Thank you to Aria and Aries for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

This book is set in L.A. and follows the very complicated friendship between two women Lane Warren and Gala Margolis, the book is set in two timelines Summer 1975 and Autumn 1965. Both women are writers, Gala was a charming socialite and Lane was an upcoming author trying to find her place in the L.A. party scene. We follow both women over the years and the trajectory of their friendship until Lane’s betrayal. In the present day Autumn 1975 Gala is missing.


This book was a really hard read for me as I didn’t really warm up to any of the characters, I didn’t think any of them had any redeeming features about them. I did enjoy this book as it was a snapshot into what life was like for women in the 1960’s and 1970’s, I did feel for Lane as I think she had a rather severe case of postnatal depression and her wet drip of a husband wasn’t much support. I think this would be an interesting book to discuss for book club as there are a lot of heavy themes in this book, I will suggest it to my book club when it’s released and see what they say. Out of the two women I liked Gala better as I think she was more true to herself and wasn’t trying to be anything she wasn’t, where as Lane let others shape her and her choices, i.e. Charlie and her husband Scotty. Overall a very gripping depiction of the friendship of two women set against the backdrop of drop of L.A. party scene in 1960’s/1970’s. When I said I found this book a hard read, it’s because it’s what I call a thinking book, a book that challenges you to think about different ideas and perspectives when you are reading it. Overall I would recommend this book.

I tore through this account of two women in 60s and 70s LA that echoes the lives of Joan Didion and Eve Babitz. I likes the play on the title of Babitz's own book, LA Woman.
It works well as a character portrait of two complex and fascinating women as well as a depiction of a layered and fluctuating female friendship. The characters felt convincing and came alive.
It's an evocative and immersive story and it felt considered and well researched whilst also being readable and fast paced.
I've enjoyed all of this author's book and would recommend this.

It took a little while for this book to grow on me but once the characters were established the story itself was mesmerising. you could get caught up in the rich layers of mystery of LA and the characters themselves. overall the book had a good but slightly bittersweet ending. the main characters lane and gala are direct contrasts of each other with lane being this realistic woman of the time, working but also struggling wit past issues, while gala was like this epiphany of freedom that drew everyone in. this book is filled with so much love and loss and i really think everyone should read it at least once in their lives

L.A. Women is a slow-burning, atmospheric novel that explores the complexities of female friendship, ambition, and identity in 1960s and 70s Los Angeles. Through the contrasting lives of Gala Margolis and Lane Warren, the story moves between decades, tracing the evolution — and unraveling — of a bond shaped by desire, rivalry, and unmet expectations.

Berman captures the cultural backdrop with care, and the writing itself is rich and considered. While the novel didn’t immediately pull me in, it gradually built depth as the characters’ histories unfolded. Some parts felt emotionally distant or difficult to connect with, and not every character resonated, but the themes — particularly around womanhood, creativity, and the cost of reinvention — were handled with insight.

It’s not a light read, but it offers plenty to reflect on. A thought-provoking portrayal of fame, friendship, and the lives women lead when no one’s watching.

Thanks to NetGalley and Aria & Aries for the ARC.

This is set in two timelines, 1965 and 1975 telling the amazing story of the lives of two women writers, Lane Warren and Gala Margolis,

I just loved this book. being of a certain age i was transported to the exciting times of when women came into their own and how they changed how women lived and were seen. Their bougee opinions and free spirits shone through. The author did a good job of bringing the story alive and I was engrossed.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it. I am grateful to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advance copy.

This gripping book explores the turbulent friendship between two ambitious writers in 1960s Los Angeles, a story marked by envy, betrayal, and the high stakes of artistic ambition. Lane Warren, once a fading literary star, is staging a comeback with a new book based on the life of her elusive former friend and muse, Gala Margolis, who has mysteriously disappeared.

Set against the glamour and grit of the L.A. party scene, the narrative delves into the complicated dynamics of rivalry and admiration. Lane’s decision to turn Gala’s life into a story forces both women onto paths that neither could have foreseen, with consequences that echo through a decade.

This book offers a powerful meditation on creativity, jealousy, and the costs of chasing success, making it a compelling read for those interested in the fragile nature of friendships entwined with art and ambition.

Read more at The Secret Book Review.

Although a bit bit of slow burner, it is well worth sticking with this book. Beautifully written and truly a masterpiece.

I originally requested this on NetGalley because I loved Before We Were Innocent.

I was in a bit of a slump when I went on holiday so started this and it was the perfect book to keep me interested.

The book focuses on 2 main characters Lane and Gala navigating womanhood in 60s/70s Los Angeles.
I looove all the glamour and the drama and the sex, drugs and rock and roll and the fact that it still felt raw and real.
I’ll tell you one thing Ella Berman is the best at is making an equally loveable yet insufferable character. Even the supporting characters are endearingly flawed.

I won’t say tooo much to avoid spoilers but I will say one thing that did disappoint me slightly is the ending but maybe it’s exactly how it’s meant to be…..