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Books matching: 1940s new york city setting

3 result(s)

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  1. #1

    The Saturdays - The Melendy Family by Elizabeth Enright
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    A timeless, heartwarming family story - equal parts humor, adventure, and nostalgia. Still a delight for new generations, especially for those who appreciate vintage classics and sibling-centered stories.

    The Melendy Family in "The Saturdays" by Elizabeth Enright is a heartwarming tale about four siblings who live in New York City with their father and housekeeper. The children, Mona, Rush, Randy, and Oliver, decide to pool their allowances each Saturday to go on solo adventures, learning valuable life lessons along the way. Set in the 1940s, the book captures the innocence and charm of childhood adventures in the city, where unexpected friendships are made and serendipitous experiences unfold.

    The narrative style of "The Saturdays" is engaging and relatable, drawing readers into the world of the Melendy children as they navigate the challenges and joys of growing up in Manhattan. Through delightful details and vivid descriptions, Elizabeth Enright creates a story that resonates with both children and adults, highlighting the importance of family, independence, and the magic of everyday adventures.

    “Don’t get run over,” he said. “That’s the first and most important rule. Look where you’re going, and watch the lights when you cross the street. This applies to Randy in particular who believes too...
    October 1923
    195 pages

  2. #2

    City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert
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    A lush, stylish, and empowering read that's both fun and thoughtful - perfect for fans of bold heroines, old New York, and stories about making peace with life's messy mistakes.

    City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert is a novel narrated by Vivian Morris, an elderly woman looking back on her youth in 1940s New York City. Vivian is sent to live with her aunt Peg, who owns a theater called the Lily Playhouse, after being asked to leave Vassar. The story unfolds through Vivian's memories as she reflects on her experiences in the theater world, her friendships, and her personal growth. The narrative is a mix of nostalgia, humor, drama, and self-discovery, capturing Vivian's journey from a sheltered young woman to a more worldly and independent individual.

    The book explores themes of friendship, women's autonomy, sexuality, forgiveness, and the importance of chosen family. Through Vivian's candid storytelling, readers are taken on a journey filled with vibrant characters, nostalgic descriptions of 1940s New York City, and a reflection on life's ups and downs. The narrative style shifts between light-hearted and poignant moments, offering a glimpse into Vivian's past and the lessons she has learned throughout her life.

    I had recently been excused from Vassar College, on account of never having attended classes and thereby failing every single one of my freshman exams. I was not quite as dumb as my grades made me loo...
    June 2019
    538 pages

  3. #3

    Fortune Favours the Dead - Pentecost and Parker by Stephen Spotswood
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    A fun, sharp, and inventive detective romp that brings a much-needed modern twist to the genre - perfect for cozy mystery fans and anyone ready for a fresh female duo.

    In the mid-1940s in New York City, the book "Fortune Favors the Dead" follows the story of Lillian Pentecost, a middle-aged private detective with multiple sclerosis, and her young assistant, Willowjean Will Parker. Together, they are hired to solve the murder of Abigail Collins, the wife of an industrialist. As they delve into the case, they encounter a mix of mundane and spectacular mysteries, including a classic locked room mystery that piques their interest. The narrative is told through the engaging first-person voice of Will, who brings sass and spark to the story, making it a captivating read with a hint of noir, dash of humor, and intriguing characters.

    I had scored a few shifts working guard duty at a building site on West Forty-second. A lot of the crew on Hart and Halloway’s Traveling Circus and Sideshow picked up gigs like that whenever we rolled...
    October 2020
    348 pages

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