The Show Girl
Wow! Nicola Harrison has written a beautiful, rich, and immersive novel that details the life of a young woman during the late 1920s. This is a story about mistakes, redemption, and hope
It's 1927 when Olive McCormick moves from Minneapolis to New York City determined to become a star in the Ziegfeld Follies. Extremely talented as a singer and dancer, it takes every bit of perseverance to finally make it on stage. And once she does, all the glamour and excitement is everything she imagined and more--even worth all the sacrifices she has had to make along the way.
Then she meets Archie Carmichael. Handsome, wealthy--the only man she's ever met who seems to accept her modern ways--her independent nature and passion for success. But once she accepts his proposal of marriage he starts to change his tune, and Olive must decide if she is willing to reveal a devastating secret and sacrifice the life she loves for the man she loves.
What appealed to you the most in this book?
Oh how I loved the atmosphere Harrison created! From Broadway, to the fashion and ornate costumes, to the country setting in the Adirondacks, I found myself completely transported and living right there with Olive in the Roaring 20s with a martini in hand. Harrison has a magical gift with her pen and truly painted the perfect picture.
I also enjoyed how this is not only a historical fiction book. There was also family drama (that definitely got my hackles up…wanting to jump in the book and defend Olive), romance, and bonds of friendship.
Is this a character or plot driven story?
This is a character driven story. We follow Olive’s growth as a character, her life as a Ziegfield Follies Girl, and all the fun and drama she gets up to in this coming of age story.
What about the romance?
Oh what an absolute slippery trek through the evolving relationship of Olive and Archie. I can’t tell you much without giving something away, but it is a realistic journey in how the relationship starts and then reveals itself to be something you didn’t think it was. Where other novels lose a reader by zipping through relationship dynamics, Harrison did this relationship and its complexities right.
Closed door romance.
Did the author do their research?
Harrison really did her research! She conveys a sense of the clubs, of the lives of the women who flocked to Broadway hoping to make it big as entertainers, and “camping” with the wealthy in upstate New York.
How was the pacing of this book?
Steady and had me turning the pages wanting to know what would happen next. Olive has several adventures throughout the story and her exploits keep the pace of the story moving.
Do you recommend this book?
If you are a fan of historical fiction and love a harrowing story full of courageous exploits by a female lead as she tests the limits imposed on young women by society, family and religion then you really need to grab this book!
