One Fifth Avenue
A little cynical and very entertaining - What I like about Candace Bushnell s writing is the way she goes into her character s heads and describes all the nasty little thoughts they have all the time. Often, many protagonists are quite pathetic, like in Trading Up, and here with Lola. One Fifth drags you into the glamourous NY, but through the back door. Bushnell gives you the impression that you get to know a part of the NY society, but without the make up. The only thing that makes me keep away 1 star is that the story is a bit slow in the middle.
Best avoid One Fifth Avenue... - I bought this book for some light reading and it for that it served its purpose just fine.I must admit I haven t read anything else by Candace Bushnell so I cannot be sure if this is the style she adopts in all of her books, however, I found the writing to be impersonal, cold and it didn t move me at all. I also disliked all the characters, Lola especially got on my nerves with her sole ambition being to climb New York high society and make a name for herself. Furthermore, many scenes describing a more intimate nature were written in such a forced clinical manner, that I found myself cringing at various points. I suggest you buy this if you just want an inconsequential read, somthing to read for the sake of reading, but don t expect too much. I recommend any book by Marian Keyes a million times more, they are funnier and superbly written!
WELL READ TALE OF THE RICH AND FATUOUS - Gather round all you Sex and the City and Lipstick Jungle fans and don t miss a word of Candace Bushnell s latest take on the merry/wary-go-round that is her New York City. Bushnell is one author with her finger on the pulse, ear to the ground, and a stiletto heeled step ahead of the pack when it comes to fictional residents of this city of 8 million. Yes, they are fictional folks but Bushnell s painterly pen brings them to crying, laughing, plotting life. How many of us considered Carrie a dear friend? This time out we go through the exclusive doors of an upscale Art Deco apartment building to meet Schiffer Diamond, Lola Fabrikant, Mindy Gooch, Annalisa Rice and Enid Merle. A keen observer Bushnell details each one s foibles, frailties, and fantasies with insight and humor. Her metier is often satire, and it is put to good use with this group. Most wouldn t want to have them as neighbors but One Fifth Avenue is a great place to visit, and you won t want to miss a detail. Poor insecure Mindy frets because she lives in the building s smallest apartment (after all, this is where address and floor space = social acceptance), and Enid is an over-the-hill gossip columnist. Schiffer is an actress, and Annalisa with pots of new money is eager to buy her way into high society. Money talks - hers screams. Lola is young, lovely, used to getting her own way, and isn t about to be ignored. Award winning actress Donna Murphy delivers a can t stop-listening-to narration of this tale of the rich and fatuous. A highly acclaimed musical actress Murphy s reading is enhanced not only by her acting prowess but also by her naturally melodious voice. - Gail Cooke
Surprisingly enjoyable - I bought this book on a whim, needing a pick me up on a cold and dreary weekend. I wasn t sure if Bushnell could deliver the goods, but this novel was genuinely enjoyable. She s created an interesting little story and filled it with a mix of likable and not so likable characters. While her insight into New York society seems slightly dated, in spite of the many new media references, her passion for the city shines through as she manages to capture both its glorious history and the never-ending struggle for success.This book won t put any demands on you as a reader, but it will help to while away a few hours.