Critics' Opinion:
Readers' rating:
Published Feb 2013
320 pages
Genre: Literary Fiction
Publication Information
When it comes to movie reviews, critic Violet Epps is a powerhouse voice. But that's only because she's learned to channel her literary hero, Dorothy Parker, the most celebrated and scathing wit of the 20th century.
If only Violet could summon that kind of courage in her personal life.
Determined to defeat her social anxiety, Violet visits the Algonquin Hotel to pull strength from the hallowed dining room, where Dorothy Parker and so many other famous writers of the 1920s traded barbs. But she gets more than she bargained for when Dorothy Parker's feisty spirit rematerializes from an ancient guestbook and hitches a ride onto her life.
Violet is shocked and thrilled to be face-to-face with her idol, but when the gin-swilling writer takes up residence in her home and grows pricklier and more outspoken by the day, the timid movie critic is pushed to her limit. With her job threatened, her new relationship in tatters, and the custody fight for her orphaned niece in jeopardy, Violet is forced to face her fears...and she makes sure Mrs. Parker does the same.
Wickedly funny and surprisingly poignant, Farewell, Dorothy Parker perfectly re-imagines one of America's most iconic voices in a captivating and unforgettable tale.
"There are no shocking twists, but pathos, nuanced characters, plenty of rapid-fire one-liners, and a heart-rending denouement." - Publishers Weekly
"As self-empowerment romantic comedies go, this perfectly pleasant one hits all the predictable marks." - Kirkus
"With a breezy and engaging writing style complete with Parkeresque banter... [Farewell, Dorothy Parker will be enjoyed by readers." - Library Journal
"Farewell, Dorothy Parker is a delightful haunting. How wonderful to have the renowned wit - America's wisegirl - as resident ghost and adviser... Ellen Meister's new novel is smart and fun." - Susan Isaacs, New York Times bestselling author of As Husbands Go
"Gone four decades and still missed, Dorothy Parker now has a starring role in Ellen Meister's delicious new novel. No doubt Mrs. Parker, wherever she is, must be smiling." - Marion Meade, author of Dorothy Parker: What Fresh Hell Is This?
"In Farewell, Dorothy Parker, Ellen Meister provides refreshing insight into Mrs. Parker as a wit, civil rights advocate, and writer. Both of this bitchin' novel's main characters - Violet and Dorothy - can visit me any time." - Mark Ebner, New York Times bestselling author of Hollywood, Interrupted
This information about Farewell, Dorothy Parker 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.
Ellen Meister is the author of three previous novels: The Other Life, The Smart One, and Secret Confessions of the Applewood PTA. She has held editorial positions at SmokeLong Quarterly and DimeStories. Meister teaches creative writing at Hofstra University School of Continuing Education and runs an online group where she mentors aspiring women authors.
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