REVIEW
Wow, what an eye-opening well written story about Dorothy Parker and her friends! Four unique woman attack the 1920s with their own flair and daringness. It is a time of positive moods, exuberance, jazz, fashion, money, new products and black market booze. The war has ended and life is revving up for Dorothy Parker, Jane Grant, Winifred Lenihan and Peggy Leach. These ladies come together in a bridge group and seal a friendship that lasts through thick and thin.
The novel gives each of the four ladies a chance to tell her story. How they rose, fell and intersected with each other but you always get the sense Dorothy (Dottie) is at the heart of the story: this witty New York poet, writer, satirist and critic who lived a dramatic and often tragic existence. One, who at times, danced close to the edge of danger – including two suicide attempts. Gill gets inside her mind and explores the possible reasons behind her sadness and struggles with love and life.
As mentioned, Dottie is not alone in her escapades and three other women are given a chance to share their viewpoints. They have their own troubles but they are always watching out for Dottie trying to protect her from herself. Making every effort possible to keep her safe. This tireless devotion rarely wavers— even during challenging circumstances, and this is what becomes a strong and steady thread in the story. These friendships are woven together so succinctly, they are Dottie’s lifeline.
Jane Grant is one of these friends. She is the first female reporter for the New York times. She has the smarts and skills needed in the industry to overcome the odds presented to women of the time. She is also able to help her husband launch a very important magazine The New Yorker. His bad habits, though, almost costs them everything but she is able to redeem the situation. When the magazine goes on to become a success, we cannot help but think of the saying, ‘behind every great man is a great woman.’
Next is Winifred Lenihan, an American actress known for her beauty and acting skills. She is applauded far and wide in her role as Joan of Arc in the American production Saint Joan in 1923. We get an interesting inside view of her life and how women were treated in the industry by the men in control. We see her moments of fear but also when she wields great victory over a forceful predator. There are some fantastic scenes that make you aware of her determination and resilience but also her vulnerability.
The third woman, Peggy Leach, is a brilliant novelist who understands human nature. She observes the challenges women face and the double standards that exist. Men can do anything they wish but women are more confined in their roles. Many women want broader experiences and to be more than a home fixture. She hopes to find someone who understands this in a partner. Will Ralph be the one to let her be herself?
These intelligent women come together to share their burdens, have fun and learn from each other but also to offer support when faced with difficult challenges and setbacks. But Dottie is always centre concern and their problems fade in the light of their friend’s. They surround her and buoy her—trying desperately to keep her anchored to this world. She is the magnet that pulls them back together (during her dire events) when conflicts between them set them at odds.
While reading The Girls of Manhattan, you never forget you are in 1920s as Gill has done her research well. The atmosphere and activities are appropriate for the era. There are mentions of literary greats, too, like Hemmingway, Wilde and Shaw that place nice touches on an already colourful canvas.
I really enjoyed this lively novel filled with witty dialogue and intriguing characters. It was an engaging study of how these intelligent women made their way in the world—how they responded to what was set before them. Each one had her own style and path to follow and sometimes the journey threw up events that were both tragic and heartbreaking. It was a fast paced and often self-destructive lifestyle in the roarin’ 20s. But the story focuses on these ladies and their unforgettable mix of relationships, romances, creative careers, violations and victories.
The Manhattan Girls certainly left me with some memorable impressions and much to process but well done to Gill for creating such a fascinating and riveting story. It was hard to stop reading! I highly recommend The Manhattan Girls if you want to get an inside view of the genius female creative mind that can be both fragile and resilient. 5 Illustrious Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Many thanks to Gill, Avon Books UK (Harper Collins) and Netgalley for a review copy.
