A review by celisabeth
Valley of the Dolls by Jacqueline Susann

dark emotional inspiring fast-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

A very popular book of the time, this novel is set in New York and Hollywood. It is a story of glamour and beauty on the outside, and drugs and abuse on the inside. I was really sympathetic towards Anne’s story, as she just wanted to escape small-town life and she never had the intention of becoming famous. She holds on longer than the other women, but just like them she ends up in the Valley of the Dolls. I found her story incredibly sad, particularly as it drew to a close. Throughout the book, she never manages to maintain a happy, healthy lifestyle. In fact, she is the first to start popping pills (or “dolls”, as the women call them). I could see clear similarities between Jennifer’s story and that of Marilyn Monroe. Neely comes from nothing, and she is best friends with Anne when she first moves to the city. After getting a big break at a young age, she is catapulted into fame and stardom. She moves to Hollywood, acting in pictures and slowly losing touch with reality, only exacerbated by mistreatment in the industry. This book is sad, touching and truthful. Susann chooses to comment on society at the time, using these three women to represent attitudes towards women in the limelight during this period. 



Expand filter menu Content Warnings