Well Behaved Women

In the hedonistic 1920s Hollywood, a God-fearing farm girl from Kentucky, Maybelle Crabtree, has a chance encounter with a charismatic stranger, leading her to a life of decadence and glamour. However, both she and Alla Nazimova have secrets that threaten to bring their gilded lives crashing down.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 13 April 2023
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

A captivating portrayal of a resilient woman at the center of Golden Age Hollywood emerges through the pages of Gill Paul's bestselling novel, The Manhattan Girls. This enthralling narrative has captivated readers from the very first page, offering a profound exploration of the era's glamour, decadence, and the indomitable spirit of its inhabitants.

Maybelle Crabtree, a God-fearing farm girl from Kentucky, embarks on a transformative journey when she encounters a charismatic stranger who offers her an invitation to join the infamous Alla Nazimova and her Sewing Circle. As Maybelle's eyes are opened to a world of decadence and glamour, she embraces the freedom to explore her own sexuality, reveling in the hedonistic pleasures of the roaring twenties. However, beneath the surface of their gilded lives lie secrets that threaten to unravel their carefully constructed worlds.

As the story unfolds, hearts are broken, careers are destroyed, and friendships are shattered as the truth comes to light. The consequences of their actions reverberate through the halls of Hollywood, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of those involved. Well Behaved Women is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of love, even in the face of adversity.

Through its intricate portrayal of characters and their complex relationships, the novel offers a poignant reflection on the societal pressures and expectations of the time. It explores themes of gender inequality, sexual liberation, and the pursuit of personal fulfillment in a world that often sought to confine and control women.

Gill Paul's writing is masterful, evoking a sense of nostalgia and longing for a bygone era while also providing a critical lens through which to examine the societal norms of the time. The characters are vividly drawn, with their flaws and imperfections adding depth and authenticity to their experiences. From the glamorous allure of Hollywood to the harsh realities of domestic abuse and abortion, the novel offers a comprehensive exploration of the human condition.

This captivating story has resonated with readers worldwide, earning praise for its emotional depth, evocative prose, and its ability to transport readers back to a bygone era. It has been compared to the works of iconic authors such as The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo and City of Girls, capturing the essence of the glamour and complexity of the Golden Age Hollywood.

In conclusion, Well Behaved Women is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and those who are intrigued by the complexities of gender, sexuality, and societal pressures. Gill Paul's masterful storytelling and vivid portrayal of characters make this a truly exceptional novel that will leave a lasting impression on readers long after the last page is turned.

Weight: 266g
Dimension: 129 x 199 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780008527662