A review by ashmagoffin
Happy Hour by Marlowe Granados

5.0

When I describe this book to my friends, I recount how the main character is lent a novel from her friend, he says she will absolutely love it because it is "decadent and goes nowhere" which is how I'd describe this novel. That's certainly not a bad thing! Isa moves to New York City with her best friend Gala with an agenda to do "absolutely nothing". They lack funds in the monetary aspect but instead use their charm for cocktails and oysters, conning actors, intellectuals, artists and just men in general. The story meanders along, seemly frivolous but amid parties and nights out revelations on class and privilege from Isa are rolled into the forefront. Isa and Gala seem to take advantage of a system that wasn't designed for their enjoyment, they recklessly pursue pleasure and gallivant around NYC, its an absolute vibe. It also had a timeless feel, if you removed some of the modern aspects I could believe it was historical fiction (and maybe due to the questionable kimono party). I enjoyed in particular this novel's subtlety but overall it is just such a good time and was a superb escapism read.