Enter the lush world of 1950s New York City, where a generation of aspiring models, secretaries, and editors live side by side in the glamorous Barbizon Hotel for Women while attempting to claw their way to fairy-tale success in this debut novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Lions of Fifth Avenue.“Rich both in twists and period detail, this tale of big-city ambition is … of big-city ambition is impossible to put down.”—People
When she arrives at the famed Barbizon Hotel in 1952, secretarial school enrollment in hand, Darby McLaughlin is everything her modeling agency hall mates aren’t: plain, self-conscious, homesick, and utterly convinced she doesn’t belong—a notion the models do nothing to disabuse. Yet when Darby befriends Esme, a Barbizon maid, she’s introduced to an entirely new side of New York City: seedy downtown jazz clubs where the music is as addictive as the heroin that’s used there, the startling sounds of bebop, and even the possibility of romance.
Over half a century later, the Barbizon’s gone condo and most of its long-ago guests are forgotten. But rumors of Darby’s involvement in a deadly skirmish with a hotel maid back in 1952 haunt the halls of the building as surely as the melancholy music that floats from the elderly woman’s rent-controlled apartment. It’s a combination too intoxicating for journalist Rose Lewin, Darby’s upstairs neighbor, to resist—not to mention the perfect distraction from her own imploding personal life. Yet as Rose’s obsession deepens, the ethics of her investigation become increasingly murky, and neither woman will remain unchanged when the shocking truth is finally revealed.
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This is a good book with some NYC history and a glimpse into life of single women in the 1950s. An enjoyable read.
Loved the unique storyline. Was hard to put down. Stayed up way to late to finish it. A great read that stays with you and keeps you thinking days later.
I liked it–mainly because of the history of 1950s New York and the Barbizon Hotel for Women. The current-day plot was okay but very predictable–the protagonist would get over her broken heart (jilted by a married man who returned to his wife) in lightning speed and fall for the burly videographer about whom she first made derogatory comments. Not inspired writing but literate.
I used to live in New York City and was curious about the history or the Barbizon. It was an entertaining rainy day read. A little far-fetched but, for me, that was OK…still an intriguing story and characters and a nice way to spend an afternoon of reading.
I love when books flip from current to the past. An awesome look into 1950’s New York. This book was an easy read and even when I thought I had it figured out, which it turned out I was wrong, I liked the ending.
The Barbizon in New York City reveals a past more torturous than the present for the two different women from different eras who meet to share their stories and gain friendship and strength. Very lively and engaging read.
Enjoyed it
I did not like much about this book. Easy to read yes but I thought the plot and the characters simplistic and trite. The theme of independent women was not realistically or artfully presented .
Interesting concept with stories from decades ago interspersed with current story. Easy read. I enjoyed.
I love Ms. Davis writing style. Couldn’t put it down from the beginning! Just when you think you’ve got it all figured out……. Love those kind of books!
Hard to put down read it in 2 days!
Barbie-zon
Not every woman is a model or business minded or easily controlled. The Barbizon, plunked in the heart of NYC, housed many up and coming models. The faces of magazines. Whatever it takes. Whoever it hurts. In walks little Miss Midwest. Plain. Unskilled. Socially restricted. The building maid, bad girl who will stop at nothing to be successful. Excellent read.
I enjoyed this book, good read.
Enjoyable mystery. I breezed right through it.
I recommend it. I love historical fiction when they are well researched and realistic. I enjoyed this book greatly. I give this book five stars because it met my expectations in all areas.
Fiona Davis is my new favorite author. In all three books she has written, she tells two different stories involving a New York building or landmark that occur during two different time periods. What you get is two fabulous, page turning romantic and suspenseful stories in one. Dollhouse involves the once Barbizon Hotel (now apartments). You learn a lot about the time periods and the architecture. Each story is connected to one another, but are so different. I loved reading this book. I did not want it to end. Thoroughly entertaining.
A journalist now residing in one of the hotel’s converted condos discovers a small group of elderly ladies who have been residing there for over half a century, when the building was a hotel for women, referred to as the Dollhouse. Becoming more curious about these women, she decides to write a story about the women’s lives, and begins to uncover a mystery that has remained secret for decades. An enjoyable dual story that flips between present and past.
Fun look into s bygone era.
I liked it. It is a good summer or vacation read. I do hearing of the Barbizon Hotel in New York and this book brought it to life. I recommend it.
predictable and boring