City of Girls
By Elizabeth Gilbert
- Release Date: 2019-06-04
- Genre: Literary Fiction
Description
AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER!
From the # 1 New York Times bestselling author of Eat Pray Love and The Signature of All Things, a delicious novel of glamour, sex, and adventure, about a young woman discovering that you don't have to be a good girl to be a good person.
"A spellbinding novel about love, freedom, and finding your own happiness." - PopSugar
"Intimate and richly sensual, razzle-dazzle with a hint of danger." -USA Today
"Pairs well with a cocktail...or two." -TheSkimm
"Life is both fleeting and dangerous, and there is no point in denying yourself pleasure, or being anything other than what you are."
Beloved author Elizabeth Gilbert returns to fiction with a unique love story set in the New York City theater world during the 1940s. Told from the perspective of an older woman as she looks back on her youth with both pleasure and regret (but mostly pleasure), City of Girls explores themes of female sexuality and promiscuity, as well as the idiosyncrasies of true love.
In 1940, nineteen-year-old Vivian Morris has just been kicked out of Vassar College, owing to her lackluster freshman-year performance. Her affluent parents send her to Manhattan to live with her Aunt Peg, who owns a flamboyant, crumbling midtown theater called the Lily Playhouse. There Vivian is introduced to an entire cosmos of unconventional and charismatic characters, from the fun-chasing showgirls to a sexy male actor, a grand-dame actress, a lady-killer writer, and no-nonsense stage manager. But when Vivian makes a personal mistake that results in professional scandal, it turns her new world upside down in ways that it will take her years to fully understand. Ultimately, though, it leads her to a new understanding of the kind of life she craves - and the kind of freedom it takes to pursue it. It will also lead to the love of her life, a love that stands out from all the rest.
Now eighty-nine years old and telling her story at last, Vivian recalls how the events of those years altered the course of her life - and the gusto and autonomy with which she approached it. "At some point in a woman's life, she just gets tired of being ashamed all the time," she muses. "After that, she is free to become whoever she truly is." Written with a powerful wisdom about human desire and connection, City of Girls is a love story like no other.
Reviews
Too long
3By adip2017I really wanted to love this book but honestly it felt like it went on forever. While there were some moments that peaked my interest, mostly it just felt like the story rambled on. The author was well researched as the vernacular used fits within the respective time period. The perspective was delivered in letter format which was a unique way of storytelling and was what mostly held my attention. It just took way too long to get to the point.Great story
5By AD27# WyattEpic story from interesting perspective. Really enjoyed this book.Great read
5By jennifer5818Beautifully written story!Thoroughly enjoyable
5By bella's bffI’m not fond of reading so much about sex, but I liked this book so much that I was sad to reach the end. Just the right amount of characters and a time line that was easy to follow. And what a clever idea to use a letter as the vehicle. Loved it.Absolutely perfect.
5By SydHubBeautiful.engaging and fun
4By Whits2017Engaging writing. Loved how NYC history and culture is part of story - as well as American/world history. I recommend but it’s not a “top ten” book for me so it’s not a 5 star book.City of Girls
5By glad to let you knowI loved this book. Her writing is so satisfying and her characters teach so much as you get to know each one.Very interesting
4By Geralynn conkeyColorful charactersSweet story
3By d tu cdrcIt was a sweet story. Sometimes I will get boring and long but I was a nice readingA delicately woven tale.
5By Sallywhoaboutyou123Captivating from beginning to end. Gilbert is a storyteller of all storytellers.Good book!
3By alexandra scarletI definitely liked this book and the story it told. It shown light to growing up in the 40’s-60’s and all of the “rules” of society then. I wouldn’t say this is extraordinary book but it’s worth the read !It’s not what you think until you have read the entire book
5By LiildebpdxSuch a great story of a girl who went to New York and lived a very unpredictable life starting pre WWII and after. Never expected the beautiful ending. You never disappoint Melissa Gilbert.Amazing
5By CLM314I have not been hooked on a book in years. I loved every minute of the journey through NYC and lifeComplex characters. A female protagonist worth reading about.
5By Mary STAMFORDExcellent understanding of women. Outstanding book.City of Girls
5By JacquieMoon1One of the most compelling, well written books, no stories I have ever read. It reflects a part of my life I have always wanted to hide and given me the right to the young life I lead. Youth is tricky if you follow a different path and I sometimes wish I was as strong as you’re Vivian and stayed on that path.Stunning!
5By Afmamaof3I wasn’t sure what to expect but I am overwhelmed with how beautifully written this book is - yet, not surprised at all. Liz Gilbert’s writing has always touched me. Bravo, Liz!Greatness
5By bella_remiAmazing. Slayed the house boots down.City of Girls
5By BobbiegailThis 80 year old formerly rebellious, hippie wanna be has found this book to be one of the best, most fun reads in a very long time. Thank you for saying things that needed to be said, in such a strong, truthful and and glorious way. This book is as delicious as a hot fudge sundae!Best book you will ever read
5By nycsmartypantsBest book I ever had the honor to read ..
