
Reach for this book when your teenager is grappling with the weight of social hierarchies, the sting of being an outsider, or the complex pressure to maintain a perfect public image. Set against the vibrant backdrop of the 1920s Jazz Age, the story follows young women navigating the glitzy but cutthroat world of New York City and the Hamptons. It explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the search for authentic identity when everyone around you is wearing a mask. This novel is ideal for mature teens who enjoy historical fiction mixed with high-stakes social drama. It provides a safe space to discuss the dangers of peer pressure and the emotional toll of jealousy. While the setting is historical, the feelings of wanting to belong and the struggle to stay true to oneself are timeless. It is a sophisticated choice for parents looking to open conversations about the reality of adult expectations and the fleeting nature of fame.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a reviewFrequent references to illegal alcohol and speakeasies typical of the 1920s setting.
Characters often make deceptive choices to protect their social standing.
The book handles issues of classism, alcohol use (Prohibition era), and social manipulation with a secular, realistic approach. The resolution is bittersweet and ambiguous, reflecting the fragility of the era just before the Great Depression.
A 15-year-old girl who feels like she has to perform for her social circle or who is fascinated by the tension between public reputation and private truth.
Parents should be aware of the historical context of Prohibition (underage drinking is depicted as part of the social scene) and the intense focus on romantic maneuvering. Reading the first few chapters helps set the stage for the book's moral complexity. A parent might notice their teen becoming overly concerned with social media validation or feeling devastated by a betrayal within a close-knit friend group.
Younger teens (14) will likely focus on the romance and the lush descriptions of the parties. Older teens (17-18) will better grasp the tragic irony of the characters' desperation and the looming economic crash.
Unlike many YA historicals that focus on the 'fun' of the 20s, Godbersen infuses the narrative with a sense of impending doom and a sharp, psychological look at how women are pitted against each other.
Set in 1929, the novel follows Cordelia Abbott, Letty Larkspur, and Astrid Donal through a summer of glamour and scandal in New York and the Hamptons. As they navigate the heights of the Jazz Age, their friendships are tested by romantic rivalries and the desperate need for social survival.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.