55 pages 1 hour read

Jacqueline Susann

Valley of the Dolls

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1966

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Valley of the Dolls by Jacqueline Susann follows the tumultuous lives of three young women, Anne, Jennifer, and Neely, who meet in New York City in 1945. As they pursue their careers and navigate relationships, they grapple with challenges posed by the male-dominated society and their increasing dependency on drugs, referred to as "dolls." The novel explores themes of ambition, love, and the harsh realities of show business. The story addresses sensitive topics including drug use and mental health struggles.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Jacqueline Susann's Valley of the Dolls captivates with its gritty portrayal of fame and addiction. Critics laud its bold narrative and compelling characters, while some criticize its melodramatic tone and sensationalism. Despite mixed reviews, it remains a seminal work for its daring exploration of taboo themes in the 1960s.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Valley of the Dolls?

A reader who enjoys Valley of the Dolls by Jacqueline Susann is likely intrigued by the glitzy and turbulent lives of women striving for fame and success. Fans of dramatic and glamorous narratives similar to those in Peyton Place by Grace Metalious and The Best of Everything by Rona Jaffe would also find this novel compelling.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Topics

Addiction / Substance Abuse

Genre

Drama / Tragedy

Modern Classic Fiction

Historical Fiction

Themes

Values/Ideas: Fame

Values/Ideas: Loyalty & Betrayal

Values/Ideas: Equality