The Show Girl

Again, Harrison has written a beautiful, rich novel that details tge life of a young woman during the 1920’s. Her earlier novel, MONTAUK, was a favorite of mine. The protagonist is Olive who comes to NYC for a career in the theater after dealing with tumultuous experiences earlier. She represents the suppression of women and the totality of a woman’s dependence on husbands and fathers.

Olive is successful and rises to fame as a ZIEGFELD GIRL. Despite her success, she faces censure from her family and much of society. As we read about Olive, we also view the lives of the very wealthy and visit the famous camps of the Adirondack Mountains. The author has done a truly remarkable job of research, combined with her writing skills, which brings us to these “camps.”

Sometimes mistakes can be fixed, so this is a story of hope. I found this book interesting and highly readable. I think book groups will enjoy it.

Thank you Netgalley for another wonderful book by Nicola Harrison.

I adored Harrison's novel Montauk so when I was offered this ARC, I jumped at the chance. And it was lovely! Olive is a young performer who moves with her family to New York and joins the Ziegfeld Follies. She's dynamic and fans love her. When she meets suave and handsome Archie, she believes she has found the man of her dreams. But she's hiding a secret from her past that prevents them marrying and having children. There are lots of surprises and the book is deftly written, revealing the inequities and hardships for young women in the 1920's. But the best part is that redemption is possible and some mistakes can be rectified. This is a sure-fire winner in my eyes!

I didn’t want this book to end; I loved it! I loved Olive’s dedication and perseverance to reach her dream of stardom. The story was so moving, it was beautifully written. I look forward to more books my Nicola!

Show Girl is one of the best books I’ve read this year. I loved going along with Olive in her journey to bring a Ziegfeld girl and beyond. Couldn’t put it down!

The Show Girl was the first book I have read by Nicola Harrison and I loved it! I loved seeing life through the eyes of a Ziegfeld girl and all the glitz and glamour that was associated with being one of Ziegfeld's chosen. Olive was such a strong and independent female character. I didn't always agree with her choices and behaviors, but I enjoyed watching her navigate through the life she had chosen for herself. Archie was such a kind soul and I appreciated how he accepted Olive for who she was. Not only is this is a beautiful romance, but also a story about never giving up on you dreams and passions.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read this book for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for generously granting me an ARC of this book for a fair and honest review:

I loved it. Loved, loved, loved. I have a bright spot in my heart for stories of showgirls back in the Hollywood golden era, and Harrison has put so much effort into delving into the life of a striving showgirl. We get to tag along in her realistic and fulfilling rise, and Harrison makes sure that we are fully present in that world, in that time, belonging alongside the characters. What a smart and slippery trek through the evolving relationship, and without giving away too much, this is one smart journey, so realistic in how the marriage starts its reveal as not all you think it is. Where other novels lose a reader by zipping through relationship dynamics, The Show Girl shows 'em how to do it right. I loved living in this book. This is a beach read, for sure.