45 pages • 1 hour read
City of Girls
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Book Brief
470
Novel • Fiction
New York City • 1940s
2019
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert follows the life of Vivian Morris, who, after being expelled from Vassar College in 1940, moves to New York City to live with her aunt and work in her theater. The story, recounted by Vivian in 2010, traces her adventures in costume design, her complex relationships, and her deep, platonic friendship with war veteran Frank Grecco, exploring themes of love, redemption, and societal norms. The book includes themes related to war trauma.
Nostalgic
Romantic
Bittersweet
Humorous
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
341,963 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Elizabeth Gilbert's City of Girls captivates with its vibrant 1940s New York setting and colorful characters, wrapping readers in an engaging tale of love and self-discovery. Though some critics argue the novel's pace can be uneven, most agree it’s a well-crafted, immersive read. The protagonist's dynamic arc is especially praised, adding depth to Gilbert’s signature storytelling.
Who Should Read City of Girls?
Readers who would enjoy Elizabeth Gilbert's City of Girls are likely fans of rich historical fiction and coming-of-age tales. If you appreciated The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald for its Jazz Age exuberance or The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern for its vibrant, character-driven storytelling, this book is a perfect fit.
341,963 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
470
Novel • Fiction
New York City • 1940s
2019
Adult
18+ years
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