Girl Intrepid: A New York Story of Privilege and Perseverance

by Leslie Armstrong

"I didn't want to be subject to anyone's idea of who I was or who I was to become, and what I could or should be doing to enhance anyone else's life!" So much is surprising and captivating about this coming-of-age story of a culture-rich, pre-and-proto-'60s upper class girl with rebellion and independence wired in. Lale's early decades were a complex mixture of innocence, sophistication, doubt, passion, adventure, and brutal self-criticism. She grows up mainly with her mother, who had to fight for her career in law because she was a woman. They live in a small East Side walk up, but her mother orders custom-made clothes from Christian Dior in Paris. On one of the early transatlantic voyages of the Andrea Doria , Lale's passion for Italy and modern design are firmly locked in place. Teen boys, classical music, and long summer voyages with her crazy-genius-doctor father. On one she almost sails his beloved yawl, Stone Horse Light , over Niagara Falls. There's pre-sex and romance and folk singing in Washington Square. An artistic calling begins to beckon, though academics are a struggle. Summers bring job fashion in NYC; Harrods in London; the Spoleto Festival in Italy. Finally finding focus for her passion, she powers her way into her chosen architecture. Flash forward to an early career "We don't hire women here. We think the presence of women is distracting and diffuses the focus on work. We cannot make an exception for you." So much changed during the decades of Lale's growing up, as young women like her-capable, frustrated, and determined-persevered.

468 pages, Paperback

Published October 15, 2020

Reviews

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Girl Intrepid” pulled me in from the very first page. Leslie Armstrong writes with such clarity and emotional honesty that I felt like I was living each moment alongside her. Her childhood storms both literal and emotional are unforgettable. This book reminded me how resilience is built, not born. A powerful, beautifully told story.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t expect a memoir to read like an adventure novel, but this one absolutely does. The hurricane scene alone is worth five stars intense, cinematic, and so real. Leslie’s voice is sharp, bold, and surprisingly funny despite the heavy moments. I walked away feeling inspired. Just incredible storytelling.

[Santacruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

The opening storm scene immediately pulled me in and never let go. Leslie Armstrong writes with courage and incredible emotional awareness. Her childhood feels both distant in time and painfully familiar in feeling. This book is honest, gripping, and beautifully crafted. I couldn’t stop thinking about it after finishing.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most layered coming of age stories I’ve read. Leslie captures the contradictions of growing up privileged yet unprotected with heartbreaking precision. Her reflections on family, identity, and survival resonate deeply. I’m grateful she shared this story. It stays with you.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

The writing is exquisite elegant but never pretentious. Leslie paints New York City, childhood trauma, and personal triumphs with such vivid detail that every chapter feels alive. I found myself underlining entire paragraphs. This book is a gift to memoir lovers.

[George · Rating 5 out of 5]

Armstrong’s life reads like fiction, but her voice grounds everything in authenticity. The emotional honesty is brave, sometimes raw, and always compelling. I loved how she wove places, people, and memories into a story that never loses momentum. Absolutely worth reading.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book avoids every memoir cliché. Leslie doesn’t sugarcoat or dramatize her hardships she simply tells the truth, and that truth hits hard. Her resilience is inspiring, not because she pretends to be perfect, but because she admits she wasn’t. A brilliant, memorable read.

[Fred · Rating 5 out of 5]

The scenes from the Brearley School, family conflicts, and early independence are portrayed with honesty and nuance. I felt the tension, the loneliness, and the small glimmers of hope. By the end I felt like I truly knew her younger self. Beautiful and bold.

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leslie’s storytelling blends vulnerability and strength in a way few memoirs do. Her descriptions of people flawed, fascinating, unforgettable make this book stand out. I was hooked from the prologue. A must read.

[Kersten · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love memoirs, and this one just shot into my top five. It’s emotional without being dramatic, detailed without being slow, and uplifting without being preachy. The depth of self-reflection is extraordinary. I recommend this to everyone.

[Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

The pacing, dialogue, and emotional arc are all exceptional. Leslie Armstrong brings every chapter to life with sensory detail and clear memory. I found myself feeling protective of her younger self and proud of who she becomes. Truly masterful.

[Hutson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This memoir doesn’t hide the hard parts: fractured family, shifting identities, and painful truths. Yet it’s full of humor and wit too. I laughed, cried, and occasionally paused just to think. It’s rare to find a life story told with such courage.

[Diaz]

Some memoirs you read once. This one deserves a second and third read. The depth, the details, the craft everything is beautifully executed. You feel wiser and more compassionate after turning the final page. A true 5-star book.

[Sieben · Rating 5 out of 5]

What touched me most was her courage not just in surviving the chaos of her early life, but in telling it so truthfully. It takes real strength to write this kind of story. I’m grateful she did. A phenomenal read.

[Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

The honesty about her parents is striking, but never cruel. She presents them as flawed humans, not villains. This balance made the book feel mature and credible. The emotional intelligence throughout is remarkable.

[Heller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though the author grew up in elite circles, the emotional struggles are universal. Feeling unseen, wanting love, trying to matter these pieces connect us all. I found myself nodding through entire chapters. Beautifully written.

[Cardwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished the book days ago but can’t stop thinking about it. Certain scenes especially the hurricane feel like they’re etched into my memory. The writing is strong, and the emotional beats are unforgettable. I’ll be recommending this to many people.

[Melony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite the heaviness of some experiences, Leslie writes with humor that catches you off guard. Her ability to look back with clarity and even a touch of wit makes this memoir a pleasure to read. Absolutely wonderful.

[Mathew Josh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every chapter feels like a movie scene vivid, intense, and emotionally charged. The writing is detailed without ever feeling heavy. I was fully immersed in her world of privilege, pain, and perseverance. This is the kind of memoir that reminds you what great storytelling looks like.

[KANTE · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book took me through fear, loneliness, courage, and hard-earned confidence. Leslie doesn’t just tell you what happened she lets you feel it. I admired her strength but also her vulnerability. By the end, I felt deeply connected to her story.

[Stephen Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

It takes real bravery to write about family with this level of truth. Nothing felt exaggerated or softened. The emotional balance in this book is remarkable. It’s painful at times, hopeful at others, and always compelling.