Author: Gill Paul
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks
Release Date: 2023
Pages: 383
Source: Netgalley/Publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Synopsis: Bestselling author Gill Paul reveals the history of cosmetic titans Elizabeth Arden and Helena Rubinstein and their infamous rivalry that spanned decades in a world that was changing dramatically for women—perfect for fans of Fiona Davis, Marie Benedict, and Beatriz Williams.
They could have been allies: two self-made millionaires who invented a global industry, in an era when wife and mother were supposed to be the highest goals for their sex. Elizabeth Arden and Helena Rubinstein each founded empires built on grit and determination…and yet they became locked in a feud spanning three continents, two world wars, and the Great Depression.
Brought up in poverty, Canadian-born Elizabeth Arden changed popular opinion, persuading women from all walks of life to buy skincare products that promised them youth and beauty. Helena Rubinstein left her native Poland, and launched her company with scientific claims about her miracle creams made with anti-ageing herbs.
And when it came to business, nothing was off-limits: poaching each other’s employees, copying each other’s products, planting spies, hiring ex-husbands, and one-upping each other every chance they had. This was a rivalry from which there was no surrender! And through it all were two women, bold, brazen, and determined to succeed—no matter the personal cost.
In this sweeping novel from the bestselling author of Jackie and Maria and The Manhattan Girls, two larger-than life fashion icons come alive with all their passion, bitterness, and ambition as they each try to live the American dream.
My Review: Elizabeth Arden and Helena Rubinstein were the queens of the beauty industry. They both built their businesses from the ground-up. In this historical novel, it tells the story of their bitter rivalry. Elizabeth and Helena both created new products vying to best the other. Their fierce competition led to both of their businesses flourishing.
The rivalry between Elizabeth Arden and Helena Rubinstein is pretty famous. It not only inspired books and documentaries but it also inspired a Broadway musical. I was curious to see Ms. Paul’s interpretation of the rivalry. I have to say that both of the women were very unlikable. They were both selfish and ruthless. They were constantly backstabbing the other and trying to ruin each other’s business. They were both obsessed and hated the other. I found their actions to be very appalling. Besides their determination to keep their businesses afloat, they did not have any redeemable qualities. I could not sympathize with them through their difficulties because of their ruthlessness. I stopped caring about what happened to them.
Overall, this book is about ambition, greed, and bitterness. I found this book to be a historical version of Gossip Girl. They had no hesitation to knock the other down in order to be the best in their field. I found all the other characters to be very flat and forgettable. It was hard at times to keep up the supporting characters. There were also a few historical inaccuracies in the novel that were a bit off-putting. The writing was also choppy and disjointed. The story expanded decades and seemed rushed at certain parts. Nevertheless, it was a breezy read and reads like a soap opera! I recommend this book for fans of The It Girls, Shanghai Girls, and The Mitford Affair!
Rating: 2 ½ out of 5 stars
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