Thursday, October 13, 2016

Book Beginnings: The Dollhouse


The Dollhouse, by Fiona Davis (Dutton, August 2016). These are the book's first lines:
New York City, 2016 
She'd forgotten the onions.
After all of the preparation, the lists, the running out of work early to finish shopping and buy everything she needed for their special dinner, Rose had forgotten a key risotto ingredient.
About the Book:
"Fiona Davis’s stunning debut novel pulls readers into the lush world of New York City’s glamorous Barbizon Hotel for Women, where a generation of aspiring models, secretaries, and editors lived side-by-side while attempting to claw their way to fairy-tale success in the 1950s, and where a present-day journalist becomes consumed with uncovering a dark secret buried deep within the Barbizon’s glitzy past."

Initial Thoughts:

Well, I have several thoughts.

First -- Been there. This sounds exactly like something I'd do -- except I always have onions on hand. I'd probably forget the rice.

Also -- This was an ARC; I've had it on the "up next" list for a couple of months now, and feel very guilty about that. So I've moved it up to the top of the pile.

And -- I remember reading about the Barbizon Hotel in women's magazines when I was a teenager, but that would have been a bit later than the period the book is set in. Close enough to catch my interest, though.

Finally -- I love risotto! But I would never attempt cooking it. Especially not for a "special dinner."

Oh, and one more -- don't you just love that outfit she's wearing on the cover?




Rose City Reader hosts Book Beginnings on Friday.  As she says, the idea is to post the first sentence (or so) of the book you're currently reading, along with any first impressions or thoughts you have about the book, the author, etc.  It's a wonderful way of adding new books to your must-read list, and a chance to connect with other readers and bloggers.


6 comments:

  1. Wow, this looks great!

    1. I would have forgotten the onions and the rice.
    2. Totally agree with your view on risotto and the outfit.

    Now I have to get this book. Thanks.

    Today I'm featuring The Underachieving Ovary by JT Lawrence.

    ReplyDelete
  2. That's why I don't cook. LOL
    sherry @ fundinmental Friday Memes

    ReplyDelete
  3. I have been eyeing this book...and now must have it! I am reminded of that era by the cover...and the setting of NYC and the Barbizon Hotel.

    Thanks for sharing...and here's mine: “COMMONWEALTH”

    ReplyDelete
  4. I'd read it based on the setting. I love NYC!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I'm sure I would have forgotten some key ingredient - I love the dress she's wearing - I too have heard of the hotel for women - this sounds interesting and I'll add it to my list - here's my Friday meme

    ReplyDelete
  6. I would pick this up just for the cover!

    Lauren @ Always Me

    ReplyDelete

Welcome and thanks for leaving me a comment. I love to hear from visitors.

Also, please note that while I appreciate the thought, I don't play the blog awards game. I think you all deserve awards! But you might think about becoming a follower of my blog -- that would really be the best award.