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The Luxe (Luxe #1)

3.64 of 5 stars 3.64 · rating details · 36,060 ratings · 3,157 reviews

Pretty girls in pretty dresses, partying until dawn.
Irresistible boys with mischievous smiles and dangerous intentions.
White lies, dark secrets, and scandalous hookups.
This is Manhattan, 1899. Beautiful sisters Elizabeth and Diana Holland rule Manhattan's social scene. Or so it appears. When the girls discover their status among New York City's elite is far from secure,...more

Hardcover, 1st Edition, 433 pages

Published November 20th 2007 by HarperCollins

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Oct 27, 2009 Misty rated it 1 of 5 stars

Recommended to Misty by: Ashley

Shelves: historical, juvenile-ya, read-in-2009, recommended, ya-challenge, disappointing-or-excited-for-nothin, cover-appeal, awful

The Luxe is about turn of the century New York socialites falling in love and misbehaving. New York's darling debutant, Elizabeth Holland is poised to marry one of the most eligible (and debaucherous) bachelors in the city, but her perfect life is not what it seems.

The Luxe reads like Gossip Girl meets Edith Wharton. Sadly, it has all of the shallowness and poor writing of the former, with little of the intelligence and power of the latter. Godbersen does her best to make the time period inter...more The Luxe is about turn of the century New York socialites falling in love and misbehaving. New York's darling debutant, Elizabeth Holland is poised to marry one of the most eligible (and debaucherous) bachelors in the city, but her perfect life is not what it seems.

The Luxe reads like Gossip Girl meets Edith Wharton. Sadly, it has all of the shallowness and poor writing of the former, with little of the intelligence and power of the latter. Godbersen does her best to make the time period interesting and appealing to today's teen girl audience, but the result is predictable, flat and strange. It really is as if the GGs had put on costumes and were playing at The Age Of Innocence: their actions and dialogue is not well-suited to the time or the story. This isn't to say that they can't be scandalous; I don't buy into a white-washed history. I know people always have skeletons in their closets, regardless of the mores of the time. More so, even, in a repressive society. Wharton demonstrated that expertly. But the actions of the characters in this book seem too careless and intentionally shocking, and as such seems silly. It's hard as well to feel for the characters. They have very few redeeming qualities, and I was torn between wanting them to have the happy ending that was (obviously-parading-as-stealthily) coming and seeing them get what they actually deserved.

The structuring was a bit weird for me as well, especially when it came to conversations between the characters. One character would say something, and then Godbersen would spend a whole nice-sized paragraph describing something (the rich scene, someone's dress, some incident from the past, whatever), and then the character who was spoken to would respond. By that point, I was completely out of the flow of conversation and had no idea what had been said in the first place and had to look back to follow the thread of dialogue. It was a strange choice on her part and her editor's. And though some description of finery and scene were necessary, they were a bit overdone and tended to overwhelm the story (or maybe mask a lack of it); if I had had to read about 'pocket doors' one more effing time, I may have had a fit of hysterics like some of the characters were prone to.

This is not to say that teen girls won't find this book just heart-flutteringly terrific. If Godbersen set out to write a soap opera dressed up as historical literature, she succeeded at that, and there is a market for it. For me though, it's a shame it didn't live up to its pretty cover.

Various bonus goodies here>(less)

52 likes · like · see review

Mar 02, 2008 Nian rated it 2 of 5 stars Recommends it for: love triangle readers

Shelves: 2008

The Holland sisters, Elizabeth and Diana, are at the top of the social ladder. When their father dies, the girls move away to get educated about being a proper lady and when they come back, they find out that things don’t look too good for the Holland family. They’re broke. But if Mrs. Holland has anything to say about it, they won’t be, not for long. If Elizabeth can marry Henry Schoonmaker—a man who’s so handsome he has the hearts of all eligible females—their family name won’t be smeared. But...more The Holland sisters, Elizabeth and Diana, are at the top of the social ladder. When their father dies, the girls move away to get educated about being a proper lady and when they come back, they find out that things don’t look too good for the Holland family. They’re broke. But if Mrs. Holland has anything to say about it, they won’t be, not for long. If Elizabeth can marry Henry Schoonmaker—a man who’s so handsome he has the hearts of all eligible females—their family name won’t be smeared. But Elizabeth already has her heart set on Will, who is just a mere stable boy, and Penelope, Liz’s supposed best friend, wants Henry. And where’s Diana all this time? Falling in love with Henry, of course. Rich girls always get what they want, but there’s just one Henry to go around.

Plenty of reviews I’ve read had it labeled as a cross between Pride & Prejudice and Gossip Girl. I think not. The concept about rich girls leading scandalous lives in Manhattan, though set in 1899 for The Luxe, and how marriage was just beneficial for status upholding, is the same. Everything else, not really.

I think this is even worse than Gossip Girl. Just like I didn’t see the point in the latter, I failed to see this book as none other than a boring read with underdeveloped characters who basically whine and never take control. Take Elizabeth, for instance. Right from the beginning she’s introduced as this beautiful and proper young lady who’s involved with a servant but is engaged to the most set-forth bachelor, Henry. The parts written about her fall bland shortly after she’s engaged. She does absolutely nothing except to look blank and regretful. I find it very hard to reach some level of sympathy for a character that’s mostly just a background face because the author failed to incorporate some kind of human being qualities to her. It’s like this: Anna Godbersen wanted to portray a perfect girl that didn’t have a perfect life after all (the most common storyline ever beside the love-hate relationships type) and rather than making Elizabeth her main character, she made her into a depressed girl. Everything that happens in the novel surrounds Elizabeth’s life and her actions, but I just don’t see her as a focus. Sure, she finally finds the strength to do something towards the end of the book, but that’s because Penelope was there to help her. Can’t she do anything by herself? She’s just a horrible protagonist and if that’s the message—get your own independence—then the author’s done a poor job of relaying that.

Take notice that this book has 433 pages. 433 pages of slow action and mindless characters that just appear and disappear so they can serve in certain parts of the story. A story isn’t supposed to be like that—everything has to connect somehow. And the most unflattering character is Diana. From the start, I never saw that kind of bond between her and Elizabeth that’s made Diana so sobby at the last minute. She’s been portrayed as this whinny, kind of unusual sister. But later, she does all sorts of things that contradict the personality she’s been given, which I find very inconsistent. If there’s character development involved, there has to be a turning point for that to happen, but I didn’t see it.

All in all, not something I would ever pick up again. I thought GG had been a reminder that I should stay away from stories about rich girls with nothing to do but have sex and steal other people’s boyfriends. I like books with some kind of message, with development, with strong-willed protagonists that makes everything better, but I found nothing of the requirements here. I’m just glad I gave up halfway but decided to read the ending chapters anyway. Two words: so predictable.

But if you actually like the endless, unrealistic love triangles (why would anyone like Henry, anyway? He’s such an arrogant ass) between Elizabeth-Will-Lina and Diana-Henry-Penelope, or the fact that the girls wear gowns and everyone rides horses, then this probably is the book for you. I mean, at least some of the history was nailed pretty accurately, thought most facts were just mentioned in passing. (less)

28 likes · like · see review

Oct 26, 2008 Kristi (The Story Siren) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-i-own

Beautiful Elizabeth Holland, lovely, prim, proper and of course a lady. Too bad she is dead. The story opens to a dreary day in late 19th century New York at the funeral of Miss Elizabeth Holland, the exact day in which she was to be wed.

Then time flashes back and we are taken through the events that ultimately lead to the death of Elizabeth.

Sisters Elizabeth and Diana couldn’t be more different. Elizabeth, the oldest, has always had the most pressure put on her to be a proper lady, to watch eve...more Beautiful Elizabeth Holland, lovely, prim, proper and of course a lady. Too bad she is dead. The story opens to a dreary day in late 19th century New York at the funeral of Miss Elizabeth Holland, the exact day in which she was to be wed.

Then time flashes back and we are taken through the events that ultimately lead to the death of Elizabeth.

Sisters Elizabeth and Diana couldn’t be more different. Elizabeth, the oldest, has always had the most pressure put on her to be a proper lady, to watch everything she says, does, and even wears. Diana is of course the opposite. She is the romantic, and she is wonderfully eclectic and confident in her ways.

When Elizabeth learns that her family’s welfare is in jeopardy she agrees to wed Henry Schoonmaker, a well-known playboy and heartbreaker, even though she loves another. Henry himself agrees to marry Elizabeth only so he will not be disinherited of his father’s fortune. At the night of her engagement announcement, her "best friend" Penelope Hayes reveals that she, herself is in love with Henry. This is the start of Penelope’s jealousy and betrayal to take down her biggest and only rival. Not to mention, Diana, who finds herself smitten with the elusive Henry, as well. Henry of course finds himself falling in love, finally, but not with his betrothed. Elizabeth struggles with her own happiness and the welfare of her family.
Throw in a jealous maid that knows too much and you have yourself a full-blown scandal!

I loved The Luxe. It had everything a good story should. Mystery, humor, romance, and fun! I felt for Elizabeth and her constant struggle within herself, and having nowhere to turn. I loathed Penelope and only wished she had been the one to fall in the Hudson. The Luxe was enjoyable and entertaining. If you like Gossip Girls or even A Great and Terrible Beauty, I think that you would enjoy this book. Even more good news. It seems that Anna Godbersen will be releasing a sequel to The Luxe in the summer of 2008 entitled Rumors.
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11 likes · like · see review

Apr 05, 2009 Shannon (Giraffe Days) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Shannon (Giraffe Days) by: Julie

Shelves: ya, 2009, historical-romance, mystery-suspense, cover-love

It's September 1899 and the Manhattan season is starting off with a bang. Elizabeth Holland, the darling of the high society set, has returned from her year in Paris in time for the first ball of the season, held at her best friend Penelope Hayes' newly finished and incredibly vulgar mansion. Penelope is all about showing herself to the best advantage, and has her sights set on young rake Henry Schoonmaker - but his father has other ideas. Intending to run for mayor the following year, he wants...more

27 likes · like · see review

Oct 14, 2010 Courtney rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: EVERYONE

Recommended to Courtney by: Samantha

Shelves: favorites, anna-godbersen

One big love triangle between Henry Schoonmaker, Diana Holland, Will Kellar, Elizabeth Holland, Penelope Hayes, Lina Broad, and Teddy. Elizabeth is having an affair with her coachmen, Will. Naturally their forbiden love is kept a secret. The Holland family begins losing money, forcing Elizabeth into an engagment with the charming casanova, Henry Schonnmocker. There's a few problems with that however:Penelope has a delusional infatuation with Henry but Henry is having a love struck affair with El...more

8 likes · like · see review

Oct 16, 2011 Lindsay rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: all-time-favorites, books-i-own

So I'd be lying if I said I was oozing with excitement to read this book. In fact, I put off reading it for just about a year. A really good friend of mine recommended me this book and told me I'd absolutely love it but when I bought the book, I let it gather dust in the corner of my bookshelf.

There are two reasons why I put off reading this for so long: One, because its a Historical Romance. I cannot even begin to tell people how much I HATE (okay, hate is a strong word, but seriously, I don'...more

12 likes · like · see review

Mar 14, 2008 Jessica rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: youngadult

Hmmm. This is an interesting book. It is, as the name implies, very luxe. The gown descriptions are sumptuous, and all the characters are gorgeous, with thick curling hair and full pouty lips. However, I had a hard time figuring out who to root for, as it were. You don't really get deep insights into Elizabeth, ostensibly the heroine, and her handsome lover's thoughts are never known at all. The villainess bitchy girl, the little sister, the rich cad, all get more detailed character development,...more

10 likes · like · see review

Jun 14, 2012 Merary rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction, backstabbing-fun, cheating-partners, guilty-pleasures, didn-t-see-that-one-coming, ya, series-that-i-love

Maybe at this moment you're checking my rating and thinking, "What the fuck?!"
I'm going to tell you something: I enjoy reading shallow, trashy books. Somehow they pull me into a world of bitchy, spoiled, backstabbing characters; name-dropping and the need to choke them all for being so damn stupid. And I fucking love it. You know why? Because they keep me interested in their stupidity. The more books I read, the less I stop searching for trashy books. A girl like me can only handle enough in the...more

6 likes · like · see review

Oct 24, 2010 Carla rated it 2 of 5 stars

I will admit to be a super Gossip Girl fan. It's like crack, emphasis on the word "like". I just can't get enough. And I like me some pretty covers. So when I decided to buy The Luxe, it was purely based on the fact that this sounded like such a scandalous tale of debauchery and ruined repuatations and that it would look nice on my bookshelf. The story goes a little something like this -

Elizabeth is this amazing beauty, she's prim and proper and considered a true lady (I wonder sometimes what i...more I will admit to be a super Gossip Girl fan. It's like crack, emphasis on the word "like". I just can't get enough. And I like me some pretty covers. So when I decided to buy The Luxe, it was purely based on the fact that this sounded like such a scandalous tale of debauchery and ruined repuatations and that it would look nice on my bookshelf. The story goes a little something like this -

Elizabeth is this amazing beauty, she's prim and proper and considered a true lady (I wonder sometimes what i'd be classed as if I lived in this era and then fall about laughing). She comes from a super rich and respected family, a family who since her fathers death, has fallen to pieces that may well me able to be put together by Elizabeth accepting a worthy suitor with a hefty dowdry. This worthy suitor is the simply rakish Henry Schoonmaker, who is also being pushed into an advantageous marriage by his father, who is planning to run for major and is ashamaed of his son's remarkably scandalous behaviour.

Then there's Diana, Elizabeths younger sister. She doesn't give a drat about being considered a lady. In fact she finds it quite boorish (yay Diana, your my favourite, lets go have tea in the park and pull up our dresses to show off our legs! to males no less, imagine! the scandal). She would much rather do what she wants to do than that which she is told. If her reputation is blown to smitherines then so be it, alteast she'd be living and not quietly sipping tea and acting like a robot with impeccable manners and a fetish for beautiful dresses and pleasent conversation. Also, there's Will, the hot stable boy who is after a lady who is way far above his station that he would need to time travel to the 21st century, win the lottery and then go back in time a mega rich guy, to ever, and I mean ever be accepted by said girls family and society. Then theres the boring maid Lina? I forget. Anyway she is the maid and harbours a hate for the family she works for because they're surely to be her ruin. And no not her reputation, surely you know by know that maids are quite a smexy kind of gal.

Okay, so I must admit this book was so easy to get sucked into. I kind of love historical novels because they make me think about a time and place that is so exponentially different than the one we live in. And the dresses, I admit the dresses did make me wish I could just go to a ball way back when and be waltzed around the dance floor by a rake. Gentleman are boring!! They call you "lady" and even giving you a kiss is something highly inappropriate. Imagine! Imagine going on a date with a boy who wouldn't even touch you or call you your first name, only "lady". Imagine having to take your sister or your aunt on a date. A date where you would sit in the park with a picnic and talk about the weather. How very dull. And thats why this book failed to hit the spot for me. Because even though I was promised scandal, I found the whole story to be quite dull and more than a little predictable.

I wanted scandal so immense that it shocked even me, and i'm quite hard to shock. I wanted ruined reputations left right and centre. I wanted rakish boys spilling from the pages with wicked smiles and snarky conversation that zings from character to character. What I got is a story that is sure to make an impact to some, but failed to impact me in the slightest. I never really found myself invested in any of the characters. Elizabeth was jusy dingy even if she was beautiful. I sometimes even skipped Lina's? chapters because her voice drove me insane. The only scenes I enjoyed were those of Diana (a girl with backbone and too much life to ever be contained in a ballroom or a fancy dancy dress) and those of Henry (who I will admit was a complete and utter asshat, though he was dashing which moved him up in my estimations)

Ultimately, this book made me feel like I was waiting. Waiting for something to happen that I can't quite put my finger on, but something that didn't quite turn up. I don't think I will be reading the other books in the series. But, if you love drama that isn't too in your face, you enjoy clandestine meetings of the tamer kind and enjoy extravagent dresses and all the implications of being a lady in a notorious society, then I think this is the book for you.(less)

6 likes · like · see review

Jan 06, 2008 Karin rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: youngadult, 2008-reads

If you didn't think the nineteenth century was full of drama then think again. Life in New York in 1899 was very eventful. At least it was for the very wealthy. Elizabeth Holland has been a perfect daughter her entire nineteen years of life. She has been groomed for years to be perfect - to talk when she was supposed to, to receive visitors on Sundays, and always appear happy no matter when she was feeling on the inside. People in New York expect her to marry well and continue the traditions of...more If you didn't think the nineteenth century was full of drama then think again. Life in New York in 1899 was very eventful. At least it was for the very wealthy. Elizabeth Holland has been a perfect daughter her entire nineteen years of life. She has been groomed for years to be perfect - to talk when she was supposed to, to receive visitors on Sundays, and always appear happy no matter when she was feeling on the inside. People in New York expect her to marry well and continue the traditions of high society.

Life for Elizabeth isn't easy though, even though all she has to do is sit around and look beautiful. It turns out, since the death of her father, her family is having financial problems and aren't able to keep up the type of lifestyle they are used to living. One thousand dollar gowns, priceless works of art, and trips abroad are a thing of the past unless something can be done to secure the family's place in society before everyone learns of their trouble. Mrs. Holland thinks Elizabeth can save the family by marrying Henry Schoonmaker – New York's most eligible and most sought after bachelor.

The news of her impending engagement is a surprise to Elizabeth. She has always held out the hope that she would marry for love and in fact, has been in love for quite some time. Elizabeth has been having a secret relationship with Will Keller for many years. The relationship must be kept a secret because Will is an employee of the Holland family. He works in the stables and drives the carriages for them and carrying on a relationship with someone of lower status would be something that would ruin Elizabeth's reputation and the Holland family name. Word of her engagement puts a strain, understandably, on Elizabeth's relationship with Will.

Elizabeth's secret relationship with Will isn't the only thing that becomes more difficult after the wedding becomes public. Henry doesn't want to get married any more than Elizabeth does. He resents the fact that he is being forced to wed and give up his freedom. Penelope, her supposed best friend, is infuriated by the news of the wedding. She expected to marry Henry herself and is planning to break up the wedding by any means necessary. Elizabeth's personal maid, Lina, finds out about Elizabeth and Will's relationship and is hurt because she has grown to love Will herself. Even more problems crop up when Elizabeth's younger sister, Diana, begins to have feelings for Henry. Finally, and most devastating to Elizabeth, Will tells her he is leaving New York and heading west to California. How can a proper girl deal with all of these problems and be expected retain her poise?

THE LUXE is a fascinating look at life at the turn of the century. It is historical fiction at its best. For those of you that fall in love with the book like I have can look forward to the fact that the author is currently working on a sequel.
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9 likes · like · see review

Nov 26, 2012 Veronika rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: i-own

Recenze zde: http://veryuu-and-books.blogspot.cz/2...

3 likes · like · see review

Oct 10, 2012 Victoria rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-reads

After reading the first two books in the "Bright Young Things" series and loving them, I was so excited to find out Anna Godbersen had another series!

I actually loved The Luxe a little bit more than BYT! This was such an intriguing read and a great mystery. The way the story starts out at Elizabeth Holland's funeral, just sets you up to trying to solve the mystery the entire story. Every time I thought I had figured out who was responsible, something else would happen and completely change my mi...more

3 likes · like · see review

Sep 16, 2012 Angie rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: library, young-adult

I know this is said a lot, but it's true: If Gossip Girl was set in 1899, it would be The Luxe. This book was full of glitz, glamor, frenemies, forbidden love, love triangles, love squares, all kinds of love geometry, falling to the bottom of the social ladder, jealousy, gossip and betrayal. These girls will do anything for social standing and love, or at least what they think is love.

I have mixed feelings about the prologue. On one hand, I liked how it introduced a major conflict, since from th...more

2 likes · like · see review

Jan 09, 2009 Angie rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: good-uns, bibliocrack, ya

Another Christmas gift, and one I wanted to read very much when it first came out, but shied away from somewhat after reading several reviews comparing it to the Gossip Girl series and stating that the writing left rather a lot to be desired. Oh, I thought sadly. That's too bad. It looked better than that. So I just admired the cover from afar, and that of the sequel Rumors. I probably would have just gone on ignoring the series if my mom hadn't given me a copy of The Luxe. I'm glad she did.

The...more Another Christmas gift, and one I wanted to read very much when it first came out, but shied away from somewhat after reading several reviews comparing it to the Gossip Girl series and stating that the writing left rather a lot to be desired. Oh, I thought sadly. That's too bad. It looked better than that. So I just admired the cover from afar, and that of the sequel Rumors. I probably would have just gone on ignoring the series if my mom hadn't given me a copy of The Luxe. I'm glad she did.

The prologue begins with Elizabeth Holland's funeral. The darling of upper crust Manhattan society, her sudden and inexplicable drowning in the Hudson shocks everyone from her frozen fiance Henry Schoonmaker to her scornful maid Lina Broud. The story then immediately jumps back several weeks to show us how events came to such a strange state. You think Elizabeth is going to be the main character, but she's not. She's not even very likable. Quiet, passive, perfect. Perfectly boring. That's Elizabeth. And that's why her best friend Penelope Hayes hates her. Everyone assumes Henry and Elizabeth would be perfect together, while Penelope is determined to have him for herself. And if you're wondering right now if the whole thing is as Peyton Place as it sounds thus far, the answer is yes. Yes it is. It's a roiling sea of love, despair, social climbing, and backstabbing. In perfectly lovely period costumes. It's hypnotic.

The story spends time going back and forth between five Victorian teens: Elizabeth, Henry, Penelope, Lina, and Diana (Elizabeth's younger, much more likable sister). And for awhile I kept thinking, Why am I reading this? These characters are perfectly awful. But then Diana became cool. Or rather I could tell she was going to become someone who was going to be cool. So I was reading it for Diana. The others I could take or leave. But then Henry started showing some good sense and just the slightest hint of a backbone, despite his apalling sense of entitlement. So I was reading it for Diana and Henry. And the dresses. Oh, the dresses. And because I enjoyed seeing Penelope swallow her own tongue when she finds out a certain couple are engaged. And, in the end, it was like watching a train wreck. A beautiful, awful train wreck. And I couldn't tear my eyes away from it. I had to run to the library to get a copy of Rumors to see What Happens. That review to follow shortly. (less)

9 likes · like · see review

Nov 10, 2012 Jennifer Wardrip rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: trt-posted-reviews

Reviewed by Julie M. Prince for TeensReadToo.com

One of the elite, one of the daughters of New York society, is dead.

In life, the lovely and fair Elizabeth Holland is everything a young, turn-of-the-century girl of her position ought to be. But, it's not easy to be proper and mannerly all the time, and a handsome servant who lives in the stable gets to see more of her than anyone else -- much, much more.

No one knows of their secret affair, except Miss Holland's personal maid, Lina. Why did Eliz...more

2 likes · like · see review

Dec 13, 2008 Alea rated it 4 of 5 stars

Two sisters, a servant girl, a best friend, and a hot mess of a boy. Throw in two-ish love triangles and you've got The Luxe. I kept reading and reading about this book, just like I had done with Twilight and then decided I just better read the darn book. I'm sure glad I did. What a fun book. It's set in 1899 New York City and alternates the five main characters points of view. I think the alternating viewpoints really made this book for me. I just can't get enough of that. The book ends not unl...more

5 likes · like · see review

Oct 04, 2009 Kathryn CA marked it as to-read Recommends it for: NOBODY

Recommended to Kathryn CA by: The Cover

I hate, hate, HATE books that are suppose to be set in one time period but they have the behavor of someone in a different time period. If I didn't know better, I would have thought that this books was set in the present time. I won't ruin it for anyone who wants to read it... but I was disappointed. I thought "How could such a pretty book not be good?" I always thought that not judging a book by its cover was about ugly books being good, but now I know better.

However, if you like mindless stor...more

11 likes · like · see review

Mar 03, 2011 Lucy rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: wasn-t-for-me, young-adult

I spent a day and a half with Anna Godbersen and The Luxe. I don't know if I'll be going back forthe other three books. The book only closes one plot and leaves all the others w-i-d-e open. I rarely feel this 'meh' about a book. I don't think it was bad. I also don't think it was historically accurate, which killed some of my enjoyment. I don't like period novels, but if you're going to do something you ought to do it right damn it. We have girls running around for secret midnight affairs, when...more

6 likes · like · see review

Feb 10, 2011 Isamlq rated it 2 of 5 stars

I probably should have taken down notes as I read. There are so many characters who were all so busy **naughty-naughty, wink-wink** So to avoid the risk of misnaming a key character, I can best summarize them thus:

One wants only what’s best for herself (seen flirting it up with one known with the initials of HS). Another wants to save her family from financial ruin and certain social ostracism (seen in a compromising position with the coach man, was it? Also known to be engaged to aforementione...more

3 likes · like · see review

Dec 19, 2009 Tatiana rated it 1 of 5 stars Recommends it for: fans of "Gossip Girls" and such

Recommended to Tatiana by: self-inflicted out of morbid curiosity

Shelves: why-the-hype, ya, tres-annoying, series-dropped-lost-steam

Sorry, but I can't go on reading this drivel. Maybe I am too spoiled by Edith Wharton and know too much about Gilded Age mores to enjoy this book. I know that young men and women of that time simply do not behave, talk, or live the way Godbersen portrays in her books. If you take the historical setting out of the story, what's left is a who-will-hook-up-with-who kind of trash. If I ever want to read that, I'll pick up Gossip Girls.

Beautiful cover though...

13 likes · like · see review

Sep 17, 2011 Cindy marked it as to-read

Shelves: didn-t-finish

OK, I think I'm sending this one back to the library unfinished. When I am halfway through a book and honestly don't much care what happens to anyone in it, I know it's a wash! I had some high hopes for this series based on good reviews from friends, but it really just didn't do much for me. I have very little interest in reading about catty, shallow characters who do scandalous things just for the sake of sensationalism. All of the characters and their relationships felt very flat to me, and I...more

6 likes · like · see review

Jul 23, 2010 Derek rated it 4 of 5 stars

The Luxe is a story of high society girls who aren't as nice as they seem. Back when NYC still had horse drawn carriages as the main mode of transportation and Van Wyk was the mayor not a highway in Queens. Love triangles add to secrets that may bring to the demise of the social lives of some of the characters. I thought this book was immensly entertaining. At first it went slow for me but after the first three chapters I was into it. I was caught up in the lavish descriptions of their dresses a...more

2 likes · like · see review

Nov 01, 2010 Stacia ~ Mistress of Mediocrity rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: young-adult

I can't believe that I'm about to rate a book based on the characters over the story itself.

The Luxe as a read felt like historical fiction meets Gossip Girls. The historical part was great - the Gossip Girls part - not as much.

However, I really warmed up to flow of the story as it moved along past my initial first reaction. Sure, this book is about high society in the late 19th century. It's absolutely girly and gossipy and filled with mock scandal. Unashamedly, I found myself starting to love...more

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Dec 14, 2009 Heather rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Lovers of Bad Boys and Gossip Girl

Shelves: 2009, ya, historical-fiction

Well, Godbersen is no Edith Wharton, but who is? I went into this book expecting it to read like historical fiction with a bit of scandalous intrigue, but got Gossip Girl in a Victorian setting instead.

Godbersen mentions clothing and internal decoration about a thousand times too many for my taste. I really don't care to know every detail about every outfit the characters are wearing, but I allowed it as these women are just sad little cutouts, and it would seem natural for their thoughts to be...more

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Feb 05, 2013 PurplyCookie rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: chick-lit, book-series, 1st-in-a-series, historical-fiction, young-adult

With a quote from "The Age of Innocence" as an epigraph and an enthusiastic blurb from the creator of "Gossip Girl" on its back cover, this lavishly produced debut makes no secret of its twin influences.

The story opens in 1899 with the funeral of Elizabeth Holland, a well-bred beauty said to have plunged to her death in the Hudson River. The narrative then travels back several weeks, tracing the relationships and events that have led to the somber assembly.

Godbersen weaves a tenuous web of dec...more

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Oct 09, 2009 Josie rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical, young-adult

Nineteenth century Manhattan has never been portrayed so catty or dissolute as it is in this young adult novel. Like Gossip Girl, but with bigger frocks, Anna Godberson’s The Luxe tells the story of the beautiful Holland sisters, their Queen Bee friend Penelope Hayes, and the man they all seem to revolve around, the eligible Henry Schoonmaker. The Hollands are bankrupt, and the only way to save their fortunes before their situation is known, is for the eldest daughter Elizabeth to marry money. C...more

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Mar 20, 2008 Elizabeth rated it 3 of 5 stars Recommends it for: teen girls

Shelves: ya, recently-read

I've seen this book compared to Gossip Girl, and I don't think that's an entirely fair analogy. I can see where it came from; the main characters are well-to-do New Yorkers, and there is an emphasis on beauty and backstabbing. However, it was much better written than GG.

I admit I've only read one GG, inspired to do so because I like the show. I've marveled, in fact, at how the writers of the show managed to get such a well done show out of the source material, because the one that I read was BAD...more I've seen this book compared to Gossip Girl, and I don't think that's an entirely fair analogy. I can see where it came from; the main characters are well-to-do New Yorkers, and there is an emphasis on beauty and backstabbing. However, it was much better written than GG.

I admit I've only read one GG, inspired to do so because I like the show. I've marveled, in fact, at how the writers of the show managed to get such a well done show out of the source material, because the one that I read was BAD. The Luxe manages to keep the perspective consistent within chapters, and to have an actual, realized plot (building action, climax, denoument). It also had characters that were more than just caricatures. GG had none of that- the perspective jumped around within a single scene, and seemed more focused on titillating its audience with sex, drinking, drugs, and high end clothing that with telling any sort of story or developing characters in any way beyond what they were wearing and who they were screwing. I suppose it could be said the The Luxe resembles the show, if it were set at the end of the nineteenth century, but I have to give credit where credit is due, and The Luxe surpasses GG, the novels.

That said, while the story is complete and decently written, it's hugely predictable. I had the end figured out pretty much by the time all the main characters were introduced. The prologue, while serving to add a sense of suspense to lure the reader into the story, also makes it painfully obvious where things are headed once the reader is given all the puzzle pieces. I've seen the same sort of plot laid out in countless historical romances- the good girl who has more beneath the surface; the wild, independant young lady; the rake who is ready to be reformed by the right woman; the jealous, villainous spurned mistress. That's not to say the book isn't worth reading; I have the benefit of being nearly 30, and having been exposed to all the romance novel plot devices under the sun. For its intendend audience, teen girls, The Luxe would be a fabulous introduction to that genre of writing. It's got a dab of history, a fun plot, and a twisty love story. Moreover, it's "clean" (which is another thing that separates it from GG)- there is some sexual behavior, but it's handled with a tasteful fade to black, and there is a some drinking, but in the two instances of someone becoming drunk, there are negative consequences. I'm not a prude (I like my smut good and smutty), but I do think there is a difference between writing for 13-17 year old girls, and for adults.

Overall, I'd say this book isn't one that's going to cross the generation gap well, but it's a fun, appropriate read for teens looking for something that has all the best things about GG and none of the worst.(less)

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Jan 17, 2008 Rebecca rated it 2 of 5 stars

unfortunately, I left this at home over the weekend, so progress is stalled.
here are my thoughts half-way through, and I don't expect them to change:

1. every review I caught of this made it out to be "gossip girl, 1899"--it's not. the comparison is obvious enough (rich kids, new york...1899...there are even some amazingly parallel characters that would make me mad if I were Cecily von Ziegesar), but it's inaccurate. Gossip Girl, while trashy, and fraught with gross materialism and brand-dropping...more unfortunately, I left this at home over the weekend, so progress is stalled.
here are my thoughts half-way through, and I don't expect them to change:

1. every review I caught of this made it out to be "gossip girl, 1899"--it's not. the comparison is obvious enough (rich kids, new york...1899...there are even some amazingly parallel characters that would make me mad if I were Cecily von Ziegesar), but it's inaccurate. Gossip Girl, while trashy, and fraught with gross materialism and brand-dropping, actually has some interesting things going on in the story. The Luxe is slow-moving and predictable; there's no playing around with the idea of narrator,the characters are flat and it's hard to identify with any of them... It's much more like Austen/Bronte/Thackeray fair, but with dumbed down contemporary writing. Despite the simpler writing, it takes just as much determination to press through the text (because it's dull); and for that, I think most Gossip Girl readers are going to be baffled when people recommend this book to them. My guess is they'll give up before they get to the first coy tilt of the head and mild cloakroom romp.

1a. some reviews I read suggested this for fans of A Great and Terrible Beauty...I think that's just cover-confusion. Fans of the cover of A Great and Terrible Beauty will also probably like the cover of The Luxe. I do think it's a striking cover.

2. every review I caught also praised The Luxe/Godbersen for terrific historic facts. Really? I'm doubting that. I mean, I don't know enough to know for sure, but I have a running list of things to check. For one thing, even if Holland was a common name in late 19th century New York City, I feel like an author could trust her readers to interpret a more subtle name (van der Woodsen, say), instead of being so heavy-handed with the "old Dutch Family" thing. There are some neat tidbits of new york history, things to make it fun...mention of farms, the old age of gramercy park, fifth avenue starting to be developed...but I'm not sure it's enough history to merit all the history-praise.

3. it's fun enough. and the cover might be powerful enough to lure some unsuspecting YA readers.(less)

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Jan 04, 2009 Denise Smith rated it 1 of 5 stars

First, I can't believe that this is considered Youth Fiction! It definitely read like it was written for a teenage audience, but there was way too much sex, even if it was only ever implied. It was incredibly predictable and the characters were extremely unlikable. Beware, moms of teenage girls, this book was recommended to me as the "next big thing".

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Jul 29, 2008 Adriana rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: ya-friendship, ya-historical-fiction-romance-socia

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Quotes from The Luxe

“Don't go looking for boys in the dark
They will say pretty things then
leave you with scars.
Do go looking for boys in the park
For that is where the true gentlemen are.” — 387 people liked it

“There was no pleasure like being envied on a mass scale.” — 206 people liked it

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