A sweeping, sensational novel of America’s first ‘It Girl,’ whose dramatic journey to center stage echoes through the decades—from the New York Times bestselling author of The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post
‘As stunning as the incomparable leading lady who inspired it . . . unputdownable, with a twist that will leave you breathless.’—Emily Giffin
At the dawn of the twentieth century, New York’s streets teem with change: electricity, automobiles, the brash young President Teddy Roosevelt—and the It Girls. As artists’ muses and working models, these independent young women soar to stardom not because of their pedigrees or inherited wealth, but because of their talent, charisma, and irresistible beauty. Pop culture is born, and in a world alight with Mr. Edison’s new bulbs, no one shines brighter than America’s sweetheart, Evelyn Talbot.
But the journey to stardom is not simple or straight. While working as a shopgirl, the young Evelyn is recruited as a studio model and soon catches the eye of the preeminent artists of the age. When Broadway comes calling, Evelyn solidifies her status as the first self-made American female celebrity: the iconic Gibson Girl, the most sought-after figure and face of her time. Enter a parade of powerful and power-hungry men, from world-famous architect Stanley Pierce, the visionary behind Manhattan’s mansions and iconic landmarks, to Hal Thorne, the shockingly wealthy railroad heir and premier ‘playboy’ of high society. Each man promises comfort, glamour, security—even love. But fame and fortune are cruel teachers, and Evelyn learns that the only person she can rely on is herself.
When Evelyn finds herself at the center of a murder of passion declared ‘the Crime of the Century,’ she is blamed for the acts of the men in her life. In the media frenzy that spirals around her, Evelyn realizes that to survive, she will have to write her own ending. But can this artists’ muse turned showgirl pull off the greatest act of her life?
It Girl is a breathtaking ride inspired by a singular artist and icon who captured the collective imagination of American society. Allison Pataki has crafted yet another unforgettable leading lady, a heroine who must find the power to change not only the world around her but her own destiny.
Genre: Historical
‘As stunning as the incomparable leading lady who inspired it . . . unputdownable, with a twist that will leave you breathless.’—Emily Giffin
At the dawn of the twentieth century, New York’s streets teem with change: electricity, automobiles, the brash young President Teddy Roosevelt—and the It Girls. As artists’ muses and working models, these independent young women soar to stardom not because of their pedigrees or inherited wealth, but because of their talent, charisma, and irresistible beauty. Pop culture is born, and in a world alight with Mr. Edison’s new bulbs, no one shines brighter than America’s sweetheart, Evelyn Talbot.
But the journey to stardom is not simple or straight. While working as a shopgirl, the young Evelyn is recruited as a studio model and soon catches the eye of the preeminent artists of the age. When Broadway comes calling, Evelyn solidifies her status as the first self-made American female celebrity: the iconic Gibson Girl, the most sought-after figure and face of her time. Enter a parade of powerful and power-hungry men, from world-famous architect Stanley Pierce, the visionary behind Manhattan’s mansions and iconic landmarks, to Hal Thorne, the shockingly wealthy railroad heir and premier ‘playboy’ of high society. Each man promises comfort, glamour, security—even love. But fame and fortune are cruel teachers, and Evelyn learns that the only person she can rely on is herself.
When Evelyn finds herself at the center of a murder of passion declared ‘the Crime of the Century,’ she is blamed for the acts of the men in her life. In the media frenzy that spirals around her, Evelyn realizes that to survive, she will have to write her own ending. But can this artists’ muse turned showgirl pull off the greatest act of her life?
It Girl is a breathtaking ride inspired by a singular artist and icon who captured the collective imagination of American society. Allison Pataki has crafted yet another unforgettable leading lady, a heroine who must find the power to change not only the world around her but her own destiny.
Genre: Historical
Praise for this book
"Captivating . . . Pataki expertly captures turn-of-the-twentieth-century New York City, where anything is possible, especially for the newly minted Gibson girl. Pataki has fashioned a soaring new tale - I adored it." - Marie Benedict
"As stunning as the incomparable leading lady who inspired it, It Girl is a captivating story of resilience, splendor, and strength, at times dark, at times deliciously dishy. Allison Pataki pulls back the curtain on a real-life Cinderella story, bringing Evelyn's glamour and grit vividly to life. It's unputdownable, with a twist that will leave you breathless." - Emily Giffin
"A scintillating, fictionalized tale of one of America's first models and superstars. Readers will cheer for Evelyn as she navigates the path from childhood hardship through rising stardom and the sexism and misogyny of the entertainment industry to standing on her own two feet. Inspired by true stories, It Girl is a powerful tale of female empowerment and friendship, immaculately researched and beautifully told. In crafting it, Pataki shines brighter than ever!" - Pam Jenoff
"It Girl is a rapid-fire and deliciously innovative period piece that shatters the mold and grabs our attention as we sit up and cheer for its indomitable heroine. I loved it!" - Deborah Goodrich Royce
"As stunning as the incomparable leading lady who inspired it, It Girl is a captivating story of resilience, splendor, and strength, at times dark, at times deliciously dishy. Allison Pataki pulls back the curtain on a real-life Cinderella story, bringing Evelyn's glamour and grit vividly to life. It's unputdownable, with a twist that will leave you breathless." - Emily Giffin
"A scintillating, fictionalized tale of one of America's first models and superstars. Readers will cheer for Evelyn as she navigates the path from childhood hardship through rising stardom and the sexism and misogyny of the entertainment industry to standing on her own two feet. Inspired by true stories, It Girl is a powerful tale of female empowerment and friendship, immaculately researched and beautifully told. In crafting it, Pataki shines brighter than ever!" - Pam Jenoff
"It Girl is a rapid-fire and deliciously innovative period piece that shatters the mold and grabs our attention as we sit up and cheer for its indomitable heroine. I loved it!" - Deborah Goodrich Royce
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