The Girls at the Kingfisher Club

Genevieve Valentine

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Who Would Like This Book:

Step into the glittering world of 1920s New York with this imaginative retelling of The Twelve Dancing Princesses - no prior fairy tale knowledge required! The novel brings sisterhood to the forefront, centering on Jo, the fierce eldest sibling, as she leads her adventurous sisters on midnight escapades to speakeasies. Jazz Age atmosphere, forbidden dancing, and themes of female solidarity and freedom make this a must-read for fans of historical fiction, fairy tale retellings, or anyone who can't resist a story about women taking control of their own destinies. If you love flapper flair, found family, or stories about breaking free from control, add this to your list.

Who May Not Like This Book:

Some readers found it tough to keep all twelve sisters straight, noting that a few personalities blend together due to limited character development. The writing style, which features frequent parenthetical asides, can be a distraction for those who prefer cleaner, straightforward prose. If you crave action-packed plotlines, lots of magic, or deep exploration of every supporting character, this slice of historical fiction may feel slow or a bit sparse. Additionally, those uncomfortable with stories about emotionally distant or controlling parents may want to approach with caution.

A sparkling, moody Jazz Age fairy tale about sisterhood, freedom, and dancing out from under oppression - charming, quick, and bittersweet, even if not every sister gets her moment to shine.

About:

'The Girls at the Kingfisher Club' by Genevieve Valentine is a historical reimagining of the fairy tale of the Twelve Dancing Princesses set in New York during the Roaring 20s. The story follows Jo, known as 'The General,' the oldest of 12 sisters, who sneaks her siblings out to dance clubs to escape their controlling father. The book delves into themes of sisterhood, rebellion, and freedom as the sisters navigate their sheltered lives and strive for independence, all while embracing the jazz age culture of speakeasies and bootleggers.

The narrative of 'The Girls at the Kingfisher Club' is praised for its enchanting storytelling that captures the essence of a fairy tale in a realistic and historical setting. Genevieve Valentine's writing style is described as magical, with a flowing prose that paints a vivid picture of 1920s New York and the lives of the 12 sisters. The book explores complex family dynamics, female empowerment, and societal constraints, all woven together with a touch of romance and a strong focus on the bonds of sisterhood.

Characters:

The characters primarily revolve around Jo and her eleven sisters, each with varying degrees of personality depth, showcasing complex sibling dynamics and struggles.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by its lyrical quality and innovative use of parentheses, merging immersive historical imagery with emotional depth.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative follows the twelve sisters who secretly dance at night to escape their controlling father's grasp, intertwining classic fairy tale elements with a vibrant historical backdrop.

Setting:

The setting is a richly depicted New York City in the 1920s, blending the glitz of speakeasy culture with the constraints of familial control.

Pacing:

The pacing is brisk, capturing excitement in the early stages but sometimes sacrificing character depth and development for narrative momentum.

The men would have called them anything they wanted to be called, Dollface or Queenie or Beloved, just to get one girl on the dance floor for a song. But in that flurry of short dresses and spangles a...

Notes:

The Girls at the Kingfisher Club is a retelling of the Twelve Dancing Princesses fairytale.

The story is set in the 1920s during Prohibition in New York City.

The book follows twelve sisters who sneak out to dance at speakeasies, defying their controlling father.

Jo, the eldest sister, is nicknamed 'the General' for her protective nature over her siblings.

The girls' father is ashamed of having only daughters and keeps them locked away in their home.

Each sister has distinct personalities, though some readers found it hard to remember all of them.

The book explores themes of sisterhood, loyalty, and the pursuit of freedom.

The writing includes parenthesis, adding a unique style to the narration.

It's noted for its strong emotional connections among the sisters, particularly between Jo and her second oldest sister, Lou.

The story leaves some plot points open-ended, inviting readers to imagine the sisters' futures.

The book is described as both entertaining and quick to read, with a compelling setting.

Readers familiar with the original fairytale may appreciate the modern twists, while those unfamiliar can still enjoy the story.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Triggers include themes of abusive parental control and societal repression, which may be disturbing to some readers.

Has Romance?

There is a medium level of romance, woven delicately into the sisters' lives as they dance and interact with suitors.

From The Publisher:

"Dressed up in the thrill and sparkle of the Roaring Twenties, the classic fairy tale of 'The Twelve Dancing Princesses' has never been more engrossing or delightful. Valentine's fresh, original style and choice of setting make this a fairy tale reimagining not to be missed" (Library Journal, starred review).

Jo, the firstborn, "The General" to her eleven sisters, is the only thing the Hamilton girls have in place of a mother. She is the one who taught them how to dance, the one who gives the signal each night, as they slip out of the confines of their father's Manhattan townhouse and into the cabs that will take them to the speakeasy. Together they elude their distant and controlling father, until the day he decides to marry them all off.

The girls, meanwhile, continue to dance, from Salon Renaud to the Swan and, finally, the Kingfisher, the club they've come to call home. They dance until one night when they are caught in a raid, separated, and Jo is thrust face-to-face with someone from her past: a bootlegger named Tom whom she hasn't seen in almost ten years. Suddenly Jo must balance not only the needs of her father and eleven sisters, but her own as well.

With The Girls at the Kingfisher Club, award-winning writer Genevieve Valentine takes her superb storytelling gifts to new heights, joining the leagues of such Jazz Age depicters as Amor Towles and Paula McLain, and penning a dazzling tale about love, sisterhood, and freedom.

June 2014

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289 pages

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About the Author:

Genevieve Valentine is the author of Persona and of the critically acclaimed novel Mechanique: A Tale of the Circus Tresaulti, which won the Crawford Award for Best novel, as well as a nomination for the Nebula Award and the Romantic Times Best Fantasy of the Year. Her short fiction has been nominated for a World Fantasy Award and the Shirley Jackson Award. She lives in New York City. Visit her at GenevieveValentine.com.

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