I think it’s become clear by now that I’m really interested in the 1950s and 1960s. I’ve read a few books that are set within that time period, but I’m thinking it’s perhaps time to move my reading about this decade to the non-fiction genre, as there are so many facets of those decades to explore on their own rather than as a backdrop to a more timeless story. I’m also realizing it’s time to finally finish catching up on Mad Men– perhaps when this project is over!
I was intrigued by this book because it was published in the late 50s and was more of a recollection of the previous decade than a retelling of the time period by a contemporary author. I can understand that it was shocking at the time to gain this perspective on the lives of young women in the city, but in a time of such transparency, it’s hard to imagine any perspective as particularly alarming. Outside of the cultural differences, it was a story of post-college anxiety- no more, no less.
Overall, the book was fairly good- a little long for what it was, but there was a sense of completion relative to the stories of each of the protagonists. I wouldn’t say that there were neat little bows for all of the women, but the reader at least knows what has become of each of the characters. The book offers a nice alternate time perspective, but is hardly revolutionary.
You’ll like this if: you liked A Hundred Summers– fairly similar concept- or Mary McCarthy’s The Group.
Happy reading!
carlyreads 