What is life like for: The Manhattan Girls (by Gill Paul)

When readers who have heard of Dorothy Parker think of her, they often imagine her at the Algonquin Hotel issuing bon mots. Sarcastic and seemingly in possession of herself, many envied her. However, this historical novel about Dorothy and some of her friends and acquaintances reveals that she had many reasons to feel unsettled and unhappy. The support of three friends helped her to get through.

Early in this novel readers learn that Dorothy is having trouble finding work. She is also having many difficulties in her marriage; her husband came back from WWI a changed (and unpleasant) man. Dorothy’s friends include Jane, a newspaper reporter; Winifred who is an actress and, Peggy who works at a magazine. They form a bridge group where they not only learn to play cards but reflect on life.

These characters are surrounded by many men. They include those who spent time at the Algonquin. All are men of their time and their treatment of women is often condescending.

Will these friends find their happy/happier endings? Find out in this well written work of historical fiction.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for this title. All opinions are my own.

This title was published in August 2022.

From the Publisher

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75 Years After ‘The Lottery,’ Writers Recall the Shirley Jackson Classic – The New York Times

Stephen King, David Sedaris, Carmen Maria Machado and others on how Shirley Jackson’s eerie classic first got under their skin.
— Read on www.nytimes.com/2023/06/26/books/review/the-lottery-75th-anniversary-shirley-jackson.html

Some e book bargains for 7. 2.23

Elektra by Jennifer Saint

Pardonable Lies by Jacqueline Winspear

The Wedding Plot by Paula Munier

Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier

Dear Mrs. Bird-I loved this.

Darling Girl by Liz Michalski-with Peter Pan

A Certain Darkness by Anna Lee Huber

Again, Rachel by Marian Keyes-highly recommended

A Guide for Grownups, Antoine de SaintvExupery

The Department of Rare Books and Special Collections by Jurczyk

The Cater Street Hangman by Anne Perry-the one that started the series

Long Time, No See by Susan Isaacs

In the Teeth of the Evidence and Other Stories by DorothySayers

My Latest Grievance by Elinor Lippman

The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton

The Inimitable Jeeves by PG Wodehouse

The Company of Strangers by Robert Wilson

That Winthrop Woman byAnyaSeton

Cardiff, by the Sea by Joyce Carol Oates

The Case of the Baited Hook by Erle Stanley Gardner-Perry Mason

Twice in a Blue Moon by Patricia Moyes-part of a traditional, good series

No Laughing Matter by Dorothy Simpson-another good, traditional series

Murder at Greysbridge by Andrea Carter-love this Irish series

An April Shroud by Reginald Hill

Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh

Arrowsmith by Sinclair Lewis