Valley of the Dolls

by Jacqueline Susann
Valley of the Dolls cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Contemporary Fiction
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Technical
  • ID: 1763
  • Added: 2025-10-09
  • Updated: 2025-10-19
  • Published: 1981-10-01
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 3

Valley of the Dolls delves into the lives of three women—Anne, Neely, and Jennifer—as they chase their dreams in the cutthroat entertainment industry. Their journey is filled with glamour, success, and the harsh realities of fame, revealing the personal sacrifices and emotional tolls they endure. The novel explores themes of love, betrayal, and the price of ambition, offering a raw and unflinching look at the human experience behind the spotlight. Published in 1966, Valley of the Dolls became a cultural phenomenon and a bestseller, capturing the zeitgeist of the era. Its controversial content and bold storytelling made it a subject of both admiration and criticism, cementing its place as a classic in popular literature.

Reviews
The Literary Shed · 2025-10-09
compelling 4.00

The novel is acknowledged as slightly tawdry and trashy, but it remains a compelling read. Its enduring appeal lies in its unapologetic exploration of the darker side of fame and ambition.

The reviewer acknowledges that Valley of the Dolls isn't your typical happy-ever-after story. It's a bit tawdry and unapologetically trashy at times, but that's part of its charm. They appreciate the novel's raw and unfiltered portrayal of the entertainment industry, which makes it a compelling read even today. The story's exploration of the darker side of fame and ambition is what keeps it relevant and engaging. It's a book that doesn't shy away from the gritty realities of the world it depicts, and that's what makes it stand out.

Quick quotes

    Valley of the Dolls may not be a typically happy-ever-after novel; it may even be slightly tawdry and unapologetically trashy, at times, but it is ...

    It is a book that doesn't shy away from the gritty realities of the world it depicts, and that's what makes it stand out.

    The novel's enduring appeal lies in its unapologetic exploration of the darker side of fame and ambition.

Not So Modern Girl · 2020-06-16
touching 4.50

The book is described as sad, touching, and truthful, offering a poignant commentary on society through the lives of its three main characters.

The reviewer finds Valley of the Dolls to be a deeply emotional and truthful exploration of society through the lens of three women's lives. They highlight the novel's ability to be both sad and touching, making it a poignant read. The reviewer appreciates how the author uses these characters to comment on the societal norms and attitudes of the time. The book's honesty and its unflinching look at the realities of the entertainment industry are what make it stand out. It's a novel that doesn't shy away from the harsh truths of life, and that's what makes it so impactful.

Quick quotes

    This book is sad, touching and truthful.

    Susann chooses to comment on society at the time, using these three women to represent attitudes ...

    The novel's honesty and its unflinching look at the realities of the entertainment industry are what make it stand out.

The Guardian · 2016-06-18
historical 3.50

The novel captures the essence of the female experience in the 1960s, but its feminist perspective may not resonate with modern readers.

The reviewer notes that Valley of the Dolls encapsulates the female experience of the 1960s in a way that feels both authentic and important. However, they also point out that the novel's feminist perspective is not in line with modern standards. This doesn't diminish the book's value as a historical document, but it does mean that contemporary readers might find some of its views outdated. The reviewer appreciates the novel's ability to capture a specific moment in time and culture, even if it doesn't fully align with today's feminist ideals.

Quick quotes

    Jacqueline Susann's 1966 novel encapsulated an essence of the female experience, but is it worth reading today?

    The famous, glitzy pill-popping novel is not feminist in modern terms.

    But as a document of a weird watershed in American culture, it's unparalleled.

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