Fifth Avenue Glamour Girl by Renee Rosen

 Fifth Avenue Glamour Girl reimagines the story of Estee Lauder. Her story is related through a friend Gloria. Both young women supposedly come from families well off, but lost the fortunes. Both women are forced to forge their own paths. The only difference is that Estee knows clearly what she wants, Gloria doesn’t.

NYC, 1938. We meet Estee when she is already married with a five-year-old son. The women meet at a beauty parlor where Estee rents a space, selling cold creams and lotions. She makes her beauty products at her tiny apartment, which she shares with her family.

The character of Estee comes alive with her stubborn determination, hard work, and hustling to sell her products. She pushes her way up with each step.

As Gloria relates Estee’s story, she also reveals a lot about herself. Thus, big part of the story is about Gloria. Personally, I’d prefer the story to be concentrated on Estee.

The fascinating figure of Helena Rubinstein is interestingly woven into this story.

The story has a brisk pace. The prose and dialogue are entertaining. The characters are flawed and realistic, bringing a dose of glamour, reality, and fun.

Release: 25 April 2023

Source: Berkley Books