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The It Girls
From New York Times bestselling author Karen Harper comes a novel based on the lives of two amazing sisters . . .
One sailed the Titanic and started a fashion empire . . .
The other overtook Hollywood and scandalized the world . . .
Together, they were unstoppable.
They rose from genteel poverty, two beautiful sisters, ambitious, witty, seductive. Elinor and Lucy Sutherland are at once each other’s fiercest supporters and most vicious critics.
Lucy transformed herself into Lucile, the daring fashion designer who revolutionized the industry with her flirtatious gowns and brazen self-promotion. And when she married Sir Cosmo Duff-Gordon her life seemed to be a fairy tale. But success came at many costs—to her marriage and to her children . . . and then came the fateful night of April 14, 1912 and the scandal that followed.
Elinor’s novels titillate readers, and it’s even asked in polite drawing rooms if you would like to “sin with Elinor Glyn?” Her work pushes the boundaries of what’s acceptable; her foray into the glittering new world of Hollywood turns her into a world-wide phenomenon. But although she writes of passion, the true love she longs for eludes her.
But despite quarrels and misunderstandings, distance and destiny, there is no bond stronger than that of the two sisters—confidants, friends, rivals and the two “It Girls” of their day.
One sailed the Titanic and started a fashion empire . . .
The other overtook Hollywood and scandalized the world . . .
Together, they were unstoppable.
They rose from genteel poverty, two beautiful sisters, ambitious, witty, seductive. Elinor and Lucy Sutherland are at once each other’s fiercest supporters and most vicious critics.
Lucy transformed herself into Lucile, the daring fashion designer who revolutionized the industry with her flirtatious gowns and brazen self-promotion. And when she married Sir Cosmo Duff-Gordon her life seemed to be a fairy tale. But success came at many costs—to her marriage and to her children . . . and then came the fateful night of April 14, 1912 and the scandal that followed.
Elinor’s novels titillate readers, and it’s even asked in polite drawing rooms if you would like to “sin with Elinor Glyn?” Her work pushes the boundaries of what’s acceptable; her foray into the glittering new world of Hollywood turns her into a world-wide phenomenon. But although she writes of passion, the true love she longs for eludes her.
But despite quarrels and misunderstandings, distance and destiny, there is no bond stronger than that of the two sisters—confidants, friends, rivals and the two “It Girls” of their day.
384 pages, Paperback
First published October 24, 2017
476 people are currently reading
3784 people want to read
About the author
Karen Harper
80 books1,486 followersA New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Karen Harper is a former college English instructor (The Ohio State University) and high school literature and writing teacher. A lifelong Ohioan, Karen and her husband Don divide their time between the midwest and the southeast, both locations she has used in her books. Besides her American settings, Karen loves the British Isles, where her Scottish and English roots run deep, and where she has set many of her historical Tudor-era mysteries and her historical novels about real and dynamic British women. Karen's books have been published in many foreign languages and she won the Mary Higgins Clark Award for 2005. Karen has given numerous talks to readers and writers across the county. Her most recent books include THE SOUTH SHORES TRILOGY (CHASING SHADOWS, DROWNING TIDES and FALLING DARKNESS.) Her latest historical is THE ROYAL NANNY. Please visit her website at www.KarenHarperAuthor and her fb page at www.facebook.com/KarenHarperAuthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 268 reviews
December 7, 2017
The It Girls by Karen Harper is a 2017 William Morrow Paperbacks publication.
I love historical fiction, and thought this novel, centered around Elinor and Lucy Sutherland, might be an interesting tale.
The sisters, I suppose, would have been what we might have labeled "It Girls', with Elinor realizing fame as a writer and Lucy as a famous fashion designer. They both enjoyed success in their careers, but their personal lives suffered from several relationship disappointments.
However, the story was a little hard to get into and the sisters are not especially likable people. Sisters can be supportive, but still harbor jealousy or become critical, but in Elinor and Lucy’s case I was more put off by their behavior than absorbed by it.
If I came away with any admiration for the sisters it was due to their tenacity and refusal to give up on their career aspirations, in a time when doing so was made much more difficult because the world was so firmly dominated by men.
The ladies were a little ahead of their time, and did lead extraordinary lives, garnering success despite having to jump over some pretty big hurdles and ride out a few scandals, including, divorce, Elinor’s risqué novel, and of course Lucy and Cosmo’s fateful experience aboard the 'Titanic'.
I’m conflicted about how to rate this one. Sadly, the story lacked sparkle, was lackluster and, I hate to put it so bluntly, but it was mostly boring. But, on the other hand, this author obviously did some research and I think she put a lot of effort behind this book.
So, I’m going to be generous and go with a 2.5 rounded up.
I love historical fiction, and thought this novel, centered around Elinor and Lucy Sutherland, might be an interesting tale.
The sisters, I suppose, would have been what we might have labeled "It Girls', with Elinor realizing fame as a writer and Lucy as a famous fashion designer. They both enjoyed success in their careers, but their personal lives suffered from several relationship disappointments.
However, the story was a little hard to get into and the sisters are not especially likable people. Sisters can be supportive, but still harbor jealousy or become critical, but in Elinor and Lucy’s case I was more put off by their behavior than absorbed by it.
If I came away with any admiration for the sisters it was due to their tenacity and refusal to give up on their career aspirations, in a time when doing so was made much more difficult because the world was so firmly dominated by men.
The ladies were a little ahead of their time, and did lead extraordinary lives, garnering success despite having to jump over some pretty big hurdles and ride out a few scandals, including, divorce, Elinor’s risqué novel, and of course Lucy and Cosmo’s fateful experience aboard the 'Titanic'.
I’m conflicted about how to rate this one. Sadly, the story lacked sparkle, was lackluster and, I hate to put it so bluntly, but it was mostly boring. But, on the other hand, this author obviously did some research and I think she put a lot of effort behind this book.
So, I’m going to be generous and go with a 2.5 rounded up.
October 24, 2017
An authoress and a dressmaker on the loose.
Nellie and Lucy were sisters and were mischievous from the start. They went through thick and thin together.
The time was early 1800's and women were to be wed and not be in a trade, but the Sutherland girls didn't abide. Well Lucy didn't. Nellie sort of did, but she still had high hopes of her books being published, and they were published.
We follow both girls from their childhood to becoming adults. The writing pulled you into the story line and kept your interest with the antics of Nellie and Lucy.
Both women are delightful, strong, and enthusiastic about their chosen choices for what they decided they wanted to do.
They both had "it" - charisma and charm.
I enjoyed how excited Lucy was about her dressmaking business and how Nellie was happy or seemed happy with her life with her husband in the beginning.
Lucy's gowns were named for passion further increasing the moving forward of women. Some thought the names and her products were scandalous.
Nellie’s books were considered scandalous as well.
One of the gowns was titled: DO YOU LOVE ME.
Along with the gowns and the scandalous books her sister has been writing, the two women kept moving forward making a name for themselves. :)
We follow their business dealings and their love life.
THE IT GIRLS is set in the late 1800's when these two feisty women want to change from only being homemakers to being able to handle a career as well.
If you enjoy cheering on women who most likely led the way for all women to make a name for themselves, then you won't want to miss reading THE IT GIRLS.
The cover is dazzling just like the two main characters.
My only complaint was that the story line dragged out a bit at times.
If you enjoy determined women, fashion, and books, you will love THE IT GIRLS. 4/5
This book was given to me free of charge and without compensation by the publisher in return for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
October 18, 2017
I struggled a lot with this book. Other than the fact that they apparently served as the source for the expression “It Girl”, I did not understand the choice to write an entire book about Elinor and Lucy Sutherland. From an early age, the two sisters quarreled, treated each other and others poorly, and behaved in ways that certainly did not make me want to learn more about them. Whatever fleeting fame they each had was certainly overshadowed by their poor personal choices. I powered through it because I had committed to read and review it through LibraryThing, or I would have just put it aside. I received this ARC from LibraryThing and William Morrow. All opinions are my own.
December 28, 2017
Karen Harper is one of my all-time favorite historical fiction writers, and she has done another fantastic job in bringing to life sisters Elinor Glyn and Lucile Duff-Gordon in her newest novel, The It Girls.
This is an engrossing novel that begins in the late nineteenth-century when Nellie and Lucy Sutherland are just young, imaginative girls with dreams of money, love, success, and adventure, and the account of their lives continues several decades into the early twentieth century and includes momentous events in history such as the sinking of the Titanic, which Lucy survived and the events of World War I.
Harper has woven a plot rich in the complexities faced by women of this era to be independent (both financially and personally), break gender norms, and have lives not ruled by men. Lucile and Elinor were truly women well ahead of their time, and it was captivating to read the two sister's story as they took on the world even as they faced failed (and abusive) marriages, scorn, ridicule, acclaim, worship, and unparalleled success for their times!
The bond of sisters is at the very heart of The It Girls, and Harper captures it beautifully as she brings to life the stunning characters of Lucile, who from childhood dreamed of designing glorious dresses, and of Elinor, who from childhood dreamed of being a writer. Their support, jealousy, criticism, undying loyalty, and love for each other is unshakeable and carries them through life as they are faced with both successes and failures.
There were some moments in the novel where the plot dragged quite a bit as Harper gave too many historical details that just weren't needed at times, or at least that is my humble opinion. Also, I would have enjoyed more in-depth characterizations, but all in all, this is a great read, as usual, by Harper who I always immensely her historical fictional accounts! I truly loved the glamorous, wealthy, glitzy settings and lifestyles that are portrayed, and I really enjoyed reading about so many other famous events like the Titanic and WWI and people, even in passing, such as English royalty and Hollywood royalty.
I recommend The It Girls to anyone who loves historical fiction or reading about strong, intelligent women who break tradition and find their own place in both the world and in society.
***Thank you, Edelweiss, William Morrow Paperback, and Karen Harper for an ARC copy of The It Girls in exchange for my honest and fair review.***
August 24, 2020
Favorite Quote:
Not that I’d like to be a man, but that I’d like to be a woman and not have to act like one.
My Review:
Color me an ignoramus, as I did not realize I was reading a book about real people when I started in. I was nearly through the book when I had to stop reading and Google them to be sure - I just had to! While they weren’t model citizens by any means, the Sutherland sisters made a profound impact on society of their time which continues to influence ours. I had heard the term “It girl” before, and one of the sisters was responsible for coining it. The other sister was responsible for creating and promoting the use of comfortable women’s underwear and more fluid and feminine women’s clothing – so we should all give thanks and kiss our silks and lace for that alone. Both women were highly ambitious, driven, self-centered to a fault and made some horrifically bad choices, but well, haven’t we all? I know I have and am ever so thankful that mine were not documented by a reporter’s lens.
Ms. Harper has chronicled the sisters in an entertaining, intriguing, and colorful manner from their childhood sneak of hiding under a dressing table to catch a glimpse of Lily Langtry on the island of Jersey, through their unfortunate marriages and convention-shattering careers. I cannot imagine the massive amount of research she had to have combed through to pull all this together. The morals of the time seemed contradictory but, not my culture or my problem, but I found it odd that adultery, bankruptcy, alcoholism, sloth, and abandonment were viewed as less damning to a reputation than divorce, but those were the times.
Not that I’d like to be a man, but that I’d like to be a woman and not have to act like one.
My Review:
Color me an ignoramus, as I did not realize I was reading a book about real people when I started in. I was nearly through the book when I had to stop reading and Google them to be sure - I just had to! While they weren’t model citizens by any means, the Sutherland sisters made a profound impact on society of their time which continues to influence ours. I had heard the term “It girl” before, and one of the sisters was responsible for coining it. The other sister was responsible for creating and promoting the use of comfortable women’s underwear and more fluid and feminine women’s clothing – so we should all give thanks and kiss our silks and lace for that alone. Both women were highly ambitious, driven, self-centered to a fault and made some horrifically bad choices, but well, haven’t we all? I know I have and am ever so thankful that mine were not documented by a reporter’s lens.
Ms. Harper has chronicled the sisters in an entertaining, intriguing, and colorful manner from their childhood sneak of hiding under a dressing table to catch a glimpse of Lily Langtry on the island of Jersey, through their unfortunate marriages and convention-shattering careers. I cannot imagine the massive amount of research she had to have combed through to pull all this together. The morals of the time seemed contradictory but, not my culture or my problem, but I found it odd that adultery, bankruptcy, alcoholism, sloth, and abandonment were viewed as less damning to a reputation than divorce, but those were the times.
October 31, 2017
Interesting story, but I found the writing tiresome. The characters spend way too much time explaining relationships, locations, and events to each other for the reader's sake. This made for very cumbersome dialogue at times, especially when information was repeated and the character then said something like "as you know." Yes, we already know. Or yes, we get the historical reference. It just didn't flow for me.
October 20, 2017
I received an ARC for free through Goodreads Giveaways.
The It Girls tells the story of sisters Elinor Glyn, a boundary-pushing writer, and Lucille Duff-Gordon, a fashion pioneer, from their days as young girls on the brink of poverty through the success of their later years. I expected a good historical fiction story, but the book lost me along the way.
The sisters are at the heart of this book, and their relationship was not an easy one. At times, they were totally supportive of each other and stood up for one another through scandals; other times they were jealous of each other and argumentative, sometimes not seeing each other for years at a time. I wanted a bit more interaction between Elinor and Lucille, but they each lead such interesting lives on their own that I could almost forgive this. The biggest thing I knew about Lucille Duff-Gordon before reading this book was the scandal that erupted after the sinking of the Titanic, in which she and her husband were accused of bribing ship employees to not take more survivors onto their lifeboat, but I learned that both she and Elinor had many personal and professional successes and failures.
The writing is good, not great, but it's the dialogue that really hampered my reading experience. It's cringe-worthy at times: totally too descriptive and too much telling rather than showing. It's just not how real people talk; I think at times the author was using dialogue to fill the reader in on what happened during time gaps or to give more information, but it was hard to read.
The book covers several decades, so I expected that not everything could be covered in great detail. However, sometimes several years pass with no warning. For example, Lucille's daughter goes from a newborn to 7 years old in one turn of the page. At the same time, I often felt that there was too much information. It's obvious that Harper did extensive research on the sisters, but the inclusion of several random anecdotes made me wish she had been more discerning about what she chose to feature in the book. These anecdotes didn't move the story forward in any way and weren't connected to anything else; they could have been left out without any effect on the story.
2.5 stars
The It Girls tells the story of sisters Elinor Glyn, a boundary-pushing writer, and Lucille Duff-Gordon, a fashion pioneer, from their days as young girls on the brink of poverty through the success of their later years. I expected a good historical fiction story, but the book lost me along the way.
The sisters are at the heart of this book, and their relationship was not an easy one. At times, they were totally supportive of each other and stood up for one another through scandals; other times they were jealous of each other and argumentative, sometimes not seeing each other for years at a time. I wanted a bit more interaction between Elinor and Lucille, but they each lead such interesting lives on their own that I could almost forgive this. The biggest thing I knew about Lucille Duff-Gordon before reading this book was the scandal that erupted after the sinking of the Titanic, in which she and her husband were accused of bribing ship employees to not take more survivors onto their lifeboat, but I learned that both she and Elinor had many personal and professional successes and failures.
The writing is good, not great, but it's the dialogue that really hampered my reading experience. It's cringe-worthy at times: totally too descriptive and too much telling rather than showing. It's just not how real people talk; I think at times the author was using dialogue to fill the reader in on what happened during time gaps or to give more information, but it was hard to read.
The book covers several decades, so I expected that not everything could be covered in great detail. However, sometimes several years pass with no warning. For example, Lucille's daughter goes from a newborn to 7 years old in one turn of the page. At the same time, I often felt that there was too much information. It's obvious that Harper did extensive research on the sisters, but the inclusion of several random anecdotes made me wish she had been more discerning about what she chose to feature in the book. These anecdotes didn't move the story forward in any way and weren't connected to anything else; they could have been left out without any effect on the story.
2.5 stars
Read
November 9, 2017Giving up at p. 189.
November 13, 2017
Not a fan of this book and found it a struggle to finish. The writing and dialogue was not realistic.
October 3, 2017
MY REVIEW OF 'THE IT GIRLS" by Karen Harper
"The It Girls" by Karen Harper is an intriguing account of how fiction and history can work in a novel. The genres for this novel are Historical Fiction, Women's Fiction, and Fiction. The timeline for this story is set from 1875, and goes into the twentieth century after The Great War or World War 1, and then some years after. The location of this story vacillates between Europe,(England, Paris, France,Scotland) and the United States.
The author describes the two sisters that represent the "It Girls" as complex, complicated and competitive. There are a cast of characters that are quirky, colorful, betraying, disloyal, and some friends and family that are loving and loyal. Elinor and Lucy Sutherland are ambitious, creative, self-centered and adventurous. Both sisters, even as young girls looked for ways to be creative and seek adventure. Lucy's dreams were to design fabulous dresses and Elinor aspired to be a writer.
The author takes the reader on a journey through the historical times, and acceptable traditions, with the two sisters. Both women have highs and lows in their careers as well as in their love lives. One of the sisters is aboard the Titanic and survives, when the ship sinks. One sister escapes being abducted. The author shows us the times in Europe during World War 1, and how the sisters provided help.
The author portrays the glamorous and wealthy lifestyle of famous people, set against the backdrop of history. Wealth and success and their careers were very important to the sisters, often causing complications with their family.
I appreciate the author's extensive historical research into the characters and the times.
I would recommend this novel for those readers that appreciate Historical Fiction.
I received an ARC of this book for my honest review.
November 27, 2017
Ok I gave this a four star rating and then thought about it over night before I wrote an actual review. In hindsight I think I would now give it three stars.
It started off very slowly but once it got going it was interesting. However, I'm still not sure if I was reading fiction, non-fiction or a mixture of both. I learned a bit about the sisters but felt there was a lot more to know. It would have been nice to have had a bit more information on some of the other characters too.
Some of the chapters started quite abruptly and with a huge time difference so that I had to flick back to make sure I hadn't missed something. I couldn't follow how old any of the children were at any time because of this.
The infamous Titanic incident is still 'dodgy'. I don't think anyone will ever get to the real truth of it even though they were exonerated at the hearings.
One thing I did get from the book was that the Sutherland sisters were determined to go up in the world and make names for themselves, no matter who they had to walk on to do it. They were two selfish, vain creatures and yet somehow those who loved them stood by them.
Interesting read.
It started off very slowly but once it got going it was interesting. However, I'm still not sure if I was reading fiction, non-fiction or a mixture of both. I learned a bit about the sisters but felt there was a lot more to know. It would have been nice to have had a bit more information on some of the other characters too.
Some of the chapters started quite abruptly and with a huge time difference so that I had to flick back to make sure I hadn't missed something. I couldn't follow how old any of the children were at any time because of this.
The infamous Titanic incident is still 'dodgy'. I don't think anyone will ever get to the real truth of it even though they were exonerated at the hearings.
One thing I did get from the book was that the Sutherland sisters were determined to go up in the world and make names for themselves, no matter who they had to walk on to do it. They were two selfish, vain creatures and yet somehow those who loved them stood by them.
Interesting read.
December 19, 2017
Stilted, unnatural dialogue. Tooooo much unnecessary explanation in characters' conversations. Couldn't force myself to finish it. Found the Wikipedia entries on the sisters far more interesting.
August 30, 2020
4.5 🌟 A delightful read! Strong sisters who are making their way in the early 1900’s. What a wonderful life of sisterhood-love-fashion-empowerment! Fun tidbits about the Titanic, Valentino and Chaplin!🌟 Loved it!
October 26, 2017
"The It Girls" covers the lives of Elinor and Lucile Sutherland who lived during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Both of these women lived when the world was changing rapidly and they both often seemed to be in the middle of some of the greatest changes. The book covers from their childhood all the way to when they were well into middle age. Because this book covers so much of their lives, the book often felt like vignettes and I kept wishing for it to slow down. This book certainly whet my appetite to learn more about these two women.
From being an author and a fashion designer (Elinor and Lucile respectively), to relationships good and bad, to all of the thrills and difficulties of being sisters, this book had a lot going on. It was interesting to see how both characters grow and change throughout the book. They go from being super close to each other to sniping at each other to criticizing and back to being super close again.
This book is ambitious in how much it tries to cover in the story. Both Elinor and Lucile lived incredibly full lives between their personal lives, travels, and careers. This book certainly gives a taste of this but only a taste. As an example, even though the Titanic appears prominently on the cover and it was a huge event, it only makes up a tiny bit of the narrative. I wanted to know more, not just about the boat and it's aftermath (the hint of the criticism that Lucile and her husband get after getting in a lifeboat to be rescued would have been fascinating). I wish the book had been more focused so that we could get to know the characters much better than we do. That being said, this book still packed a punch with these two women that I knew little about before the book.
From being an author and a fashion designer (Elinor and Lucile respectively), to relationships good and bad, to all of the thrills and difficulties of being sisters, this book had a lot going on. It was interesting to see how both characters grow and change throughout the book. They go from being super close to each other to sniping at each other to criticizing and back to being super close again.
This book is ambitious in how much it tries to cover in the story. Both Elinor and Lucile lived incredibly full lives between their personal lives, travels, and careers. This book certainly gives a taste of this but only a taste. As an example, even though the Titanic appears prominently on the cover and it was a huge event, it only makes up a tiny bit of the narrative. I wanted to know more, not just about the boat and it's aftermath (the hint of the criticism that Lucile and her husband get after getting in a lifeboat to be rescued would have been fascinating). I wish the book had been more focused so that we could get to know the characters much better than we do. That being said, this book still packed a punch with these two women that I knew little about before the book.
September 1, 2021
An interesting story about two colorful sisters who were both very accomplished and controversial historical figures, author Elinor Glyn and designer Lucile.
March 15, 2019
A well researched work. So much background and many events were related or clarified through dialog, it seemed not much action was there to keep readers involved. Can’t say I actually liked either sister through the book, but I admired their groundbreaking roles and contributions to women in creative worlds. Much of th dialog sounded a bit stilted as if the sisters were proclaiming rather than conversing in order to convey information or emotions needed, and therefore remained a bit distant from readers.
dnf
March 1, 2021DNF @19%
2017; William Morrow Paperbacks/HarperCollins
I tried both ebook and audio and just could not get into this story. The story and writing were both really dry. After reading other reviews, I have decided to pass on this one.
***I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through Edelweiss. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.***
2017; William Morrow Paperbacks/HarperCollins
I tried both ebook and audio and just could not get into this story. The story and writing were both really dry. After reading other reviews, I have decided to pass on this one.
***I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through Edelweiss. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.***
October 19, 2017
We think the term “It” is new, is hip, but there were “It” Girls and ideas in the late 1800s. Karen Harper brings two charming, ambitious, and highly successful Sutherland sisters out of obscurity and into the limelight in her newest novel.
Harper weaves a tight story of friendship and sisterly rivalry, of hopes achieved and dashed. You’ll be drawn into the descriptions of clothing, the hints of scandal, and the passion that lies beneath the story. Stand alone historical fiction, "It Girls" will leave you yearning for more success stories.
Karen Harper will be launching her book at the BookLoft of German Village, Columbus, OH http://www.bookloft.com on November 1, 2017
Harper weaves a tight story of friendship and sisterly rivalry, of hopes achieved and dashed. You’ll be drawn into the descriptions of clothing, the hints of scandal, and the passion that lies beneath the story. Stand alone historical fiction, "It Girls" will leave you yearning for more success stories.
Karen Harper will be launching her book at the BookLoft of German Village, Columbus, OH http://www.bookloft.com on November 1, 2017
October 26, 2017
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher (via LibraryThing) in exchange for an honest review.
This book was far too short to encompass the lives of these two women. Each sister has an amazing story, and really deserves her own novel. Because the novel covers so many decades, it really felt like the author had to cram in everything she wanted to cover. I feel like the novel suffered for that.
I really didn't like the style of the novel. The plot was dialog driven, and I feel like I never really got to know any of the characters. The timeline jumps suddenly, which annoyed me. There was far too little atmosphere making. Reading this was like looking at cardboard cutouts, not a living 3-D world.
Even though these women had such interesting stories, I felt like this was a poor attempt at telling them.
This book was far too short to encompass the lives of these two women. Each sister has an amazing story, and really deserves her own novel. Because the novel covers so many decades, it really felt like the author had to cram in everything she wanted to cover. I feel like the novel suffered for that.
I really didn't like the style of the novel. The plot was dialog driven, and I feel like I never really got to know any of the characters. The timeline jumps suddenly, which annoyed me. There was far too little atmosphere making. Reading this was like looking at cardboard cutouts, not a living 3-D world.
Even though these women had such interesting stories, I felt like this was a poor attempt at telling them.
July 19, 2017
The bond between sisters is one of fierceness that can not be duplicated. Sisters fiercely support each other and take down those who battle against them. But sisters can be fiercely judgmental towards one another and that judgmental feeling can turn into animosity that can test the very bond itself. Karen Harper has written a fantastic tale of sisters and all that comes with the closeness they share. Elinor and Lucy Sutherland are stunning characters that truly define the idea of sisterhood. They are the best of friends who can also be the worst of enemies. The It Girls is a wonderful historical novel that brings you into this family's world and you feel a part of these women's lives and a part of history.
April 25, 2018
OMG The It Girls is a drama filled kinda hollywood novel about two sisters as they navigate their way through their careers in life. Set in the 1800 and on into the 1900's the Sutherland sisters were friends, rivals, & sisters. this book was deliciously written and one of those books you don't want to end. I will highly recommend this book to anyone!!!!!!!
November 4, 2017
2.5 out of 5. Unfortunately I struggled to get through this one.
October 6, 2022
“The It Girls” is a novel by Karen Harper that is based on the factual stories of two sisters: Elinor & Lucy Sutherland. They were the original “It Girls” – “It” being charm, charisma & perhaps a little sex-appeal.
Starting in the late nineteenth-century, when Nellie and Lucy Sutherland are young girls growing up in Jersey who sought adventure, money, success & something more than the expected “good marriage”. The story follows them into the early twentieth century through to the aftermath of WW1.
Lucy loved fashion, and enjoyed sketching dresses – she would go on to become a well-known fashion designer, whose daring designs (for the era) would scandalise, yet excite and revolutionise the fashion industry and her clients particularly enjoyed her “mannequin shows” which were the forerunner of the modern catwalk show. She later survived the sinking of the Titanic & was embroiled in some scandal around this.
Elinor was a writer, who would also dabble in the glamour of the new Hollywood film industry. She become known for scandal as her work pushed the boundaries of what was acceptable.
Both women were ambitious and career-driven, being very much ahead of their time and battling against convention and male-domination as well as overcoming hurdles such as divorce and difficult family dynamics.
The story is a little slow to get into, and lacks some depth throughout but overall it was a fun book that felt quite in keeping with the “It Girl” or celebrity culture. It didn’t go into too much depth, partly because quite a number of years were covered in the book with large time-jumps towards the end of the book.
I listened to the audiobook and the narrator Saskia Maarleveld suited it well, giving enough variation between characters. There is some cumbersome dialogue/description that is designed to keep the reader up to date with the relationships/events (and often throws in a name such as Charlie Chaplin) but this interferes with the flow of the book.
I would recommend this book to readers who enjoys early 1900s Historical Fiction, or have an interest in how “celebrity” culture really started.
Starting in the late nineteenth-century, when Nellie and Lucy Sutherland are young girls growing up in Jersey who sought adventure, money, success & something more than the expected “good marriage”. The story follows them into the early twentieth century through to the aftermath of WW1.
Lucy loved fashion, and enjoyed sketching dresses – she would go on to become a well-known fashion designer, whose daring designs (for the era) would scandalise, yet excite and revolutionise the fashion industry and her clients particularly enjoyed her “mannequin shows” which were the forerunner of the modern catwalk show. She later survived the sinking of the Titanic & was embroiled in some scandal around this.
Elinor was a writer, who would also dabble in the glamour of the new Hollywood film industry. She become known for scandal as her work pushed the boundaries of what was acceptable.
Both women were ambitious and career-driven, being very much ahead of their time and battling against convention and male-domination as well as overcoming hurdles such as divorce and difficult family dynamics.
The story is a little slow to get into, and lacks some depth throughout but overall it was a fun book that felt quite in keeping with the “It Girl” or celebrity culture. It didn’t go into too much depth, partly because quite a number of years were covered in the book with large time-jumps towards the end of the book.
I listened to the audiobook and the narrator Saskia Maarleveld suited it well, giving enough variation between characters. There is some cumbersome dialogue/description that is designed to keep the reader up to date with the relationships/events (and often throws in a name such as Charlie Chaplin) but this interferes with the flow of the book.
I would recommend this book to readers who enjoys early 1900s Historical Fiction, or have an interest in how “celebrity” culture really started.
November 1, 2017
The It Girls tells the story of two sisters, Nellie and Lucy, who were the fashionable girls of their day. Nellie becomes a famous author and Lucy is a successful fashion designer. One of the girls penned the famous classic, Three Weeks, and the other survived the Titanic. This novel follows their successes and their trials. Mostly, it explores their sisterly bond that spanned for decades.
Both Lucy and Nellie are very sympathetic characters. They are both idealistic, romantic, and ambitious. Even though they came from poverty and experienced a series of hardships, they were still full of determination. Because of their persistence, they were able to pull off their dreams. Thus, I admire these characters’ willpower. However, these characters still felt flat for me. They were sometimes jealous and cruel to each other. They also seemed very alike and it was hard for me to distinguish the sisters except through their occupation. Therefore, I thought that they needed more character development to make them more unique.
Overall, this book is about betrayal, first love, and sisterhood. The message of this book is to fulfill your dreams. I thought that the characters were flat. The supporting characters had little depth. The story seemed to be very rushed. It never really explores Nellie and Lucy’s relationships. The novel had many time jumps in order to get to the main details of the sisters. Because of the time jumps, it left me confused, and I had to reread multiple paragraphs to get a better understanding of their situations. Thus, I would have liked if the book had smoother transitions. I also thought that the writing was choppy. There was also much more dialogue than description in the novel. Because of this, I think it would have been better as a screenplay. Despite the novel’s flaws, it was still very enjoyable. I had never heard of these girls before, and they seem to have a dramatic lifestyle. Thus, I recommend The It Girls to fans of The Girl Who Came Home, Stars Over Sunset Boulevard, and A Certain Age.
(Note: I read an ARC copy of this book in courtesy of Edelweiss.)
Both Lucy and Nellie are very sympathetic characters. They are both idealistic, romantic, and ambitious. Even though they came from poverty and experienced a series of hardships, they were still full of determination. Because of their persistence, they were able to pull off their dreams. Thus, I admire these characters’ willpower. However, these characters still felt flat for me. They were sometimes jealous and cruel to each other. They also seemed very alike and it was hard for me to distinguish the sisters except through their occupation. Therefore, I thought that they needed more character development to make them more unique.
Overall, this book is about betrayal, first love, and sisterhood. The message of this book is to fulfill your dreams. I thought that the characters were flat. The supporting characters had little depth. The story seemed to be very rushed. It never really explores Nellie and Lucy’s relationships. The novel had many time jumps in order to get to the main details of the sisters. Because of the time jumps, it left me confused, and I had to reread multiple paragraphs to get a better understanding of their situations. Thus, I would have liked if the book had smoother transitions. I also thought that the writing was choppy. There was also much more dialogue than description in the novel. Because of this, I think it would have been better as a screenplay. Despite the novel’s flaws, it was still very enjoyable. I had never heard of these girls before, and they seem to have a dramatic lifestyle. Thus, I recommend The It Girls to fans of The Girl Who Came Home, Stars Over Sunset Boulevard, and A Certain Age.
(Note: I read an ARC copy of this book in courtesy of Edelweiss.)
November 24, 2017
It was ok. Purely historical fantasy. A good escape. I did not really enjoy now. At another time I would have loved it but not now. It was ok. Two sisters grow up and are driven/become a clothes designer and fiction writer who had bad marriages and one escaped/divorce and found true love. As the years went by the separation between the sisters two widen. WWI and the victorian era past. the ideas and fashionable statements became passe. The 2 sisters knew they had to change. Mother always held up the rear. And of course one of the sisters had to be on the Titanic with her husband and a scandal ensued upon safe arrival to shore. I think that was that tipping point to me but I finished the book. The gossiping, idle chit chat, extended families and self-centeredness really got my my last nerve. The book overall was a escape which a good book provides. It served it's purpose.
August 28, 2021
I love Karen Harper’s books and It Girls was no different. We are taken on an incredible tour of the late 1800’s to the early 1900’s. And let me tell you not historic moment or reference was missed. We are taken through these times from the perspective of two sisters. One a romantic writer with dreams of forever love and the other is a dedicated clothing designer that will do anything to get to the top. Through these sisters experiences we are given such an incredible glimpse at some events like The Titanic sinking, The First World War, The Ziegfeld Follies, the Hollywood movie industry. There is nothing we don’t experience and I enjoyed every moment of it. I can’t recommend this book more especially if you love period pieces that are written with excellent historic accuracy. Once again Karen Harper knocks it right out of the park.
November 12, 2017
The book covers the lives of two sisters, Lucy(Lucile) and Elinor from 1875 to 1926. The story starts on the Isle of Jersey,onto London and finishes in Scotland but also includes France and America. Lucy becomes a famous fashion designer while Elinor is a writer. They don't have as much success in their private lives as in their business lives. The book covers a changing time in the world with women beginning to have rights. It wasn't till the end of the book when I was reading the author's that I learned the sisters were real people. The book was a quick easy read.
August 11, 2020
This was really hard to get through and I love historical fiction. I was so excited to read about these famous sisters that I knew nothing about. The execution of the book left me wanting however. I feel like I know a lot of facts about them but not a lot about them as people. I feel like Harper tried to cram too many events into the novel as they lead very exciting lives but didn't do justice to anything e.g. sinking of the Titanic covered in 2 pages.
August 3, 2018
Wow! Two sisters, very successful in their careers. This book covers their lives from early girlhood to mature and thriving women. While reading, I realized that these two were not fictional characters, but real women. Enjoyed this book!
December 31, 2017
I had a very hard time getting into this book. The story is there, but it is told in a way that would be easier to follow as a movie. The writing jumps around a lot, making it difficult to follow and get to know the characters.
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