A review by _camelia
Valley of the Dolls by Jacqueline Susann

emotional 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

3.75

Set post war era, 20 yrs span. Slow beginning. At times the writing can be silly and stiff. Pace was just okay.
Anne's romance with Lyon is cringey but serves its purpose to teach a lesson.

I wouldn't say that it is full of risque drama.
It's rather a sad tale about what happens to people that power trip, that force others into the narrative they want, that value body image over everything, etc. Story about growing pains and betrayal.
It's not a crazy party scene. It's a good classic and certainly feels advanced for its time. Despite what we tend to believe, getting what you wanted does not always bring happiness. 
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