I first read this book in the 1970's when it was passed round at school. I still have my original copy from that period, but it is falling apart now - hence I bought a new copy.
After all these years, I still love this book, and I think it still holds up as a good read. Anne, Jenifer and Neely are three young women who become friends in 1945, in post-war New York. The book chronicles their trials and tribulations over a period of about 15 years. One becomes a big star and a horrendous diva, one becomes a model and makes a lot of money, and one a lesser star who at one stage makes "art films" in Paris. Husbands and lovers come and go, and all three women end up dependant on prescription drugs / sleeping tablets - the "dolls" of the title.
The characters are well written and the story cracks along at a fair old pace. There's a certain feminist slant to it (although I doubt that was the intention when it was written) in that the heroines live their lives on their terms; even when their men betray them and let them down. But the main thing about this book is that it is a good story; you find yourself rooting for Anne, Neely and Jennifer even if at some points the story you don't especially like them (Neely in particular!).
In its day it was considered quite shocking. It dealt with sex and drug use in a way that was seen as explicit. It certainly did not show up Hollywood and show business in a good light. It's quite fun to try to guess upon whom the characters were based, but I suspect they were not based on anyone, but were compilations, if you like, of various celebrities of the 50's and 60's.
I'm pleased that Virago have decided to release it again as a "modern classic". It's very readable and I do recommend it if you haven't come across it before. It remains one of my all time favourite good reads!
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