thebooktrail88's review against another edition
5.0
Travel to the literary settings of : The Girl from the Savoy
There’s few novels that touch me in the way that this one has. I’m also fascinated with the jazz age and would quite like to take a peak inside the Savoy hotel so this novel ticks more than one box for me. The writing and the loving detail which builds up a complex and lush painting of that time and period however is what makes this read a five star one.
I loved Dolly from page one – and it was fascinating to go with her on her journey from maid in a regular house to one in the Savoy hotel. The level of hierarchy and rules that come from working with some of the rich and famous was often shocking to read but it was the hierarchy below stairs which was the worst. Each member of staff, each girl came to life with their chatter and polish of the stairs. The stars who glide through the hotel (and make even more mess it would seem than the rest of us) are shown to be indifferent at best or predatory at worse with the maids who clean their rooms. Staff are not allowed in the main hall and there is hell on when one of them happens to be there.
The world of the theatre and of dreaming to be on the stage is lovingly captured and I was drawn deep into the excitement of waiting for the curtain to go up, the random last minute whispers from the orchestra, the smell of the greasepaint and the excited chatter of those backstage. Seeing it through the eyes of established star Loretta and Dolly who dreams of nothing else really gave a full and fascinating picture of behind the scenes and how a passion for something can make your life so much richer and rescue you in other ways.
The story of the two women is exquisite and so very sad when you read on and discover their pasts and yearnings. I cried for what could have been and what was. It’s very emotional and I really felt invested in the characters so much that this book affected me when I ‘d finished reading it. I’m still thinking of them days after and will no doubt they’ll still be with me for a long time to come.
Highly recommended!
There’s few novels that touch me in the way that this one has. I’m also fascinated with the jazz age and would quite like to take a peak inside the Savoy hotel so this novel ticks more than one box for me. The writing and the loving detail which builds up a complex and lush painting of that time and period however is what makes this read a five star one.
I loved Dolly from page one – and it was fascinating to go with her on her journey from maid in a regular house to one in the Savoy hotel. The level of hierarchy and rules that come from working with some of the rich and famous was often shocking to read but it was the hierarchy below stairs which was the worst. Each member of staff, each girl came to life with their chatter and polish of the stairs. The stars who glide through the hotel (and make even more mess it would seem than the rest of us) are shown to be indifferent at best or predatory at worse with the maids who clean their rooms. Staff are not allowed in the main hall and there is hell on when one of them happens to be there.
The world of the theatre and of dreaming to be on the stage is lovingly captured and I was drawn deep into the excitement of waiting for the curtain to go up, the random last minute whispers from the orchestra, the smell of the greasepaint and the excited chatter of those backstage. Seeing it through the eyes of established star Loretta and Dolly who dreams of nothing else really gave a full and fascinating picture of behind the scenes and how a passion for something can make your life so much richer and rescue you in other ways.
The story of the two women is exquisite and so very sad when you read on and discover their pasts and yearnings. I cried for what could have been and what was. It’s very emotional and I really felt invested in the characters so much that this book affected me when I ‘d finished reading it. I’m still thinking of them days after and will no doubt they’ll still be with me for a long time to come.
Highly recommended!
greenldydragon's review against another edition
3.0
This is the second book I have read by this author, and I can definitely see similar themes/character arcs between them. I enjoyed the various character view points, but Dolly definitely took center stage. If you like 1920s era novels with a splash of World War I flashbacks, then you would probably enjoy this book.
mbondlamberty's review against another edition
3.0
Enjoyed the book. Quick read. Not a saccharine ending, but still enjoyable. Always sad when it isn't historical fiction, but still based in history. Created a spotify playlist from it.
kdheart's review against another edition
3.0
It's more of a 3.5, really.
I enjoyed the ending, but I would have loved it if more of this book was focused of Loretta preparing Dolly for the limelight.
For a few chapters, I feared this was going to turn into a pointless romantic triangle, but thankfully it didn't really bother with the romance side of things. It was the only surprise in the whole book.
I enjoyed the ending, but I would have loved it if more of this book was focused of Loretta preparing Dolly for the limelight.
For a few chapters, I feared this was going to turn into a pointless romantic triangle, but thankfully it didn't really bother with the romance side of things. It was the only surprise in the whole book.
asanford's review against another edition
5.0
I absolutely loved this book. And the audio version was beautifully done. This is a story about rising above your assigned class and station in life and being willing to take risks to do so. Dolly had many hardships in life and she had to push herself forward more times than many of us would. She never gave up on her dreams despite being knocked down. I think I adored her because she was so much stronger than me. I don't believe I would have persevered and she did. I loved the ending even though it made me sad.
martha_joy's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
_myliteraryobsession's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
valerylh's review against another edition
4.0
Really charming characters and story - thoroughly enjoyed the audio version.
eabrevaya's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
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? It's complicated
3.75