Set in the 1920s, Maureen O'Sullivan, Vivian Leigh, and Sonia Orwell all attend the same strict convent school. The girls dream of a normal kife and the possibilities that could open up for them when they have graduated. Maureen becomes a movie star, Sonia becomes a writer and marries George Orwell, and becomes an actress playing iconic roles.

The story is written around a time period where sexism was widespread for women. The story is based on Vivian Leigh, Maureen O'Sullivan and Sonia Orwell. They met when they were at a strict convent school. This is a captivating look at their struggles to achieve fame. It wasn't always easy to keep their name in the spotlight.

The story is told from Vivian, Maureen and Sonia's perspectives. I reading the parts about Sonia Orwell as I didn't know much about her.

Published 1st January 2025

I would like to thank #NetGalley #HarperCollinsUK #OneMoreChapter and the author #CarolineLanond for my ARC of TheSocialities inn exchange for an honest review.

What a wonderful adventure this was! I still am in awe of the fact that these characters are based off of actual people and how serendipitous it felt that the three girls went to school together.

The phrasing and writing is this book was second to none ('unblemished as a conscience after a confession') and the writing style was so moreish and addictive to read. I loved how much effort and care was put into setting the scene of the boarding school and capturing the essence of these characters most significant time together (as they spent most of their later adulthood apart with only a couple of reunions here and there). In particular, I really loved the scene where it felt like the girls discovered boys for the first time at boarding school. It felt so childlike and innocent but equally so funny from an adult's perspective but that attention to detail specifically added so much realism and texture to the boarding school experience that was being painted. Another moment that felt super nostalgic and accurate to being a kid was when the boy looks at Viv and everyone starts teasing her and saying 'he truly loves you. You will kiss him and have babies together'. This simple view of life and funny hyperbole felt like the perfect snapshot of growing up.

Lamond's ability to write context into the world building was so enjoyable to read and done so effortlessly. For instance, I thought it was so interesting how she showed the racial climate of the time by mentioning the Jim Crow laws on segregation in the context of the film awards. This unique application was such a good way of showing a sign of the times and racial discrimination that occurred whilst still feeling incredibly relevant to the characters and their lives.

Viv and Maureen's upbringing was so interesting to read and felt like they came from such different backgrounds but somehow still encountered shades of similar turmoil and struggle later on in life. Watching Maureen mature and outgrow Ireland into the limelight was really fun to read it felt like such a gradual coming of age that was marked by this whirlwind adventure of her discovering her new life in America. Her relationship with John was fascinating and also so entertaining. to read because it was written so well. The deterioration of their relationship was written wonderfully and I felt so much heart break and tragedy for how poorly Maureen was treated by John. Despite this, Maureen's ability to survive and her toughness despite all the suffering sent her way was so inspiring to read.

I also really enjoyed reading Viv's character, she is undeniably charming and confident and such a strong force of nature that her perspective was so much fun to dive into.

My main criticism was Sonia's character, I didn't feel as attached to her narrative as I did to Viv and Maureen's. I suspect that my disconnect from her character may have been because we hear of Viv in Maureen's POV and vice versa but Sonia felt quite separate from them both. Also, in the pacing, I found the time jump from part two to three a bit confusing and abrupt. The pacing overall though did feel a little slow. I also found the parallels between Maureen and Viv's lives with them both being actresses and all the infidelity woven into everyone's timeline a little confusing and I sometimes felt I got them muddled up. The birth of Michael also felt remarkable short and almost rushed in the plot. I also think the third person's perspective restricted how well I felt I got to know the characters. It would've been nice to get under their skin a little more as they all did live pretty interesting and fast paced lives. The letter writing was a really nice touch to push the narrative in a refreshing format, so I enjoyed that.

Reminiscent of 'Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo' and was equal parts glamorous and devastating. This book covered wide variety of themes ranging from love, fame and motherhood to sisterhood and tragedy. There was also such a multidimensional portrait of loss that really captured every element from losing loved ones to the loss of dreams and expectations.

This is interesting historical fiction based on the lives of three real women- Vivian Leigh Maureen Sullivan and Sonia Orwell-who meet as teens at school. It follows their journeys both personal and professional through the tumult of the years. Because it's telling three stories none of them are as in depth as you might like but it's a good conceit under the circumstances. This sent me off to look for more info not only on the women but also on those in their orbits. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A good read.

A fascinating true story about the lives of 3 friends in a Catholic boarding school . 2 became famous actresses in Hollywood and the London stage, the 3rd mixed in famous literary and art circles in London. Thoroughly enjoyable reading of their lives and fame, making connections I didn't know existed.

A historical fiction novel following along Maureen O'Sullivan, Vivien Leigh, and Sonia Orwell' lives after all three women attended the same strict convent school in London in the 1920s.

Such an interesting, entertaining read, and I really had so much fun with it. I found all three stories to be very fascinating, and the writing made it so easy to read; whenever I picked it up, I really couldn't put it down. It felt a little disjointed and confusing at times, but it was always easy enough to slip back into the story and fully enjoy it. I do think there was so much to tell that it makes the pacing feel a little weird at times, as if we're rushing through certain things just so we can get to others. Overall, I really loved diving into these three women's stories and watching how each of them carved their paths in ways that were so similar, yet so incredibly different; and as someone who is very interested in both literature and cinema/theater, it was a really interesting insight on those world as well, especially with Maureen and Vivien, whose stories I found myself gravitating towards more.

Many thanks to HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter & NetGalley for the eARC. All opinions are my own.

The Socialites by Caroline Lamond follows the lives of three young women spanning decades. We begin the story in London - it’s the 1920’s and the girls sent away from their families to attend a strict convent school, which they all despise for comparable reasons.
Six years later, they are thrust into the world of young adulthood, and all start to really reject the idea that they are destined to become good wives and placid mothers. They are not fulfilled with the narrative they have been force fed or the entirety of their lives being splayed out to them before they have truly begun. Thus, we are propelled into the story of each young woman searching for meaning, desperate to be the designers of their own life.

This was a compelling read, it was truly like travelling back to this era of Hollywood glamour and literary stardom, dreams of making it big and changing the world, when sexism was so prevalent and the hardships of being a woman were harshly felt. Lamond writes these woman into such vivid moments, you forget they are being fictionalised. The believability was impeccable. Told in multiple POV’s, the reader is able to become immersed in each woman’s story. Seeing these lives unfold was moving, albeit heartbreaking at times.

I will say, although the book was fabulous, and made me extremely interested in reading about the real lives of these trailblazing woman, I didn’t feel an incredible pull to pick it up, which is why I have given it four stars instead of five. A wonderful story, even if you aren’t usually into historical fiction, you will be captivated and delighted by this novel.

Thank you HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, and NetGalley for my ARC. Pub date is set for 01/01/25.

In 1920s London, three girls from a strict convent school grow up to change the world. Maureen O’Sullivan becomes Tarzan’s Jane, Vivien Leigh shines as Scarlett O’Hara, and Sonia Orwell protects George Orwell’s famous books.

The Socialites tells their amazing stories—full of glamour, success, and struggles. The book shows what it was like to chase big dreams in Hollywood and literary circles.
I found it to be exciting, emotional, and hard to put down!

The Socialites by Caroline Lamond

In 1920s London three young girls attend a strict boarding school run by a convent of nuns. Despite this, all three girls go on to become famous and wildly successful - Vivian Leigh and Maureen O'Sullivan as hollywood and stage actors, and Sonia Orwell, successful editor, writer and extremely well-connected in London and Paris literary and artist circles. Their lives are equal parts thrilling and devastating as they negotiate careers, marriage, children and families.

Wow, what a book! I absolutely loved the three women's stories - so much so that I could have read a book about each of them. The author did a fantastic job of weaving historical detail into a plot that kept me turning the pages way past bedtime. Please can we have a Netflix series of this book??! Imagine the fashions, the parties, the settings.... Very VERY highly recommended.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book.

Loved this book! In the 1920s, three young girls enter a strict, cheerless convent school in a quiet London suburb.
Six years later they leave, to change the world …
Absolutely fantastic, unputdownable…

Three young girls all met in the oppressive atmosphere of a strict catholic school in 1920's London All were fated to live lives that they could not have imagined, with extraordinary highs and lows. Fame, riches, love affairs, divorces, poor mental health. They all took their toll on the lives of Vivien Leigh, Maureen O'Sullivan and Sonia Orwell. Their lives were lived very publicly and even today nearly 100 years later their names are still well known. Caroline Lamond balances the telling of their stories well, although I'm not quite sure Sonia Orwell fits very well with the other two except for being at school with them. The author has obviously researched her subjects very thoroughly and I enjoyed learning about their lives. They come across as very real human beings as well as massive stars of their time. I happily give The Socialites 5* and will watch out for other books by this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own

Caroline Lamond's "The Socialites" invites readers into the world of three extraordinary women—Maureen, Sonia, and Vivian—who break free from the constraints of a 1920s London convent school to become trailblazers of their era. This riveting narrative intertwines glamour, aspiration, and the complexities of fame as each woman forges her own path.

The story begins within the austere walls of the convent where these girls, brimming with dreams and potential, chafe against the rigid norms imposed upon them. As they graduate and step out into the world, new possibilities open up in ways they could never have anticipated.

Maureen becomes a groundbreaking movie star, pushing the boundaries of cinema censorship as she takes on the role of Tarzan's Jane. Sonia, an ambitious writer, marries George Orwell and plays a pivotal role in preserving his literary heritage. Vivian dazzles as an actress known for her iconic roles, from Cleopatra to Scarlett O'Hara.

The themes explored in "The Socialites" encompass female empowerment, the relentless pursuit of dreams, and the influence of societal expectations on personal identity. Lamond expertly crafts a vivid emotional landscape that mirrors the highs and lows experienced by her characters, capturing both the allure of Hollywood glamour and the sobering reality of personal sacrifice. The atmosphere shifts from the oppressive halls of the convent to the bustling streets of Paris and thriving theaters of New York, echoing the personal growth and evolving ambitions of these remarkable women.

Lamond's writing is engaging and richly detailed, painting evocative scenes that immerse readers in the story. Her characters are well-developed and relatable, their struggles resonating deeply as they attempt to balance ambition with personal relationships. While the book celebrates their triumphs, it also candidly portrays their failures and vulnerabilities, offering a nuanced portrayal of their lives.

While Lamond's portrayal sometimes leans towards romanticizing the era and its figures, potentially downplaying harsher truths, this approach serves to highlight the resilience and determination required to succeed amidst the tumultuous times.

"The Socialites" is an ideal read for anyone drawn to stories about strong women leaving their mark on history while navigating a world of personal trials and triumphs.

The lives of 3 outstanding women intertwine from meeting a a boarding school ran by nuns. The brutal regime leaves marks on all three. Raised for marriage and motherhood, they defy expectations.
Vivien Leigh needs no introduction but her turbulent and chaotic life away from the public, her battles with her mental health.
Maureen O'Sullivan and her illustrious career. Them Sonia Orwell, the protector of Geirged Orwell's legacy and the reason why we still know his work today.
A moving and at times heartbreaking stiry

Fantastic! I loved it. Reading about the three infamous characters, Maureen O’Sullivan, Vivienne Leigh and Sonia Orwell lives and loves based on factual evidence was eye opening. I kept getting distracted and was continually Googling to learn more, not just about their relationships but events and places. Sad, happy and frustrating at times this novel pulls on all emotions.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, HarperCollins One More Chapter, for this ARC

3.5 stars, rounded up to 4
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of Caroline Lamond’s The Socialites. The historical fiction novel follows three real life women (Maureen, Vivien, and Sonia) through the 20s in a strict, religious boarding school all the way through through the 60s, detailing their successful lives and careers as actresses, socialites and more. This book was pretty good, but outside of these women attending school together, I didn’t get a sense that they really all belonged in the same book - this single novel could have become almost a trilogy, with one book about each woman. I also felt like there were parts of the book that were very slow, while there were some parts that I wanted more detail and information on. The book was well written and easy to read though. Ultimately, if you’re into character driven, golden age of Hollywood type historical fiction, pick this one up!

This story follows three young women as they attend a Catholic school in Roehampton before graduating (or in one case, being expelled) and going on to forge their own destinies. These women were Maureen O'Sullivan, whose role in Tarzan strongly influenced the passing of the Hayes Code, Vivian Leigh (née Hartley), who became one of the most iconic actresses of her generation, and Sonia Brownell, who became George Orwell’s wife and the guardian of his literary legacy.

This historical fiction novel felt well researched and immersed us into the lives of these extraordinary women. I enjoyed learning more about their careers and personal lives and would have happily read a separate tome for each women!

A recommended read for fans of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo and the Golden Age of Cinema.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was an interesting read that managed to keep my attention. The pacing moved a good speed, however could have been a slightly less slow.

The characters and the world they lived in were interesting to read about. It’s always fun to look into the lives of characters in a Hollywood setting!

I would be interested in reading more from this author.

Maureen O'Sullivan - Tarzan's Jane - changed the way cinema censorship was handled.
Vivian Hartley - aka Vivian Leigh...played one of the most iconic characters in cinema history, Scarlett O'Hara, and a love with one of the greatest actors of all time.
Sonia Orwell, a young writer, had one of the greatest influences in modern literature.

The three women were all connected by one thing - a strict, joyless convent school outside of London.

The Socialites is the historical reimagining of the lives of 3 real lift women who had impacts on modern entertainment. Caroline Lamond has taken the lives added more details and brought together their lives to share in the glamour, scandal, and success.
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I understand what Lamond was doing, but I did find that the connection between the women was the thinnest of threads. Marueen and Vivan—Sonia, less so. Because of the timeline progression, I did feel that there was missing information. I wanted to know more about each woman and their backstories.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Maureen, Vivien, and Sonia attended the same convent boarding school in the 1920’s. The nuns were as cold as the ice water baths the girls took each evening at school, and the rules were strict. The world they graduated into wasn’t much warmer. It was a time when they were expected to find an appropriate husband, marry him, have children, and be a good wife and mother.

These women wanted more out of life and took unconventional steps to reach their goals. Maureen defied the expectation of wearing only the most modest clothing in her role as Jane in the movie Tarzan, earning her a spot in Hollywood history. Vivien left an unhappy marriage, followed her acting passion, and received multiple awards for her portrayal of Scarlet in Gone With the Wind. Sonia prioritized her career over finding a husband, imbuing herself with the artistic and literary scene, and became a trusted confidant (and platonic spouse) of George Orwell. After his death, Sonia made his books timeless and essential.

Maureen, Vivien, and Sonia all broke the mold and defied expectations to follow their dreams.

We live in a world replete with spoken and unspoken shoulds and musts. For some people, following society's ideals and standards works fine and brings them happiness. For others, following the acceptable and safe path means never pursuing their desired life.

Here are tips for breaking the mold and defying expectations to live as your true self.

Allow Yourself to Dream: Ask yourself: What are my aspirations? Where do I want to live or visit? What adventures do I want to try? What would I do if I didn’t care about other’s opinions?

Practice Bravery: Doing things differently can be scary. Try acting outside your comfort zone, first with small challenges and then in high-stakes situations.

Be Your Own Friend: Give yourself positive messages, reminding yourself to learn from mistakes, know your strengths and worth, use your voice, and love yourself unconditionally.

Plan, Prepare, and Execute: Research your dreams, strategize ways to make them a reality, and take consistent steps (even small ones at first) to bring you closer to your goals.

When I started reading this I had no idea that it was based on the lives of three famous women, this however becomes evident as you discover the rise to fame and the rocky path to get there for all of them.

Starting in a cold and loveless boarding school in England the three girls plan different futures and the book sees how Maureen, Vivian and Sonia make their way in a glamorous world and the price they all pay for this.

Well written and told from the point of view of of the characters this is an engaging story and gives the reader a glimpse of the heady world of theatre, film and society in the time of the star studded movie era. There are so many famous faces making an appearance, as well as the main characters there are plenty of chances to star spot as descriptions of fabulous parties and love affairs are revealed.

As a reader I found myself drawn to the character of Sonia, although she is by far the quietest of the three she has a huge impact on the lives of so many and a fierce influence, I enjoyed getting to know about her life.

Definitely would recommend this. Good and engaging writing style and enjoyable read.

Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

I wanted to love this novel, but it unfortunately fell flat for me. I just wasn't interested in the stories and they didn't really resonate with me in any way. I am grateful for the opportunity to provide my feedback and want to thank the publisher, Caroline Lamond and Net Galley for the ARC.