Title: Hollywood Wives
Author: Jackie Collins
First published July 1, 1983
490 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780743403832 (ISBN10: 0743403835)
Rating: 3.79
Overview
They are the aficionados of artisanal coffee, devourers of The New York Times, and avid fans of Ira Glass on This American Life (preferably all at once). They swoon over Apple gadgets, underground music, farmer’s markets, and vintage tees.
They pride themselves on their individuality, yet curiously all sound the same, raving about the “subversive” humor of Sarah Silverman or the “quirky” films of Wes Anderson. They’re all about inclusivity, and have a knack for discovering the best craft beers, brunch spots, foreign flicks, and authentic ramen.
They’re all about the organic, the ironic, and shun the idea of owning a TV. You know who we’re talking about: white people.
But fear not, this book investigates and explains the essence of this cultural phenomena and offers advice for navigating social interactions with this demographic. So sit back on your IKEA couch and immerse yourself in the ultimate handbook to understanding the unbearable whiteness of being.
About the Author
Jackie Collins was a unique author who delved into the fast-paced life of Hollywood in a way that no one else could. Her books take you on a journey from the luxurious bedrooms of Beverly Hills to the gritty streets of Hollywood.
She exposes the truth about the glamorous lives of rock stars, the excitement of limousine rides, and the power struggles that take place in mansions of the elite.
Jackie Collins’s talent for writing has earned her the title of a “raunchy moralist” by the late director Louis Malle and “Hollywood’s own Marcel Proust” by Vanity Fair magazine. Her books have sold over 500 million copies in more than forty countries, with an impressive 30 New York Times bestsellers to her name.
She is renowned for providing her readers with an insider’s knowledge of Hollywood that is unmatched. Her characters are often based on real people, but with a toned-down version of the truth.
Jackie Collins passed away on September 19, 2015, after a battle with breast cancer.
To learn more about Jackie Collins, visit her website, Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest pages.
Editoral Review
Hollywood Wives, the 1983 masterpiece by the legendary Jackie Collins, is a tantalizing exploration of the secret lives of glamorous movie stars and their wives. This classic novel provides an unprecedented insight into the ruthless world of Hollywood as Collins masterfully intertwines celebrity gossip with themes of ambition, power, lust, and deceit.
The novel follows the lives of several Hollywood wives, including the glamorous and ruthless Lissa Roman and the innocent and beautiful Karen Lancaster, as they navigate their way through the constant drama of Tinseltown. Set in the 1980s, the novel provides an authentic snapshot of the eras excesses and excesses of the rich and famous, capturing the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry.
Along the way, the book delves into the darker side of Hollywood culture, exposing hypocrisy and corruption. The book’s strength is mainly in its characterization, with each character being well-conceived and appropriately crafted to suit the narrative.
Lissas cunning and manipulative nature add particular excitement to the book, and Karens journey from naive innocence to Hollywood stardom is captivating. The writing is also emotive in a way that keeps the reader hooked from the beginning to the end.
However, there are a few flaws in the novel. The books pacing is unsteady in some parts, with the action slowing down at points where higher tension would be right.
Additionally, some of the novel’s darker themes, including substance abuse and self-harm, felt glossed over and underdeveloped. Nonetheless, these issues are minor compared to the overall quality of the writing and it doesnt majorly impact the overall reading experience.
Hollywood Wives is an iconic novel that defined an era of pop culture, and Jackie Collins’ writing has a continued influence on modern-day Hollywood. It is an excellent read for anyone who enjoys Hollywood gossip, a decadent study of the famous and fabulous life or the power dynamics of the entertainment industry.
The book’s historical significance remains an accurate reflection of fame and scandals in Hollywood over time, continually captivating readers. It is not only entertaining but also thought-provoking and informative.
In conclusion, Hollywood Wives is a masterpiece of its time that stands the test of time. It well deserves its iconic status, and its a must-read for anyone looking to have a glimpse of the backstabbing world of Hollywood.
It gets a solid 8 out of 10-rating from us at the Washington Post. The novel captures the imagination and provides an authentic insight into the high life and the struggle and the tragic side of achieving a fantasy.