Bright Young Things
Anna Godbersen, Harper, $17.99 (400p) ISBN 978-0-06-196266-0
Godbersen (the Luxe series) proves that some things—namely the allure of cities, fame, and a good time—never change, melding drama and a lush historical setting in this series launch, set in 1929. Cordelia and Letty were meant for more than Union, Ohio, will ever offer, so they run away to Manhattan—just hours after Cordelia's wedding. Cordelia hopes to reunite with her famous and wealthy father, bootlegger Darius Grey, and Letty dreams of stardom. Shortly after arriving, the two best friends have a falling out; Letty becomes a cigarette girl at a famed Manhattan speakeasy, while Cordelia finds her way to her father's mansion, where she meets society girl Astrid, who is dating Cordelia's half-brother, Charlie. Handsome men and romantic intrigue abound as these flappers party their way through society, even as inevitable falls loom ahead. Godbersen excels at dialogue—especially Cordelia, Letty, and Astrid's coyly flirtatious responses to suitors—and in capturing the mixture of exhilaration, innocence, and guts that propels them into their new lives. Ages 14–up. (Oct.)
Details
Reviewed on: 11/08/2010
Release date: 10/01/2010
Genre: Children's
Hardcover - 389 pages - 9780061962660
Prebound-Glued - 389 pages - 9780606230599
Paperback - 389 pages - 9780061962677
Other - 416 pages - 9780062023919
Paperback - 400 pages - 9780062015297
Audio book sample courtesy of HarperAudio