“The Ashtrays are Full and the Glasses are Empty” is a historical fiction book by Kirsten Mickelwait. This book tells the story of true life couple Sara and Gerald Murphy. If you haven’t heard of them, that’s okay (I had heard of them in passing before reading this book). The Murphys were part of the post-WWI art era (think Picasso). They not only hung out with famous people (literature, news, art, fashion) but also were famous in their own right. They are, to modern readers, known for “opening” up the French Riviera for summer pleasure (it had previously closed due to it being too warm in that part of France). I found the beginning of the book a bit slow (though Dorothy Parker’s appearance was fantastic) as Ms. Mickelwait gave Sara’s background, but the book picked up once Sara and Gerald married and their adventures together began.

I was so excited when I saw this one - Everybody Was So Young is one of my favorite historical novels, and I love the world of Sara and Gerald Murphy! Their personalities and exploits are fascinating to me, as are their friendships and social positioning within the changing world of the early 20th century. I loved the cover art and title, and the book certainly opened well, but I pretty quickly found myself floundering to connect with the author's writing style. I know a fair bit about these characters, but yet still felt oddly disconnected to the story. I think it is just a matter of my reading style and the author's writing style not meshing well, which is very unfortunate...

This is an extraordinary novel about a couple that has long been associated with the lions of the post-WWI era in the arts. They are Sara and Gerald Murphy. Books have been written about them, many books have mentioned them and they served as inspiration for one of Scott Fitzgerald’s novels.

Mickelwaite has done a great job of thorough research, honing in on the more intimate aspects of the Murphy marriage. Sara is the narrator and brings the reader into the fascinating life the storied Murphy family. There is also a very timely glance into the ultimate sadness that she faced.

I loved this book, from the Hamptons to the Riviera. I was captivated by the relationships with so many of the people who defined the art world of the 20th century.

I really appreciated having the opportunity to read and delve into a unique era in cultural history. Thank you Netgalley.