Review: It Girl: A Novel

It Girl: A Novel by Allison Pataki
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

3.5 Stars

Trigger warning: rape and pedophilia.

Also, try not to do any research on these people, as it may spoil the book for you.

This is a Historical/FICTION book. Remember the word ' fiction' when you are reading this, since many reviewers are getting hung up on some things that don't fit their idea of what this book is about.

I did some mild research (Wiki) on who these people were based on other reviewers naming names. And becuase of that, some parts of this book were spoiled for me, but the biggest shock was how the author ended this book. Let me tell you, it was a huge shock, and it was wonderful.

The only reason why I didn't give this a full 4-star rating was that the characters annoyed me so much. I realize this book was written at the turn of the last century, and times were WAY different, but I still thought that Evelyn should have stood up for herself a bit more and not have been so naive. Perhaps she should have just asked more questions of those around her who had more experience in the arts and the theater. I just can't help myself. When I see a person who has been warned and still does what she was warned against, I get annoyed.

However, this book has very richly drawn characters, and an interesting plot twist near the end of the book and a wonderful look into the lives of the artists' models, the Gibson Girls and Vaudeville.


I would highly recommend It Girl: A Novel, especially to book clubs looking for something a tad more controversial to discuss.

*ARC supplied by the publisher Ballantine Books/Random House Publishing, the author, and NetGalley.

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SUMMARY: "A sweeping, sensational novel of America’s first “It Girl,” whose dramatic journey to center stage echoes through the decades—from the New York Times bestselling author of The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post.

New York, 1900. At the dawn of a new century, the city’s streets teem with electricity, automobiles, a brash young President Teddy Roosevelt—and the It Girls. As artist’s muses and working models, these independent young women soar to stardom not because of their pedigrees or inherited wealth, but because of their talent, charisma, and irresistible beauty. Pop culture is born, and in a world alight with Mr. Edison’s new bulbs, no one shines brighter than America’s sweetheart, Evelyn Talbot.
But the journey to stardom was not simple or straight. As a young girl, a grieving Evelyn is forced to take care of her widowed mother and kid brother. While working as a shopgirl, she is recruited as a studio model, and soon catches the eye of the preeminent artists of her age. When Broadway comes calling, Evelyn solidifies her status as the first self-made American female celebrity, a “Gibson Girl,” the most sought-after face of her time. Enter a parade of powerful and power-hungry men, from world-famous architect Stanley Pierce, the visionary behind Manhattan’s mansions and iconic landmarks, to Hal Thorne, the shockingly wealthy railroad heir and premiere “playboy” of high society. Each man promises comfort, glamour, security—even love. But fame and fortune are cruel teachers.
When Evelyn finds herself at the center of a murder of passion declared “the Crime of the Century,” the sins of the men in her life are blamed on her. In the media frenzy that erupts, Evelyn realizes that—to survive—she will have to take charge of her own ending. But can this artists’ muse turned showgirl pull off the greatest act of her life? 
It Girl is a breathtaking ride inspired by a singular artist and survivor who captured the heart of American society. In Allison Pataki’s talented hands, we see Evelyn find the power to change not only the world around her, but her own destiny."