Author: Allison Pataki
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Publication Date: March 10, 2026
Pages: 399
Source: Netgalley/Publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Synopsis: At the dawn of the twentieth century, New York’s streets teem with change: electricity, automobiles, the brash young President Teddy Roosevelt—and the It Girls. As artists’ muses and working models, these independent young women soar to stardom not because of their pedigrees or inherited wealth, but because of their talent, charisma, and irresistible beauty. Pop culture is born, and in a world alight with Mr. Edison’s new bulbs, no one shines brighter than America’s sweetheart, Evelyn Talbot.
But the journey to stardom is not simple or straight. While working as a shopgirl, the young Evelyn is recruited as a studio model and soon catches the eye of the preeminent artists of the age. When Broadway comes calling, Evelyn solidifies her status as the first self-made American female celebrity: the iconic Gibson Girl, the most sought-after figure and face of her time. Enter a parade of powerful and power-hungry men, from world-famous architect Stanley Pierce, the visionary behind Manhattan’s mansions and iconic landmarks, to Hal Thorne, the shockingly wealthy railroad heir and premier “playboy” of high society. Each man promises comfort, glamour, security—even love. But fame and fortune are cruel teachers, and Evelyn learns that the only person she can rely on is herself.
When Evelyn finds herself at the center of a murder of passion declared “the Crime of the Century,” she is blamed for the acts of the men in her life. In the media frenzy that spirals around her, Evelyn realizes that to survive, she will have to write her own ending. But can this artists’ muse turned showgirl pull off the greatest act of her life?
It Girl is a breathtaking ride inspired by a singular artist and icon who captured the collective imagination of American society. Allison Pataki has crafted yet another unforgettable leading lady, a heroine who must find the power to change not only the world around her but her own destiny.
My Review: It Girl is a novel based loosely on the life of the Gibson Girl, Evelyn Nesbit. After the death of her father, Evelyn Talbot is forced to quit school and become a shopgirl to support her mother and brother. One day, an artist notices her and asks to paint her. Soon, Evelyn becomes the model for painters. She even becomes a Gibson Girl. It is not long that Evelyn becomes a chorus girl on Broadway. However, Evelyn soon becomes involved in a list of scandals, including one that ends up in murder.
I found Evelyn to be a hard character to like. She was very naive throughout most of the novel. Her naivety is what leads her into dangerous situations. Evelyn was also greedy and ambitious. She loved the life of luxury. She would choose a wealthy lifestyle over true love. Even though I found her hard to like, I could not help but feel very sorry for her. Evelyn makes many bad choices. Each of the choices she makes continues to break her. I felt very sorry for her that her mother was not sympathetic to her plight and would later on betray her. She did not have a caring mother, but a selfish and vain one. Therefore, Evelyn was always searching for happiness, but she couldn’t find it. It is not until the very end that Evelyn finds her own agency. When she does, I start to like her more.
Overall, this novel is about ambition, illusions, and freedom. The characters seemed very realistic and complex. There were many characters that I did not like, but I found them to be well-developed enough for me to have some type of feeling for them, whether the feeling is of loathing or sympathy. I thought this novel was very well-written and meticulously researched. It did an excellent job in showing a dark facade behind the glitzy parties and the rich lifestyle. There were many parts of the book that I found were very disturbing and cringeworthy. There were times I almost did not want to finish it because of the unsettling and troubling scenes. Nevertheless, I managed to push through it by reading it a little at a time and reading other books that were not as unpleasant. Nevertheless, I am glad that I pulled through and finished because the payoff was worth it! It Girl could be a very uncomfortable read, but it is still worthwhile! I recommend this book for fans of Marie Benedict, Denny S. Bryce, and Michelle Moran!
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
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