiction and because all the seemingly odd pieces fit in perfectly by the time the story was over.
I tried my best to understand Gloria and her refusal to extend as much grace to her father and herself as she did to other people and I got it, to an extent, and then I just couldn’t. This alongside the corny coincidences and the poor integration of Lee Israel’s interaction with Gloria, we’re the only cringe worthy moments I experienced while reading this.
I loved everything else and especially the fact that even though Estee’s tenacity was the driving force of the novel, it didn’t overshadow Gloria who is supposedly the character that should matter more to the reader. Its such a clever way to reinvent the story of a person with such a large personality as Estée Lauder.
I tried my best to understand Gloria and her refusal to extend as much grace to her father and herself as she did to other people and I got it, to an extent, and then I just couldn’t. This alongside the corny coincidences and the poor integration of Lee Israel’s interaction with Gloria, we’re the only cringe worthy moments I experienced while reading this.
I loved everything else and especially the fact that even though Estee’s tenacity was the driving force of the novel, it didn’t overshadow Gloria who is supposedly the character that should matter more to the reader. Its such a clever way to reinvent the story of a person with such a large personality as Estée Lauder.
cj5300's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
lisarogo's review
3.0
More of a 3.5 star. A story of a friendship as well as an inspiration of determination, told in a nice, super easy to read way. Historical fiction, but a pretty solid telling of Estée Lauder’s beginnings.
hayhoov's review
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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