Reviews

ok i wrote a whole review but it got deleted. this was everything you would expect from a Jacquline Susann novel: old nyc, pictures (movies), mink stoles, affairs, nightcaps, hollywood stars, and pills. oh and of course sex. Robin was an engaging character, though some of his actions through me for a loop. Although he was trying to be a good person, it didn’t seem like it always paid off 🫣. Not as good as Valley of the Dolls, the male focus leaves less room for complexity (in my opinion) than a female focus, but super fun to read nonetheless. Definitely more of a happy ending, and more satisfying than Valley of the Dolls.

blondereader's review against another edition

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dark medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Not nice people doing not nice things, but the author tells us why.

tsss's review against another edition

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4.0

Как и в первой книге, Жаклин Сьюзан погружает нас в сверкающий мир Голливуда середины прошлого века. Прекрасные женщины, красавцы-мужчины, секс, разочарования и непредсказуемые повороты судьбы - все это крайне хорошо поддается описанию Жаклин Сьюзан. Читать про ее героев - сплошное удовольствие: их красота принадлежит им по праву, но в комплекте к ней иду сложности, страдания и часто одиночество, с которыми все эти звезды справляются исключительно достойно. Но все же "Долина кукол" была уникальной и исключительной, вторая книга - как раз "Машина любви" - уже значительно уступает и по накалу страстей, и по сюжетным поворотам, и герои ее уже не так претенциозны и замечательны. Главная линия довольно невнятна от начала и до самого конца, а второстепенные - начинаются и не заканчиваются нигде в обозримом пространстве. Эта история гораздо, гораздо слабее первой, но все же достойна внимания хотя бы ради красоты картинки, которая так редко доступна где-то кроме кинематографа.

jackiekeating's review against another edition

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2.0

Valley of the Dolls, but boring.

bigboobs's review against another edition

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adventurous funny tense medium-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

3.5

shoulder_pads's review against another edition

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2.0

definitely not as fun or enjoyable as her female-lead novels

peytiebird's review against another edition

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3.0

It definitely wasn't as good as Valley of the Dolls([b:Valley of the Dolls|50833|Valley of the Dolls|Jacqueline Susann|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1328281855s/50833.jpg|1203845]) but still enjoyable.

The book started off a little slow for me and I think it had a lot to do with the character of Amanda. Amanda is a sad beautiful blonde with a sweet heart in love with a man who will never love her back, but she's a bit of a pushover and in my book a bit of a bore.

The book really picks up when we meet Maggie Stewart who overcomes her obstacles and hardships just to come out stronger and become a perfect match for Robin Stone, the "Love Machine".

I think its also important to note that the book had a surprisingly likable and positive gay character named Sergio and a sympathetic Trans character, surprising for a book published in the 60's. Although they dropped the derogatory f-word a few too many times (no doubt, it was more commonly used then), Sergio was a likable and important character.

Like I said not as good as Valley of the Dolls but it had a happier ending which helps.

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