My Book Group’s choice this month was the classic Valley of the Dolls* by Jacqueline Susann, published in 1966. A very different proposition to Switch Bitch. I remember seeing this book on the top shelf of my parents’ bookcase when I was a child, although the cover indicated it was not for children! I was so pleased to read it though, as I’ve always been curious.
Valley of the Dolls
The novel tells the story of three women in Hollywood: Anne (a model), Neely (a singer), and Jennifer (an actress). About how they rose to fame and the toll that the decades-long journey took on each one of them and their friendship. The Dolls of the title refer to the pills (uppers, downers, weight loss) that were freely available but I think it could equally refer to the three heroines too. Hollywood played with them and when they didn’t fit in with what was required (or what they thought was required), they were discarded like used toys.
Apparently Jennifer was based on Marilyn Monroe, and Neely on Judy Garland. Anne wasn’t based on anyone in particular and most of the novel is seen from her perspective. With a couple of exceptions (Henry and, possibly, Win), none of the men are especially attractive characters and it’s hard to see why the women loved any of them.
Valley of the Dolls is a feminist novel, with some graphic descriptions of drug taking, sex, and strong hints of organised crime. There’s also a suggestion that the hormone injections one of the women undertook to maintain her full breasts were responsible for her breast cancer. So although parts of book read like a Hollywood gossip column (the scene with the wig was hilarious), Susann certainly didn’t shy away from exposing its darker underbelly. You get a very clear sense of her anger, frustration, and outrage at the way her heroines were treated.
Is Valley of the Dolls still relevant today?
We read the book just as the news about Harvey Weinstein was breaking so, yes, I’d say the themes are still very relevant today. The casting couch, and the pressures wannabe actresses/models/singers are under, are all things that I don’t imagine will ever go away. What’s different nowadays though is that more women seem to feel able to come forward and denounce it. I think Susann would be pleased.
Film vs. book
Hollywood made a film of the book in 1967*, starring Barbara Parkins (Anne), Patty Duke (Neely), and Sharon Tate (Jennifer). I haven’t seen the film and it’s not one I plan to track down. According to Wikipedia, the ending is quite different to the book, and very out of keeping with one of the heroine’s established characters. Perhaps Hollywood didn’t want to acknowledge the price women had to pay to shine, however briefly, in its bubble.
Would I recommend it?
I’m not sure what I was expecting and I don’t really know what I think about the book. The only character I felt any empathy for was Jennifer. She had no illusions about her talents, and was unremittingly loyal to her friends and family. Anne and Neely were both manipulators in their separate ways and, I think, maybe deserved what happened to them. But then again, perhaps I’m being too harsh? All the women were all operating in a male-dominated world so they reacted according to the hands they were dealt.
Have you read Valley of the Dolls, or either of Susann’s other two books? What did you think?
* This post features some affiliate links (please see my disclaimer).
Hi, this sounds like an interesting read, even though it is from 50 years ago you can see how it can still relate to today. I think I may have to give this book a try.
Yes, it is an interesting read, even though I’m not sure how I feel about it now. I think it’s so relevant today though, which is a little depressing, but it’s definitely a worthwhile read.
Sounds like an interesting books. I had never heard of the book nor the movie. I might give it a go xx corinne
It is an interesting book – I’m tempted to track down her other two, “The Love Machine” and “Once is Not Enough” – even though the titles are slightly off putting, haha xx
I’ve never heard of this book but just reading your description and I completely agree that this book is so relevent for the world of today! It’s going straight on my to buy list now and can’t wait to read. I’m really intrigued to see if I will feel familiar to your opinion or not but I am intrigued.
I’m so pleased you’re curious and that it’s going on to your TBR pile 🙂 Do let me know what you think once you’ve read it! X
This is a really interesting review! I’m going to add it to my TBR list and see what I think!
That’s great to hear, I’ll be really interested to hear what you think of it, please let me know!
Ah sounds really interesting – always like it when they become more relevant as time goes on. I’ll have to give it a read!
In one way I think it’s quite sad that the themes are still relevant today but I suppose it’s the mark of a true classic! Do let me know what you think if you do read it though 🙂
That’s so funny, I remember seeing a version of this on my mum’s bookshelf as a child. I was always really attracted to the bright pink cover, but I still haven’t read it. I really need to, this sounds like something I’d definitely enjoy. I didn’t realise Sharon Tate was in the film of this; pretty sad when you realise how she was a victim of fame/Hollywood too 🙁
Thanks for sharing this review; I’m going to ask my mum if she still has her copy!
Beth x
Haha, I think most people’s parents had this one on their bookshelves. Yes, it’s really very sad about Sharon Tate (she’s the only actress I’d heard of). Do let me know what you think if your mum still has her copy – I’m feeling a little guilty now, I may have passed too harsh a judgement on Anne and Neely! X
Probably not a book I would pick up myself (I find it really difficult reading older books, I just can’t get my head around the language and never know how to imagine things) but this sounds really interesting and a proper “book club” read. I love the feminist aspect you mentions and I bet it has a LOT of quite serious points in terms of women, women in Hollywood and the appearance aspect of women in the media. Great post Lisa! xxx
Thank you! Funnily enough, it’s not our normal book group fare either. But this year we decided to choose books that were published in the year we were born so this is why we’ve been going for some long-published novels. But I’d always been curious about this book so I’m glad I’ve finally read it. I don’t think very much has changed for women since 1966 in terms of the casting couch and appearances so it’s still a valid read today X
Before I say anything else, I absolutely love your Halloween themed header – so, so cool! ? I’ve never read the book before, but it sounds like something I would love! I always really get into books that talk about taboo subjects openly, so I may just check it out.. ?
Oh, thank you!!! I had the header designed for me originally but I managed to Halloween-ize it myself (I must be a blogger, I’m making words up now, haha). I do think it’s a worthwhile read, I’m glad I’ve ticked it off my TBR pile. Let me know what you think if you do read it 🙂
I have never read this book but I’ve heard a lot about it! I’m quite tempted now to give it a read!
I’d heard so much about it beforehand too. It’s not a comfortable read but it’s well worth it. Let me know what you think if you do read it!
Ooo I’ve never heard of this book before! Book reviews are always helpful. I’m not sure this one would be to my taste but I’m sure it would be really interesting to others!
Ellie x
I like reading other people’s book reviews too, I find them very useful when deciding whether or not to buy a book. I’m glad my review helped you, even if you decided it’s not for you! X
Years ago I bought this book, but I still haven’t read it. I would like to read it at some point because it continually circles back and I hear about this book. Great review!
Jennifer | Mrs Q Beauty
Thank you so much! It’s not a very easy or comfortable read, but I think the themes are still so relevant today and it’s such a cult classic. Hopefully I’ve convinced you to read it at some point then! Do let me know what you think if you do 🙂
This sounds really interesting, I haven’t heard of the book or film before! xo
Hanney
It was the book cover that intrigued me from the very beginning (I have the original Corgi print) and I’m really glad I’ve read it now. Not an easy read but well worth it! x
I haven’t read this but I will definitely put it on my to read list of feminist titles. Honestly I’ve got so many books to get through I’m never going to run out, which I suppose is a good thing really!
It’s well worth a read, really it is. Don’t talk to me about TBR piles, I’ve got at least four, with books that were given to me last Christmas!!! x
ohh this sounds so interesting, I haven’t heard of either of them, however, I really want to watch the film! xox
I’d recommend the book first, apparently the film took liberties with the ending, which annoyed the author. But if you do watch it, let me know what you think! X