The Manhattan Girls by Gill Paul, is a historical story set in the early 20s of Manhattan, NYC. A time of Prohibition, a time when people were still seeing residual effects of WW1 in their personal lives. This is my first time reading a Gill Paul novel, having heard quite a few good things about her writing, I was excited to read this one. I am a fan of Historical Fiction any day over the other genres so this was a neat little read on a rainy weekend here in India.
Now, the title and premise initially gave off some Sex and The City vibes, which, to be honest, is an excellent thing to market a book that delivers on similar glamour and thrills of society albeit in an era not as fast as today's times. That's where I believe we should stop any future comparisons between the two, though. Let me start off by saying Yes, it is a story of 4 friends, all based in Manhattan and working in the media & entertainment sector.
We have Dorothy, aka Dottie, who is a freelance writer known for her legendary one liners - wit and humour. We then have Jane, her best friend -ish who is a journalist working at a newspaper with dreams of starting her own magazine with her editor husband Harold. Then we have Peggy, who comes from money but is independent - working in advertising and well on her way to writing a novel along with wishing of having a married life complete with 2 kids, the dog, and the white picket fence. Lastly, we have Irish beauty Winifred working in theatre and exploring life, albeit with cautious steps and lessons learnt from her past mistakes.
What I like about this book -
The storyline and how it explores the lives, in depth, of some of the most creative yet troubled but not really unhappy people. This mix of characteristics that all the characters seem to have makes THE MANHATTAN GIRLS an interesting read.
I also liked how the story is narrated and gives a feeling of watching people who may seem all glamourous, possibly shallow at times but they do have some emotional depth in them and more than enough redeeming qualities in them.
With its glamorous, challenging yet exciting work environment, society parties, and some brave women forging their own path to a life they desire, THE MANHATTAN GIRLS is a story you would definitely enjoy, especially if it is a Book Club read. This story will give you ample opportunities to discuss the world we live in today and how times have changed yet somehow many things have remained similar as well. A story that will make for a lively discussion session among your own set of girlfriends.
It’s a 1920s version of Sex and the City, as Dorothy Parker—one of the wittiest women who ever wielded a pen—and her three friends navigate life, love, and careers in New York City. Perfect for fans of Fiona Davis, Beatriz Williams, and Renée Rosen.
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.
Dorothy Parker: renowned wit, member of the Algonquin Round Table, and more fragile than she seems. Jane Grant: first female reporter for the New York Times, and determined to launch a new magazine she calls The New Yorker. Winifred Lenihan: beautiful and talented Broadway actress, a casting-couch target. And Peggy Leach: magazine assistant by day, brilliant novelist by night.
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.
In this brilliant new novel from the bestselling and acclaimed author of Jackie and Maria and The Secret Wife, readers will fall right into Jazz Age New York and into the inner lives of these groundbreaking, influential women.
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