Young Adult
Hardcover, 389 pgs.
Published October 12th, 2010 by Harper
Source: Library
From the "New York Times"-bestselling author of the Luxe books comes a new series set amid the decadence and excitement of 1920s New York City and Long Island.
I've wanted to read this book since before it came out. I think the 20's is a fascinating time period and I've really wanted to see how it came out in this book. I thought the author did a brilliant job in creating the setting. I felt transported back in time and it was perfect!
I thought the characters were all good but not quite brilliant. We get the story from three different girls but Cordelia seemed to have the most face time. I liked her quite a lot but yet never really felt like I quite knew her. I like that she lets things roll off her shoulders and doesn't stress things too much. Letty is the next one we get and her and Cordelia are best friends. The two get separated almost straight away so their stories are separate through the majority of the novel. She's quite naive but she's not weak. She can stand up for herself when need be and she's quite determined to find her way. I felt for her because she had to find some strength to stick around after going through some terrible things. Astrid is the third girl and she's the daughter of a mother who goes through husbands like candy and seems to marry them just for their money. Astrid is a bit snooty but we see her good side come out and I really felt bad for her and the things she's gone through. She seems very tough on her exterior but underneath she's very broken and sad. Her and Cordelia become good friends and I loved that their friendship was so easy. No hurting each other or blaming the other when they make mistakes. Overall all three girls were good characters but I'm anxious to get to know them a bit more. It really feels like this is just the start and so I can't wait to read the next book.
The story line was pretty interesting. I thought it played out well and I was anxious to keep reading. I didn't ever really know where things would go and so was always surprised with the twists. They weren't anything mind blowing, but it was still unpredictable most of the time. I didn't really feel like the story was really great until the very end though. So I was left feeling happy but I remember wishing for a bit more before that.
I'll give this one 3.5/5 stars but I do recommend it. Especially for the setting, it was perfect!
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17 comments:
This looks interesting. The 1920s are my favorite time period, and the girl on the cover fits well with the flapper-image. Is this going to be a series?
I loved Anna Godbersen's Luxe series because she really brought alive the 19th Century for me and made me love it so so much. The 1920s are also an area of history I seem to be falling for, with Mad Men and what not so Bright Young Things sounds made for me!
Danie, yes, it's a series. The second one is out now and the third comes out this year I believe.
This is one I really want to read, I even have it for my Kindle - but I just haven't gotten around to it...
I love a great historical but this seems like an odd choice of time periods to write a YA novel in. But hey, I'm all for novels that break out of the norm so I'll give it a try.
I've been quite curious about this one myself! It does sound interesting. I'm glad you still enjoyed it, even if it wasn't perfect! I think I'll definitely have to give it a go:)
What exactly is this one about? I have this on my Kindle, but I don't really understand the plot. Could you give me just a quick summary and genre?
Hazal, I need to give the Luxe series a try!
Heather, it kind of made it feel more adult I think. Although the girls were basically adults anyway (I think they were 18) but the feel felt more adult.
Gina,
I don't know if I can really describe it all that much better. It's about two girls who live in a small town in Ohio (I think it was Ohio...) and they decide to run away to the big city as one is determined to be a singer and the other has a long lost father. They arrive and don't have much money and manage to make friends with people, and one gets a job as a cigarette girl and the other gets goes to find her long lost (VERY rich) father.
I'm afraid to really give much away but each girl falls in love (or so they think) but there's lots of secrets and they are a bit naive.
The girl who goes to find her father, her father is a illegal importer or liquor (this is during the prohibition which I know nothing about) and so he's involved in mob like activities and has serious enemies.
It's a historical fiction as far as genre goes, but since it's not THAT long ago it certainly didn't feel like it. I mean, it felt like the 20's, but since I'm used to reading HF that takes place before the 1900's it felt much different. This was a time period when females were finally finding their own. They could wear short dresses, cut their hair like men, smoke cigarettes, etc. It's a time when things were really changing.
Not sure if that helps you much. Maybe look through reviews on goodreads to find out more.
It sounds like it would be a fascinating setting (and time period) but the story doesn't exactly sound like my cup of tea!
♥Melissa
This is a book I have wanted to read for awhile especially since I was lucky enough to snag a free copy on Amazon awhile back. I want to learn more about the roaring twenties. I am glad you liked it despite a few minor flaws. I hope I enjoy the time and setting aspect! Have a great weekend Candace.
I really need to get off my butt and read this author. I've had this one for awhile, I'm glad to hear you enjoyed it overall and that the ending made it worthwhile.
The Midnight Garden
I have seen this book around and it looks really good, I too am drawn in by the setting. there aren't many books set in the 20's. Thank you for reminding me about a great book that I really need to read!
I was less interested in this story than I'd hoped. The 20's is a very cool era but the girls...I just couldn't get behind them.
I bought this book when it came out and still haven't read it yet *hangs head in shame* lol. But I really want to and will try to soon, hopefully xD Great review!
This series sounds really cool but I'm not convinced I would like it for some reason. Historicals are a hit or miss with me. Glad you enjoyed it even though the characters weren't exactly great. :)
I read her Luxe series and while I wasn't in love with it I liked it. Ashley got me a copy of this for RAK I think so I can't wait to dive into this series. I hope the second book brings something to the table to keep you reading this series. :)
Thanks for the great review.
I love historical fiction, and since I've mostly enjoyed what I've read of Godbersen's Luxe series (the first three books), I've been wanting to give this one a shot too.
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