Readers who have enjoyed the Gossip Girl series might be interested in a new series by Anna Godbersen called The Luxe. It has many of the same elements that resonated with fans of Gossip Girl. There are the catty city girls with big attitudes (and bank accounts to match) who compete for handsome and aloof men with hidden agendas. The A-list attends lavish and elegant all-night parties wearing custom couture. The twist here is the setting: New York in the year 1899 during the late-Victorian era. Yes, the ladies shop at Lord & Taylor, but imagine working with a personal dressmaker to create a dress of wedding-gown proportions for a simple evening affair. Not too shabby.
I enjoyed the book, mainly for the historical references to Old New York society and the fun look into the privileged world of the insanely wealthy. The characters you meet along the way are mix of spoiled, conceited, devious, and just plain nasty, but you enjoy spending time with them despite their faults.
The book did have a somewhat predictable plot, but the writing was very descriptive and the pace kept me turning the pages long after I had figured out the twist. The story starts with the funeral services marking the untimely loss of Elizabeth Holland, Manhattan’s lovely and gorgeous eighteen-year-old socialite. (Think Paris Hilton with brains and a heart-of-gold). The book then takes you back a few weeks to the events leading to the funeral. Along the way you are introduced to Elizabeth’s fiancé, the debonair Henry Schoonmaker, her best “frienemy” and fiercest competitor, Penelope Hayes, and Elizabeth’s younger rebellious sister, Diana. There are other sub-plots involving the servants and star-crossed lovers along the way, but the focus is always on the lifestyles of the rich and fabulous. It was a definitely a fun summer read and the ending lends itself to the sequel, Rumors, which is due out shortly.
Check out the website for an interactive look into the world of The Luxe here:
http://www.harperteen-theluxe.com/luxe.html
Happy reading!
Sharon Long
Teen Services Librarian