CITY OF GIRLS- Elizabeth Gilbert
CITY OF GIRLS: a celebration of femininity set amongst the splendour of New York City.
It has taken me a while to review this fantastic book due to being in absolute awe of it and wanting to do it the justice it deserves- it’s definitely one of my favourite books!
The story itself is largely based around a strong array of female characters, including the protagonist Vivian Morris who narrates the book. Vivian, a meek and impressionable 19 year old, finds herself in the bright lights and excitement of the Lily Playhouse with her eccentric Aunt Peg following her change of mind regarding college, where she is exposed to the glamour, showgirls and party lifestyle of New York City.
The story cleverly explores themes of forgiveness, mercy and acceptance at depth when Vivian makes a grave mistake and the story of her life unravels in this beautiful tale. Gilbert has crafted a gripping and moving narrative to explore and understand the path of healing and finding peace in our actions, something you can tell resonates with her personally as it is so seamlessly intertwined throughout the novel.
What I loved the most is Gilbert developed such a strong repertoire of characters centered around the concept of living life to its full potential. I love how they unashamedly express and explore who they are and how they are passionate and reckless resulting in memorable and real characters you connect with; I loved how the journey felt like ‘our’ journey and not just Vivian’s. If you take one thing away from this novel- and I’m sure if you read it you’ll take much more- it’s the abundance of morals and mantras that are so well considered and drip-fed through the pages. As Gilbert puts it, ‘Life is short and difficult, people. We must take our pleasures wherever we find them. Let us not become so cautious that we forget to live.’
This book was gifted to me by Bloomsbury in exchange for an honest review.
5 stars
It has taken me a while to review this fantastic book due to being in absolute awe of it and wanting to do it the justice it deserves- it’s definitely one of my favourite books!
The story itself is largely based around a strong array of female characters, including the protagonist Vivian Morris who narrates the book. Vivian, a meek and impressionable 19 year old, finds herself in the bright lights and excitement of the Lily Playhouse with her eccentric Aunt Peg following her change of mind regarding college, where she is exposed to the glamour, showgirls and party lifestyle of New York City.
The story cleverly explores themes of forgiveness, mercy and acceptance at depth when Vivian makes a grave mistake and the story of her life unravels in this beautiful tale. Gilbert has crafted a gripping and moving narrative to explore and understand the path of healing and finding peace in our actions, something you can tell resonates with her personally as it is so seamlessly intertwined throughout the novel.
What I loved the most is Gilbert developed such a strong repertoire of characters centered around the concept of living life to its full potential. I love how they unashamedly express and explore who they are and how they are passionate and reckless resulting in memorable and real characters you connect with; I loved how the journey felt like ‘our’ journey and not just Vivian’s. If you take one thing away from this novel- and I’m sure if you read it you’ll take much more- it’s the abundance of morals and mantras that are so well considered and drip-fed through the pages. As Gilbert puts it, ‘Life is short and difficult, people. We must take our pleasures wherever we find them. Let us not become so cautious that we forget to live.’
This book was gifted to me by Bloomsbury in exchange for an honest review.
5 stars
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