Review: Bright Young Things by Anna Godbersen
This book just might win the longest on the e-reader contest. Originally published in 2010 I’m guessing it was a free giveaway in 2011 or 2012 which means it could have been waiting to be read for over 2 years! This book was my first exposure to Anna’s work and it was a book that really draws a reader in. Set in 1929 this series follows the lives of three young women, two entering New York’s roaring 20’s lifestyle for the first time and one established yet bored socialite.
I give Godbersen a lot of credit for quickly bringing the readers to the action in New York yet also establishing Letty Larkspur and Cordelia Grey’s solid friendship. The girls aren't jut running away, they actually have a plan though Cordelia’s is secret. For Letty it’s dreams of stardom in an acting or singing role on the glittering New York stage. For Cordelia it’s to find her father.
I really liked that the girls were mostly prepared and I enjoyed their friendship. The only head scratcher for me was what happens their first night.
The girls come home past curfew with alcohol on their breath and are thrown out of their lodgings. The two have a quarrel and go their separate ways. I know this was a plot device to throw the characters into different storylines but It was very abrupt especially because their friendship was established as a long one, I couldn't really understand how they would just leave each other like that.
From there the two girls paths go in very different ways. Cordelia finds her father( a rich bootlegger) and immediately is part of the glittering world of society money can buy. It is in this world she meets Astrid Donal, a society favorite who also is dating Charlie, Cordelia’s half brother.
Letty is taken in by a group of women who’s motives should be questioned but aren't. Soon Letty is working as a cigarette girl and seeing the seedier side of New York's Night life.
I was really drawn into this tale. Anna paints a glorious memorable picture of the times from the clothes and parties to the emptiness that can dwell in the hearts of those who “have it all” . I really liked how the story had an ending without major cliffhangers, but the potential for more stories.
An enjoyable read!
Comments
I liked it, too, but I find that I can't remember much about it. I definitely think I'll need to reread it sometime. :)
Angie @ Pinkindle