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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.
akwillson's review
funny
informative
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
ashc123's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
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
3.75
tifflesy's review against another edition
3.0
It wasn't a terrible read but it became chapters of the same old, same old. Only 2 of the 4 seemed to have learned their lessons by the end of the book.
3.75 stars.
3.75 stars.
skaarke's review against another edition
3.0
1920’s Manhattan; 4 strong women. This is a fictionalized account of real women, one of whom is instrumental in the development of The New Yorker. The Manhattan Girls is told in alternative POV and their stories all come together. I enjoyed reading about 1920’s New York and was surprised at the strength and determination these women had and their desire to not be dependent on men. They really were creating their own path! There are some tough subjects broached: alcoholism, abortion, infidelity but it makes for interesting reading!
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC!
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC!
rmurphy22002's review against another edition
4.0
What can I say these stories of women starting to work and make names for themselves are very interesting
morgansims's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infertility, Infidelity, Mental illness, Rape, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Abortion, Suicide attempt, and Pregnancy
Minor: Animal death