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Synopsis (From Goodreads):
In 1949, dutiful and ambitious Charlotte's dream of a career in advertising is shattered when her father demands she help out with the family business. Meanwhile, Charlotte is swept into the glamorous world of the Miss Subways beauty contest, which promises irresistible opportunities with its Park Avenue luster and local fame status. But when her new friend—the intriguing and gorgeous fellow-participant Rose—does something unforgivable, Charlotte must make a heart-wrenching decision that will change the lives of those around her forever.
Nearly 70 years later, outspoken advertising executive Olivia is pitching the NYC subways account in a last ditch effort to save her job at an advertising agency. When the charismatic boss she’s secretly in love with pits her against her misogynistic nemesis, Olivia’s urgent search for the winning strategy leads her to the historic Miss Subways campaign. As the pitch date closes in on her, Olivia finds herself dealing with a broken heart, an unlikely new love interest, and an unexpected personal connection to Miss Subways that could save her job—and her future.
The Subway Girls is the charming story of two strong women, a generation apart, who find themselves up against the same eternal struggle to find an impossible balance between love, happiness, and ambition.
Review:
I love historical fiction. Books that immerse me in a different time are one of the pleasures of reading! The Subway Girls, by Susie Orman Schnall, brings Post WWII New York to life with colorful characters, and impressive details of fashion and how people lived.
What I Liked:
Setting: New York in 1948 was still a city getting over WWII. Most families were still struggling, and women had limited choices in life. The pressure to finish high school and then quickly marry and make babies was intense. Reading about the oppression Charlotte endured was, at times, infuriating!!! Although she was twenty-one years old, her father had complete control over her life. He could dictate whether or not she went to college, if she could get a job, and what activities she could do.
The story also takes place in the present, with Olivia, an advertising executive, trying to land a big account with the New York Subway system. I liked how the book showed the frantic pace of life in present-day New York. Everything is focused on work, and success. It's as if the pendulum has swung completely the other way from 1948!
Characters:
Charlotte is ambitious, rebellious, but also kind and thoughtful. When I envision her, I think of my own aunt who was a very independent woman (but in the 1950's). Although she is a very serious person, she still is very interested in how she presents herself, taking great care in her appearance. This is perfect, as she enters this beauty contest.
Olivia is the present-day main character. She is a thoroughly modern, no-nonsense kind of woman. Even though work is her main focus, she is often drawn into her parent's marital drama. I thought it was a bit of a cliche that she was in love with her boss. But I liked that she wasn't too love-struck to notice that she was being used.
Story:
The story of the Miss Subways contest was really fascinating. Yes, it was totally sexist when we look back on it, but this was a real-life beauty contest held in New York City in order to encourage people to ride the subway.
The modern story of Olivia trying to land the advertising account for the New York Subways was fun. There was a lot of tension. Would she get the account? Was someone trying to sabotage her efforts?
What I Was Mixed About:
Story:I also found some of the twists in the story to be rather unbelievable. I cannot say too much about this without giving away spoilers, but I think Charlotte was AMAZINGLY forgiving. What she does for a person she barely knows was kind of unbelievable.
However, I did find that the ending redeemed this by not being too tidy. Things don't resolve quickly for the characters. I liked Charlotte didn't throw in the towel and surrender (as I had expected her to).
What I Didn't Like:
Character:Given the times, I found Charlotte's ambition to work as an advertising executive somewhat unrealistic. I'm sure women had such dreams in those days of breaking down those glass ceilings. But Charlotte seemed surprised that she was getting so much resistance from advertising agencies. I think she should have expected this.
Rating:
Release Date: July 10th, 2018
Genre: Historical Fiction
Author: Susie Orman Schnall
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Page Length: 320 pages
Source: NetGalley
Format: E-Book
Recommendation: This would make a solid book club selection. A wonderful novel, filled with women with big hearts and even bigger dreams.
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