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Book Review of Valley of the Dolls

Valley of the Dolls
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I read VALLEY OF THE DOLLS for a "Sixties Theme" in my online book club, The Reading Cove.

All I can say is, wow! I was not expecting this to be such an evocative, well plotted, well nuanced and well layered novel. The characters of Anne, Jennifer and Neely all came to life, like actual people. The interrelationships were honest, flawed and very, very human. The primary settings of LA and Manhattan really came to life as well; you really feel the show biz atmosphere of the 40s, 50s and 60s.

I was completely drawn into the principle characters' lives, and felt a high emotional resonance throughout the story.

The ending left me feeling sad, and wishing things had gone a little differently...but the character development was phenomenal enough to support it. Now, that's good writing!

I plan to read Jacqueline Susann's other books ASAP. She's the writer Jackie Collins always wanted to be!

A-.