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Godbersen, Anna
7 Reviews
(4)
YA
Godberson concludes her entertaining escapist series set amid the parties and bootlegging of Prohibition-era New York with her three heroines continuing down their different paths. The furious pace of events and crises leaves no time for reflection, and, consequently, Astrid, Letty, and Cordelia remain shallow and never seem ethically committed to anything more permanent than the season's taste in hemlines.
Reviewer: Megan Lynn Isaac
(4)
YA
Having found their feet in NYC, the three heroines of Bright Young Things strike out in search of their futures. Cordelia fronts a speakeasy; Letty shoots toward stardom on the stage; and Astrid plays with domesticity--all amidst romantic entanglements enabled by gorgeous wardrobes. Prohibition never looked more alluring than in this unreflectively self-indulgent novel about wealth, beauty, and booze.
Reviewer: Megan Lynn Isaac
(4)
YA
Unburdened by much in the way of responsibilities or ethics, the story's three vapid but entertaining heroines sashay from New York speakeasies to Long Island house parties pursuing their dreams of family, love, and stardom. No error in judgment carries consequences, and every day brings a new beaded dress in this pseudo-historical escapist tale of young-adult excess. Further adventures are promised.
Reviewer: Megan Lynn Isaac
(4)
YA
In this Luxe franchise ender, each of the protagonists--free-spirited Diana, conniving Penelope, deceitful Carolina, and sincere Elizabeth--gets, more or less, what she deserves. Tragedy and disaster are avoided, and the truth prevails. Historical detail is thinner than ever in this sweeping, romantic volume that instead focuses on emotional crises and dramatic revelations in addition to elaborate costuming and coiffure.
Reviewer: Megan Lynn Isaac
(4)
YA
Fortunes are won and lost, pregnancies are hidden and falsified, and one misguided romance follows another in the latest of Godbersen's increasingly ahistorical tales about the rich and the reckless (yet always exquisitely fashionable) socialites who inhabit turn-of-the-twentieth-century New York. This time Elizabeth mourns, Diana waits, Lina falls, and Penelope--as usual--manipulates everyone while time passes in their tumultuous lives.
Reviewer: Megan Lynn Isaac
(4)
YA
Debt, deceit, debauchery, and plain old disappointment--the New York socialites from The Luxe are back with bigger troubles and deeper schemes. The year is still 1899, and there's fresh gossip to uncover and spread while investigating Elizabeth's death. Despite an uncomfortable marriage between historical setting and modern attitude, this series provides a tantalizing portrait of bad behavior and good clothes.
Reviewer: Megan Lynn Isaac
(4)
YA
Godbersen's tale of intrigue and deception takes place amidst glamorous upper-crust New York society in 1899. Elizabeth, Diana, and Penelope enjoy the privileges of youth and wealth while Lina, a household maid, aches to share in the same. Threats of financial ruin and romantic scandal ensue. It's Gossip Girl meets The Age of Innocence--fluffy but titillating entertainment.
Reviewer: Megan Lynn Isaac
7 reviews
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