I have read a couple of books by this author but this may be one of my favourites. It was well written, with good characterisation and a compelling storyline.
I will admit I know next to nothing about the 1920's although it is a period I am discovering I like reading about so I hope that will change.
The book showcases how hard it is to be a woman in a mans world in the 1920's and I couldn't put it down.

DOROTHY PARKER AND MANHATTAN: A MUST READ FOR ME

When I saw this book on NetGalley, I knew I had to read it.

As a teenager, I discovered the humorous writings of Dorothy Parker, and became
her admirer (and perhaps sensed a kindred spirit in her).

I'm a lifelong New Yorker. I'm familiar with many of the venues in the book (the Algonquin Hotel, etc.), and many of the writers, artists, and actors featured in the book. Also, I'm fascinated by New York City History.

So there was no doubt that an historical novel about Dorothy Parker and her circle was one I had to read.

A DIFFERENT KIND OF BOOK THAT TOOK A WHILE TO GET INTO

I've been reading so much science fiction, fantasy, and even historical adventure stories like “The Lymond Chronicles” that I've gotten used to a fast paced story with lots of action, battles,
chase scenes, plot twists, violence, cliff hangers, etc. Also, there are often advanced AIs, computer games, space ships, magic, strange creatures, etc.

This book had none of those things. The story went at a much slower pace than what I've normally been reading. So that took a bit of getting used to.

But once I got into it, I got really wrapped up in the story. This is primarily a character study and the characters are really engaging.

THE ALGONQUIN ROUND TABLE IN THE ROARING TWENTIES

The book features the writers, artists, journalists, critics, actors, and theater people involved in the Algonquin Round Table (and their friends, associates, and hangers on).

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Algonquin_Round_Table

These folks met for lunch at the famed Algonquin Hotel which still exists on Manhattan's Upper West Side.

Dorothy Parker was a prominent member of the group, which also included such luminaries as Robert Benchley, Tallulah Bankhead, Noel Coward, Harold Ross, Harpo Marx, Eva Le Gallienne, Neysa McMein, etc.

THE "MANHATTAN GIRLS" AND THEIR BRIDGE CLUB

The book mainly focuses on a small subset of this group, four women who formed a bridge club that met in their various apartments: Dorothy Parker, humorist and author; Jane Grant (journalist and cofounder of the New Yorker magazine), Margaret "Peggy" Leech (sales person at Conde Nast and author); and Winifred Lenihan (actress).

These women, none of whom played bridge very well, became good friends over the years.

DOROTHY PARKER

I must admit that I cringed reading about Dorothy Parker, who reminded me in some ways of a younger version of myself.

I've changed and become, as an older woman, self sufficient, diplomatic, and reserved.

But when I was younger I was like her in many respects. Unlike her, I wasn't an alcoholic nor did I attempt suicide.

But like her, I was vulnerable, often depressed, and invariably chose terrible men and then drove them away because of my codependence and anxiety.

I also hadn't learned to control my mouth, so I often said cringeworthy and impulsive things.

She was luckier than I was though, in some respects. She certainly had really good friends.

<b>The Fascinating and Fun Roaring Twenties</b>

It was great fun to read about the Roaring Twenties, with its fun loving New Yorkers who loved to dance, frequent speakeasies, and drank like fish in spite of Prohibition.

I enjoyed the fashions of the times too. Parker and her buddies had great taste in clothing.

PERSONAL PROBLEMS

We also find out about the difficulties all these women deal with: Winifred having to fend off the unwanted advances of directors, agents, and gangsters; Parker's inner pain and alcoholism, perhaps caused by an unhappy childhood and losing her mother at age five; Peggy's lack of confidence and difficulty finding men; and Jane's marital difficulties in spite of what seemed to others an ideal marriage.

I was at times astonished what some of these people tolerated in their friends and associates.

I never quite understood why Jane Grant and her husband Harold Ross put up with Alexander Woollcott, the theater critic, who moved in to the building they'd purchased in Hell's Kitchen, and was a generally nasty and malicious piece of work whose only pleasures in life seemed to be humiliating his associates and driving wedges between them. Jane perhaps tolerated Woollcott because he was suppposed to be a good friend of her husband Harold, although he didn't seem to be anyone's friend.

MINOR QUIBBLE

There were times when I wasn't entirely certain whether the language of the present day was also used in the 20's.

For example, actress Eva LeGallienne exclaims "Spot-on" when Winifred says her accent seems a combination of American, French, and English. Would that phrase have actually been used then?

SUMMARY: RECOMMENDED BOOK

I recommend this book. It highlights the struggles of creative New York women in the 1920s, but a lot of what they go through seems timeless and can apply to our times.

I think women will particularly relate to this novel.

I also enjoyed the history at lot.

THANKS FOR THE ARC

Thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for this ARC (Advanced Review Copy) in exchange for an honest review.

I will note that although I am American and live in New York, I inadvertently requested the British edition of this ebook instead of the American version.

It will be published on August 18, 2022.


The American version comes out August 16, 2022.

#NetGallley

New York City in 1921, America women are wearing flapper dresses, having their hair cut into shingle bobs, dancing to jazz music, and drinking hooch in speakeasies and during probation. Four friends decide to start a bridge club and have regular catch ups, Dorothy, Jane, Winifred, Peggy, and they will be nicknamed The Manhattan Girls.

Dorothy Parker is a poet, a member of the Algonquin Round Table, when her marriage to Eddie ends, and she struggles with her mental health. Jane Grant is the first female reporter for the New York Times, she’s determined to launch her own magazine, and her husband Howard has been keeping secrets from her. Winifred Lenihan is a beautiful actress, after growing up in a large Irish Catholic family, she likes her privacy, and has to constantly fight off seedy men trying to hit on her. Peggy Leech is a magazine assistant, she’s busy writing a novel, and her mother wonders if she will ever get married?

An unlikely group of friends, who are there for each other through thick and thin. They help each other and give advice, from what to wear to an important business meeting or on a hot date, when a relationship breaks down, on opening nights and book releases, making sure Dottie eats, and stopping her from hurting herself.

I received a copy of The Manhattan Girls by Gill Paul from NetGalley and Avon Books UK in exchange for an honest review. A well written and interesting novel about the challenges women faced during the 1920’s in New York City and in a male dominated world. The women had to juggle their careers and life at home, and fight to be respected at work. The story follows the ups and downs of their romantic relationships, friendships with each other, and their vulnerabilities.

Five stars from me, a brilliant narrative about four unique and real women, I enjoyed every single page, and it’s my favorite book by Gill Paul.

Sometimes we all need to escape into a book. It’s a plus when you also have the possibility to go back in time and get acquainted with people you hadn’t heard about before. Gill Pauls latest novel made that happen!

I was transported to the 1920’s in New York, and met four interesting woman who belonged to the Algonquin Round table. We get acquainted with Jane Grant, first female reporter for The New York Times, who is determined to launch a new magazine. The Broadway actress Winifred Lenihan, beautiful, talented, and a casting-couch target. And Peggy Leech, magazine assistant by day, brilliant novelist by night. Dorothy Parker, poet and famous for her wit.


They gossip, they comfort each other, they offer support through the setbacks. But their biggest challenge is keeping their dear friend Dottie safe from herself.

I thoroughly enjoyed myself when reading this novel, and even stopped to look at pictures from the characters so that I really felt connected to them. The four woman came alive and felt real to me. Paul’s writing style is as always easy to follow. I never felt bored or disappointed by the book. The extra drama with Dottie made the book even more interesting, and I’m impressed by Paul’s ability to create a life based on the few facts he found when researching the book. I think he must have captured how it was to live in the 1920’s, the sexism seemed very real and I can imagine that it must have been hard to navigate in a culture where you had to just take men treating women badly (off course there are also descriptions of different men too).

I’m glad I got my escape and will continue to look for it in his next books!

Thanks to Avon books and netgally for this arc!

Wow, what an eye-opening well written story about Dorothy Parker and her friends! Four unique woman attack the 1920s with their own flare 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 Jane 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. Dottie 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 (HarperCollins) and Netgalley for a review copy.

I was completely unaware that these four characters were actually real peoples during the 1920s. After reading this book I devoured many articles about these individuals. I really enjoyed how the author accurately portrayed the time period after WW1 and all of the struggles during that time period. I really enjoyed all of the characters and do wish there was a bit more depth with some of their stories. There is a bit of a trigger warning for some of these stories and had I known they were real people I would have been clued into that.

Overall I recommend this book, it was a fast read and gave a unique sex and the city meets 1920s twist. I give this book 4 out of 5 stars. Thank you netgalley for the advanced read.

Set in Manhattan in the early 1920s, this historical fiction is told in the stories of 4 women who become great friends. They start out forming a bridge group and become closer as times goes on. It's a great story of friendship, finding your way, strength and failures and encompasses a lot of history.

I'd heard of Dorothy Parker previously, but not the three other characters - and it isn't fully explained if the stories in this book are actual fiction or history. It's a very interesting book, I liked learning about each of the ladies and following how their lives and paths changed along the way.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a temporary, digital ARC in return for my review.

The Manhattan Girls is a novel about Dorothy Parker and her friends. These women were quite the ones to be!

Set against the early 1920's in the era of jazz, booze and scandal - their friendships, romance and adventures keep the book moving.

It is a bit superficial, not fully exploring the characters as much as I would like but still a fine read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books for this ARC. Manhattan - 1920's - Dorothy Parker, Jane Grant, Winifred Lenihan and Peggy Leech began a bridge group. After many nights hanging out with each other at the Algonquin (Gonk), they formed a fast friendship. They were there for each other when Dorothy suffered two failed suicide attempts and a published book of poems. They supported Jane Grant when her and her husband started The New Yorker magazine in their basement. They cheered on Winifred Lenihan when she acted in the best selling show on broadway by George Bernard Shaw - Saint Joan. And they helped Peggy Leech become a published author and meet her future husband Ralph Pulitzer. This true story of these amazing, strong women in a time of suppression was a joy to read. The book, though slow in some parts brought out stories that are otherwise lost. #TheManhattanGirls #GillPaul #Aug2022

This ARC was provided to me via Kindle, Avon Books UK and by #NetGalley. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

A delightful historical read set in the 1920s. It has its faults nothing worth holding the effort down.

Let me start off by saying the atmosphere of the story is superb. Gill Paul illustrates the era well through witty writing. I've only heard of Dorothy Parker by name and I was completely unfamiliar with the other main characters (Winifred Lenihan, Jane Grant, and Peggy Leach). This was a good exploration of their world, especially the ups and downs of friendship.

My reason for giving two stars: Content. I can't articulate the exact reasons why without giving potential spoilers. People familiar with these women's lives will not be surprised, so that's on my end for being in the dark. I'll leave it by saying certain events and themes were upsetting to me. If I'd picked this up on my own I would have stopped reading. Because this is an ARC review, I wanted to follow through. Given some of the parts I didn't like weren't isolated (and told in detail), I ended up skimming the later part of the book. Under other circumstances, this would be a book I would enjoy. Although, I did not find myself particularly attached to any of the characters, but again, I was unfamiliar with them and sometimes that influences my taste when reading about real-life characters.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a free ARC copy in exchange for my honest review.

3.5 stars. The Manhattan Girls was an enjoyable story set in NYC in the early 1920s about four friends - Dottie, Jane, Peggy, and Winifred - who form a bridge club and create lifelong friendships. This independent, witty group of women support each other through many challenges as they refuse to conform to the social norms of the 1920s and forge their own path to their ambitious goals.

Thanks to #NetGalley, Gill Paul, and Avon Books UK for the e-ARC of #TheManhattanGirls in exchange for an honest review.

Wow I loved this book so much. This historical fiction tells the story of 4 women living in Manhattan during the 1920s. All of them are writers of sorts, from poems, novels, and screenplays. Each of these four women are real life people (I spent way too long researching them online while I was reading). It is told in 4 POVs and spans quiet a few years. The story moves at a pretty good pace.

I can’t recommend this one enough and it will be a huge seller when it releases Mid-August.

Set in the 1920s, this is a book that focuses on American writer/poet, Dorothy Parker and the friendship she held with three just as incredible women, Jane, Winifred and Peggy. It details their extraordinary bonds and the lengths they would go for each other. Though filled with much tragedy, the relationship between these women fills the reader with hope and inspiration.

Thanks t NetGalley and Avon Books UK for the opportunity to read The Manhattan Girls by Gill Paul, an author whose work i always enjoy.

An era of social and political upheaval with the iconic Dorothy Parker and her Algonquin buddies at the very center of the story. What's not to love?!

The Manhattan Girls by Gill Paul is a great historical fiction that takes us to the heart of NYC in the early 1920s. I really enjoyed it.

I have enjoyed several books by Ms. Paul in the past, so I knew I had to read her newest book, and it did not disappoint.

This book, to me, was more than just about Dorothy Parker and her friends at this time. It was also about the seismic shifts politically, socially, and how post-WWI society was grappling with these massive changes.

There was still the fundamental concepts of love, loss, friendship, relationships, betrayal, loyalty, finding one’s place in life within the novel, but the background and the pivotal alterations that were taking place and how that was affecting the characters, really added a layer of complexity to the narrative. I enjoyed the flawed and imperfect characters, but their interactions and relationships with one another were more of a draw to me and really made it a memorable book.

4/5 stars

Thank you NG and Avon Books UK for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 8/18/22.

1920's after the war...the city...friendship...tragedy...keeping it together...this book was sent to me by Netgalley for review. I enjoyed this book. I liked this book. The characters are likable...a fun read despite some parts that were tragic...don't miss this book by such a talented author.