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A Novel
by Allison Pataki
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.
At the dawn of the twentieth century, New York's streets teem with change: electricity, automobiles, the brash young President Teddy Roosevelt—and the It Girls. As artists' 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 is not simple or straight. While working as a shopgirl, the young Evelyn is recruited as a studio model and soon catches the eye of the preeminent artists of the age. When Broadway comes calling, Evelyn solidifies her status as the first self-made American female celebrity: the iconic Gibson Girl, the most sought-after figure and 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 premier "playboy" of high society. Each man promises comfort, glamour, security—even love. But fame and fortune are cruel teachers, and Evelyn learns that the only person she can rely on is herself.
When Evelyn finds herself at the center of a murder of passion declared "the Crime of the Century," she is blamed for the acts of the men in her life. In the media frenzy that spirals around her, Evelyn realizes that to survive, she will have to write 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 icon who captured the collective imagination of American society. Allison Pataki has crafted yet another unforgettable leading lady, a heroine who must find the power to change not only the world around her but her own destiny.
"[An] irresistible rags-to-riches-to-trauma tale ... Pataki's eventful, suspenseful, turn-of-the-twentieth-century novel is an entrancing progression of shocks and adaptations, suffering and liberation." —Booklist (starred review)
"A somewhat fictionalized account of 'Gibson Girl' Evelyn Nesbit's tumultuous fortunes, with a wholly invented ending worthy of the protagonist's talents ... Evelyn's alternate fate might be a feminist sleight of hand, yet as an author's note explains, 'What if I give Evelyn the opportunity to reclaim her own agency, even to rewrite her own ending?' It's a worthy goal for a novel, and ultimately a very satisfying one... . Each character comes alive in this rich, dynamic novel." —Kirkus Reviews
"Pataki ... reimagines the life of famed Gibson Girl Evelyn Nesbit ... in this winning tale of how a woman's beauty transforms her life. Pataki expertly highlights how Evelyn's naivete is shattered, leading her to rely only on herself... . Historical fiction fans will be riveted." —Publishers Weekly
"Captivating ... Pataki expertly captures turn-of-the-twentieth-century New York City, where anything is possible, especially for the newly minted Gibson girl. Pataki has fashioned a soaring new tale—I adored it." —Marie Benedict, New York Times bestselling author of The Personal Librarian
"A scintillating, fictionalized tale of one of America's first models and superstars. Readers will cheer for Evelyn as she navigates the path from childhood hardship through rising stardom and the sexism and misogyny of the entertainment industry to standing on her own two feet. Inspired by true stories, It Girl is a powerful tale of female empowerment and friendship, immaculately researched and beautifully told. In crafting it, Pataki shines brighter than ever!" —Pam Jenoff, New York Times bestselling author of Last Twilight in Paris
This information about It Girl was first featured
in "The BookBrowse Review" - BookBrowse's membership magazine, and in our weekly "Publishing This Week" newsletter. Publication information is for the USA, and (unless stated otherwise) represents the first print edition. The reviews are necessarily limited to those that were available to us ahead of publication. If you are the publisher or author and feel that they do not properly reflect the range of media opinion now available, send us a message with the mainstream reviews that you would like to see added.
Any "Author Information" displayed below reflects the author's biography at the time this particular book was published.
Allison Pataki is the New York Times bestselling author of The Traitor's Wife, The Accidental Empress, Sisi, The Queen's Fortune, The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post, Finding Margaret Fuller, Beauty in the Broken Places, and two children's books (with Marya Myers). Pataki's novels have been translated into more than twenty languages. A former news writer and producer, Pataki has written for The New York Times, USA Today, and other outlets. She has appeared on Today, Good Morning America, and Morning Joe. Pataki graduated cum laude from Yale University and lives in New York with her husband and family.
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