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eabrevaya's review against another edition
- 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? It's complicated
3.0
christiegirl11's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Describing this book as “Sex and the City” in the 1920s is perfect. The story follows four women who have struck up a friendship through their weekly bridge club meetings. None of them are very adept at bridge, they all come from varying careers and life experiences, but they can all agree that Prohibition sucks and they drink and party anyway. The men in the novel are all absolutely awful. Zero redeeming qualities. I had a hard time not hating Dottie’s character even though I knew I was supposed to pity her predicament. Winifred was delightful and strong, as was Jane. I love that Peggy got her happy ending. Overall, it was an interesting look at what life in the 1920s may have been like for women, but not a gripping read for me.
thepagelady's review against another edition
5.0
Book Review…The Manhattan Girls: A Novel of Dorothy Parker and Her Friends by Gill Paul
NEW YORK CITY 1921: The war is over, fashions are daring, and bootleg liquor is abundant. Here four extraordinary women form a bridge group that grows into a firm friendship.
Their romances flourish and falter while their goals sometimes seem impossible to reach and their friendship deepens against the backdrop of turbulent New York City, where new speakeasies open and close, jazz music flows through the air, and bathtub gin fills their glasses.
They gossip, they comfort each other, and they offer support through the setbacks. But their biggest challenge is keeping their dear friend Dottie safe from herself.
The Manhattan Girls is a great novel about Dorothy and her three friends' lives and their ups and downs. They are amazing women to follow! Their friendship is what stands out the most for me! The way they support each other regardless of what's going on, it's what friendship truly is! It's a little slow paced but it fits perfectly for the story and the genre. If you've read any of Gill Paul's books before then you know the writing is wonderful! I would love to read another book about these women! A fabulous read! Thank you Random Things Tours for sharing this fantastic book with me!
NEW YORK CITY 1921: The war is over, fashions are daring, and bootleg liquor is abundant. Here four extraordinary women form a bridge group that grows into a firm friendship.
Their romances flourish and falter while their goals sometimes seem impossible to reach and their friendship deepens against the backdrop of turbulent New York City, where new speakeasies open and close, jazz music flows through the air, and bathtub gin fills their glasses.
They gossip, they comfort each other, and they offer support through the setbacks. But their biggest challenge is keeping their dear friend Dottie safe from herself.
The Manhattan Girls is a great novel about Dorothy and her three friends' lives and their ups and downs. They are amazing women to follow! Their friendship is what stands out the most for me! The way they support each other regardless of what's going on, it's what friendship truly is! It's a little slow paced but it fits perfectly for the story and the genre. If you've read any of Gill Paul's books before then you know the writing is wonderful! I would love to read another book about these women! A fabulous read! Thank you Random Things Tours for sharing this fantastic book with me!
kristi518's review against another edition
4.0
I was drawn to this book by the description of it being a 1920's Sex and the City type story. I wasn't disappointed either.
While the book is supposed to be about Dorothy Parker I feel like equal time was given to her three friends. I enjoyed the dyanmic of their friendships as a group and with each other individually. Their friendship and lives faced many ups and downs which made the story very realistic and enjoyable to read.
While the book is supposed to be about Dorothy Parker I feel like equal time was given to her three friends. I enjoyed the dyanmic of their friendships as a group and with each other individually. Their friendship and lives faced many ups and downs which made the story very realistic and enjoyable to read.
smalltownbookmom's review against another edition
5.0
I did not expect to love this book as much as I did!! Set in 1920s Manhattan, we get to know four friends as they navigate life and love in the city during the time of prohibition and increasing levels of women's freedoms. Very much a Sex in the city vibe, I loved each of the characters and really enjoyed reading about the origins of the New Yorker magazine. The author doesn't shy away from tough topics either, covering suicide attempts, depression, alcoholism, abortion, rape and more! Highly recommended for fans of Fiona Barton and great on audio.
reads2love's review against another edition
4.0
This was a fun trip to the past that gives you an inside look at the lives of these four women. Their stories were fascinating and interesting. The details about their trials and troubles were captivating. It was an era that sounded glitzy and glamorous, but what they endured was gritty and relatable in modern times.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review.
hannahjsimpson's review against another edition
3.0
This tale follows four ladies of the famed Algonquin Round Table as they navigate the roaring twenties, their careers, and their relationships. I must admit I was not familiar with any of the characters (who are all based on historical figures) so I was constantly Googling names and places mentioned in the book.
While I appreciated Jane, Winifred, and Peggy, I found Dottie's arc to be a slog. Her constant neediness, and high brow emotional cruelty, made me wonder why the other three even bothered with her. I found this to be especially interesting as Dorothy Parker was the only character I was familiar with going into the book.
The writing of the book was well done and I appreciate the delicacy of writing from four different perspectives. I can only imagine the challenge of that plus getting the historical details of speech correct as well.
Fans of Fiona Davis will appreciate this book and I am going to look into more work by Gill Paul.
While I appreciated Jane, Winifred, and Peggy, I found Dottie's arc to be a slog. Her constant neediness, and high brow emotional cruelty, made me wonder why the other three even bothered with her. I found this to be especially interesting as Dorothy Parker was the only character I was familiar with going into the book.
The writing of the book was well done and I appreciate the delicacy of writing from four different perspectives. I can only imagine the challenge of that plus getting the historical details of speech correct as well.
Fans of Fiona Davis will appreciate this book and I am going to look into more work by Gill Paul.
cathylpowell's review against another edition
5.0
A 1920s Sex and the City featuring Dorothy Parker and her three friends:
Jane Grant, first female reporter for The New York Times, who is determined to launch a new magazine.
Winifred Lenihan, Broadway actress; beautiful, talented, and a casting-couch target.
Peggy Leech, magazine assistant by day, brilliant novelist by night.
It is hard to know where to start. In a way I wanted to read it quickly because I was enjoying the story so much. But instead I didn’t. I savoured the book and learning about the various women and the adventures that they had.
All four of them go through difficult times, but Paul brings the period and these most interesting women to life. I loved it.
If you are interested in this period, I would urge you to read it.
Jane Grant, first female reporter for The New York Times, who is determined to launch a new magazine.
Winifred Lenihan, Broadway actress; beautiful, talented, and a casting-couch target.
Peggy Leech, magazine assistant by day, brilliant novelist by night.
It is hard to know where to start. In a way I wanted to read it quickly because I was enjoying the story so much. But instead I didn’t. I savoured the book and learning about the various women and the adventures that they had.
All four of them go through difficult times, but Paul brings the period and these most interesting women to life. I loved it.
If you are interested in this period, I would urge you to read it.