(Book Review)

What is a strong woman like? Independent, persistent or uncompromising? After all, it is these words that we are used to characterizing a girl’s opportunity. But in reality, every woman is strong. Strong in its uniqueness and frivolity. In their desires and aspirations. None of us are perfect. And this is beautiful, because the world is wrong – why then do we strive to be different?

Vivian Morris was 19 when her life was turned upside down: the girl was expelled from a prestigious college, so her parents decided to send her to the aunt in New York. So, one hot day in 1940, the girl finds herself in the center of a turbulent life – in Manhattan. Now she is a part of a small theater run by her aunt. It is here, in the whirlwind of crazy parties and confetti, unexpected acquaintances and hilarious youth, Vivian would see that the world was completely imperfect, and people did not have to be saints to be happy.

Elizabeth Gilbert is best known for her novel Eat, Pray, Love. But Gilbert’s creativity is not limited by any boundaries, so why not write a novel about crazy New York adventures?

‘City of Girls’ is an eccentric and unusual book. You can either fall in love with the main female character or sincerely hate her. This is a difficult story of one woman’s life. A woman who made many mistakes, but who was not afraid and breathed calmly and deeply in spite of all problems.

The atmosphere of the novel is bohemian and comprehensive, it captivates the reader and does not let go until the last dot. Elizabeth shows exactly “that” pre-war New York – frivolous and loose, loose and frivolous:

“But this city is reborn in the fresh eyes of every young man, every young woman who comes here for the first time. Therefore, that city, that place – newly created on purpose for my eyes – will never exist again. It remained forever in my memories, like an orchid in a paper clip. This city will always be my ideal New York.”

The book is written in an unusual format – in the form of a letter. This seems strange, because it has a considerable volume and reminds more the autobiography of the main character than an ordinary letter.

‘City of Girls’ has many explicit scenes, but that does not make it immoral in any way. It has some similarities with Kundera’s novels, but still remains original, distinctive and provocative in its own way.

But I have to admit, I really like Gilbert’s style: laconic, sharp and somewhat ironic. In her hands, even the worst characters turn into heroes with intrigue, whose views on life cannot be condemned. After all, this is New York, baby, everything is allowed here.

As for the characters, they may seem superficial and empty, because in “City of Girls” all the boys are handsome and the girls are alluringly appealing. But in fact, each character in the book is a separate individual. Most of them are equally carefree and playful, light-minded and flippant on the outside and the same on the inside. Do you think this is bad? Not at all.

All of them are ridiculously simple, but therein lies their appeal. After all, the most interesting and unforgettable characters always seem simple and understandable.

Gilbert is not afraid to show the weakness and negative sides of his characters, making them unique and relatable. She proves that every person is good and special. Special in its negative sides and vices.

You don’t have to be perfect just to be human. My rating is 9/10.