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Dollface
America in the 1920s was a country alive with the wild fun of jazz, speakeasies, and a new kind of woman—the flapper.
Vera Abramowitz is determined to leave her gritty childhood behind and live a more exciting life, one that her mother never dreamed of. Bobbing her hair and showing her knees, the lipsticked beauty dazzles, doing the Charleston in nightclubs and earning the nickname “Dollface.”
As the ultimate flapper, Vera captures the attention of two high rollers, a handsome nightclub owner and a sexy gambler. On their arms, she gains entrée into a world filled with bootleg bourbon, wailing jazz, and money to burn. She thinks her biggest problem is choosing between them until the truth comes out. Her two lovers are really mobsters from rival gangs during Chicago’s infamous Beer Wars, a battle Al Capone refuses to lose.
The heady life she’s living is an illusion resting on a bedrock of crime and violence unlike anything the country has ever seen before. When the good times come to an end, Vera becomes entangled in everything from bootlegging to murder. And as men from both gangs fall around her, Vera must put together the pieces of her shattered life, as Chicago hurtles toward one of the most infamous days in its history, the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre.
Vera Abramowitz is determined to leave her gritty childhood behind and live a more exciting life, one that her mother never dreamed of. Bobbing her hair and showing her knees, the lipsticked beauty dazzles, doing the Charleston in nightclubs and earning the nickname “Dollface.”
As the ultimate flapper, Vera captures the attention of two high rollers, a handsome nightclub owner and a sexy gambler. On their arms, she gains entrée into a world filled with bootleg bourbon, wailing jazz, and money to burn. She thinks her biggest problem is choosing between them until the truth comes out. Her two lovers are really mobsters from rival gangs during Chicago’s infamous Beer Wars, a battle Al Capone refuses to lose.
The heady life she’s living is an illusion resting on a bedrock of crime and violence unlike anything the country has ever seen before. When the good times come to an end, Vera becomes entangled in everything from bootlegging to murder. And as men from both gangs fall around her, Vera must put together the pieces of her shattered life, as Chicago hurtles toward one of the most infamous days in its history, the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre.
416 pages, Paperback
First published November 5, 2013
301 people are currently reading
7464 people want to read
About the author
Renée Rosen
10 books2,201 followersRenee is the USA Today bestselling author of 8 historical fiction including: FIFTH AVENUE GLAMOUR GIRL and THE SOCIAL GRACES,
Her new novel, LET'S CALL HER BARBIE, about the Barbie doll creators Ruth Handler and Jack Ryan will be published January 21,2025 by Penguin Random House / Berkley.
Most people discover their love of reading first and then decide to try writing. For Renee Rosen, it was just the opposite. From the time she was a little girl she knew she wanted to be a writer and by age seventeen had completed her first novel, with what she admits was the worst opening line of all time. Her hopes of being the youngest published author on record were soon dashed when her “masterpiece” was repeatedly rejected. Several years and many attempts later, Renee finally became a reader first.
Since then she has been fortunate enough to study the craft of writing from such esteemed novelists as Michael Cunningham, Susan Minot and Carol Anshaw.
Renee now lives in Chicago where she is working on a new novel. You can find her online at https://www.facebook.com/ReneeRosenAu..., https://twitter.com/ReneeRosen1 or visit her website at www.reneerosen.com
Praise for DOLLFACE
"DOLLFACE is as intoxicating as the forbidden liquor at the heart of it. Rosen's Chicago gangsters are vividly rendered, and the gun molls stir up at least as much trouble as their infamous men. Fans of Boardwalk Empire will love DOLLFACE. I know I did." Sara Gruen, New York Times bestselling author of WATER FOR ELEPHANTS
Advanced Praise for WHAT THE LADY WANTS (coming November 4, 2014)
"WHAT THE LADY WANTS is as fun and addictive and Chicago-licious as a box of Marshall Field's Frango Mints. And, sadly, you'll finish it almost as fast. A delight.” Rebecca Makkai, author of The Borrower and The Hundred Year House
Awards for EVERY CROOKED POT
2010 Popular Book for Young Adults by YALSA
2007 Booklist Editor’s Pick
Starred Reviews from Booklist and School Library Journal
Her new novel, LET'S CALL HER BARBIE, about the Barbie doll creators Ruth Handler and Jack Ryan will be published January 21,2025 by Penguin Random House / Berkley.
Most people discover their love of reading first and then decide to try writing. For Renee Rosen, it was just the opposite. From the time she was a little girl she knew she wanted to be a writer and by age seventeen had completed her first novel, with what she admits was the worst opening line of all time. Her hopes of being the youngest published author on record were soon dashed when her “masterpiece” was repeatedly rejected. Several years and many attempts later, Renee finally became a reader first.
Since then she has been fortunate enough to study the craft of writing from such esteemed novelists as Michael Cunningham, Susan Minot and Carol Anshaw.
Renee now lives in Chicago where she is working on a new novel. You can find her online at https://www.facebook.com/ReneeRosenAu..., https://twitter.com/ReneeRosen1 or visit her website at www.reneerosen.com
Praise for DOLLFACE
"DOLLFACE is as intoxicating as the forbidden liquor at the heart of it. Rosen's Chicago gangsters are vividly rendered, and the gun molls stir up at least as much trouble as their infamous men. Fans of Boardwalk Empire will love DOLLFACE. I know I did." Sara Gruen, New York Times bestselling author of WATER FOR ELEPHANTS
Advanced Praise for WHAT THE LADY WANTS (coming November 4, 2014)
"WHAT THE LADY WANTS is as fun and addictive and Chicago-licious as a box of Marshall Field's Frango Mints. And, sadly, you'll finish it almost as fast. A delight.” Rebecca Makkai, author of The Borrower and The Hundred Year House
Awards for EVERY CROOKED POT
2010 Popular Book for Young Adults by YALSA
2007 Booklist Editor’s Pick
Starred Reviews from Booklist and School Library Journal
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 440 reviews
October 29, 2013
I LOATHE love triangles.
I LOOOVE period pieces.
I LOATHE dependent female leads.
I LOOOVE mobster movies.
So it all kind of evened out in the end for me.
Vera was someone I strongly disliked when she was dependent on others. It wasn't until she was on her own that I started to like her. I really liked the sisterly bond with the other women that still carried the realistic vision that sometimes we just can't stand each other but that's not going to stop us from protecting our circle.
I loved the gritty parts and all the historical minute details thrown in. I can tell a significant amount of research was used.
And I love that someone like Capone was included so discreetly. He seems to be a major character without being a major character without completely destroying any sort of historical correctness. (If that makes sense.)
Makes me want to read more roaring twenties novels and watch some more gangster movies.
*I received this copy through Goodreads First Reads.
I LOOOVE period pieces.
I LOATHE dependent female leads.
I LOOOVE mobster movies.
So it all kind of evened out in the end for me.
Vera was someone I strongly disliked when she was dependent on others. It wasn't until she was on her own that I started to like her. I really liked the sisterly bond with the other women that still carried the realistic vision that sometimes we just can't stand each other but that's not going to stop us from protecting our circle.
I loved the gritty parts and all the historical minute details thrown in. I can tell a significant amount of research was used.
And I love that someone like Capone was included so discreetly. He seems to be a major character without being a major character without completely destroying any sort of historical correctness. (If that makes sense.)
Makes me want to read more roaring twenties novels and watch some more gangster movies.
*I received this copy through Goodreads First Reads.
November 12, 2016
Determined to get out of the stress and poverty she saw her parents face growing up, Vera Abramowitz gets caught up in a whirlwind of jazz, jewels and seemingly easy living. It isn't until she's knocked up and begins seeing the people around her die that she opens her eyes to the fact that her honey is a mobster and the glitz and glamour comes at a great cost.
I really wanted to love this book but I struggled with it. I loved that the author did her homework and incorporated real history into her fictional story but for me it just read like Boardwalk Empire-lite. I found it very predictable which made it super difficult for me to maintain my interest. Those who love historical fiction that leans toward the romantic side will probably enjoy this one more then I did.
I really wanted to love this book but I struggled with it. I loved that the author did her homework and incorporated real history into her fictional story but for me it just read like Boardwalk Empire-lite. I found it very predictable which made it super difficult for me to maintain my interest. Those who love historical fiction that leans toward the romantic side will probably enjoy this one more then I did.
May 14, 2019
So delightfully trashy. :D I'm not really sure how this made it into major-name trade paperback; it's adult, yes, but only slightly moreso than Anna Godbersen's flapper trilogy, & there's a lot of melodramatic WTF that many authors & publishers shy away from these days.
Herein we've got Vera & Evelyn, two nice girls who've decided to become flappers. As the book opens, Vera meets a Capone thug, Tony, & Evelyn takes up with Izzy, a woman-bashing creeper who works for Shep, a high-ranking bootlegger in Capone's rival gang. In an unrelated incident, Vera also meets Shep himself, & unwisely latches onto both him & Tony (though, to her credit, she didn't realize the danger until later) before deciding to marry Shep for security. But she keeps banging Tony on the side, since Shep's sexxing is inadequate to her hormones. Classy. :D
Anyway, between Vera & Evelyn (plus Dora & Basha, two other molls), we have flapperly shenanigans like attempted abortion, crashed parties, adultery, domestic violence, rum-running, prison sentences, tommy guns, funerals, catfights, meat-packing plants, bloodspray, fingers cut off, posh clothes, speakeasys, & seedy dealers. Someone gets hacked up with a cleaver & someone else is murdered by the Black Hand. We meet characters named Knuckles, Squeak, & Mrs Squeak. We get cameos from Pickford, Chaplin, & Capone -- all the good stuff you'd expect in a prohibition potboiler.
Basically, it's a soap on paper.
I don't say that to criticize. I *like* soapy historicals. I actively seek them out, because screw those unintelligible Booker nominees. *shrug* Beauteous, dense verbiage is a nice bonus when married to an addictive plot (example: THE OTHER TYPIST), but ultimately I'm looking for clean, competent prose that engages me in the incidents, invests me in the characters, & keeps the story rolling...which DOLLFACE does, warts & all.
4 stars overall & good fun for those who enjoy some WTF trashiness coloring their history. I also like the author's willingness to make Vera a bitchy heroine; she narrates first-person, & her Bad Life Choices aren't glossed over.
Herein we've got Vera & Evelyn, two nice girls who've decided to become flappers. As the book opens, Vera meets a Capone thug, Tony, & Evelyn takes up with Izzy, a woman-bashing creeper who works for Shep, a high-ranking bootlegger in Capone's rival gang. In an unrelated incident, Vera also meets Shep himself, & unwisely latches onto both him & Tony (though, to her credit, she didn't realize the danger until later) before deciding to marry Shep for security. But she keeps banging Tony on the side, since Shep's sexxing is inadequate to her hormones. Classy. :D
Anyway, between Vera & Evelyn (plus Dora & Basha, two other molls), we have flapperly shenanigans like attempted abortion, crashed parties, adultery, domestic violence, rum-running, prison sentences, tommy guns, funerals, catfights, meat-packing plants, bloodspray, fingers cut off, posh clothes, speakeasys, & seedy dealers. Someone gets hacked up with a cleaver & someone else is murdered by the Black Hand. We meet characters named Knuckles, Squeak, & Mrs Squeak. We get cameos from Pickford, Chaplin, & Capone -- all the good stuff you'd expect in a prohibition potboiler.
Basically, it's a soap on paper.
I don't say that to criticize. I *like* soapy historicals. I actively seek them out, because screw those unintelligible Booker nominees. *shrug* Beauteous, dense verbiage is a nice bonus when married to an addictive plot (example: THE OTHER TYPIST), but ultimately I'm looking for clean, competent prose that engages me in the incidents, invests me in the characters, & keeps the story rolling...which DOLLFACE does, warts & all.
4 stars overall & good fun for those who enjoy some WTF trashiness coloring their history. I also like the author's willingness to make Vera a bitchy heroine; she narrates first-person, & her Bad Life Choices aren't glossed over.
July 26, 2022
Re-read for 2022 challenge...cause we are are talking 8 years ago here, and I wanted to see if my 3 1/2 stars sticks. Yup it did, but I admit I got into the Era I dont care for a bit more.
Setting: 1920s Chicago
Steam Factor: Mild
3 1/2 Stars
At 18 spunky Vera Abramowitz leaves her comfortable home and sets out on her own.
By day she is a typist, but when the sun sets she drinks and dances the night away and lives life to the fullest.
Vera is unaware that there is a war brewing between Al Capone's South Side gang and Dion O'Banion's North Side mobsters over the city's booze trade.
After Shep Green rescues Vera during a raid one night, he shows her a life beyond her wildest dreams.
Vera soon becomes friends with two gangster's molls, but when encounters Tony Liolli one of Capone's boy's Vera becomes hopelessly drawn to him.
Big mistake...as Vera knows Tony isn't the kind of guy to settle down, and when their affair leads to her getting pregnant she quickly marries Shep Green.
Could Vera's choices get any worse? Oh indeed...
Vera is now trapped in the world of the mob, and drawn into covering a murder and also risking her life when finally everything comes crashing down on Valentines Day.
The author does a great job of blowing open the doors of Prohibition-era of Chicago, with music, dancing and of course the famous bobbed-haired flappers.
Add to that.. your bootlegging guns and raids and those bad ol' boys mama doesn't want you messing with.
The story is told in the first person prose, and Vera tells her tale of a nice girl caught up in the "Beer Wars" and grows up to be quite the formidable woman.
I have to say this is not one of my favorite time periods. I dont know why, it just doesn't grab me as my historical/fiction/romances do.
But I wanted to try something different and glad I did, as it did have the right balance of historical detail, drama, romance and kept me into her story, but at other times not enough "meat" in the story/plot that I was expecting.
But over all a good read if you like this Era.
Setting: 1920s Chicago
Steam Factor: Mild
3 1/2 Stars
At 18 spunky Vera Abramowitz leaves her comfortable home and sets out on her own.
By day she is a typist, but when the sun sets she drinks and dances the night away and lives life to the fullest.
Vera is unaware that there is a war brewing between Al Capone's South Side gang and Dion O'Banion's North Side mobsters over the city's booze trade.
After Shep Green rescues Vera during a raid one night, he shows her a life beyond her wildest dreams.
Vera soon becomes friends with two gangster's molls, but when encounters Tony Liolli one of Capone's boy's Vera becomes hopelessly drawn to him.
Big mistake...as Vera knows Tony isn't the kind of guy to settle down, and when their affair leads to her getting pregnant she quickly marries Shep Green.
Could Vera's choices get any worse? Oh indeed...
Vera is now trapped in the world of the mob, and drawn into covering a murder and also risking her life when finally everything comes crashing down on Valentines Day.
The author does a great job of blowing open the doors of Prohibition-era of Chicago, with music, dancing and of course the famous bobbed-haired flappers.
Add to that.. your bootlegging guns and raids and those bad ol' boys mama doesn't want you messing with.
The story is told in the first person prose, and Vera tells her tale of a nice girl caught up in the "Beer Wars" and grows up to be quite the formidable woman.
I have to say this is not one of my favorite time periods. I dont know why, it just doesn't grab me as my historical/fiction/romances do.
But I wanted to try something different and glad I did, as it did have the right balance of historical detail, drama, romance and kept me into her story, but at other times not enough "meat" in the story/plot that I was expecting.
But over all a good read if you like this Era.
December 8, 2013
I wanted to like this book more than I did. I like historical fiction, and the 1920s is one of my favorite periods of history, filled as it is with the fascinating psychological fallout of a world reeling from the shock of a global bloodbath and the exponential growth and change that accompanied widespread industrialization. Plus I picked it up after wandering completely by chance into a bookshop during an author meet-and-greet, and the author was quite smart and very gracious when we chatted.
And her book isn't awful, by any means - the author's voice and research are both solid, and the story hook (a flapper inadvertently finding herself involved with two men on opposite sides of Chicago's infamous gangs) not without promise. It does suffer from a strong case of "tell don't show", but that's the kind of thing that a strong enough story can overcome, and it's at least moderately excusable in a first novel.
Unfortunately, the characterization is so poor that it completely ruined the story for me. They're constructed whole cloth from gangster tropes - again, not necessarily a fatal flaw, but they're not fleshed out enough to be particularly likable or interesting, so we have no reason to root for them. The main character gets at least a little more backstory and motivation, but (and this is what really made me want to throw the book against the wall) she spends nearly the entire book worrying about herself/her family/her daughter/her husband/her lover while simultaneously doing absolutely nothing to change any of it. Even in the couple of instances where she takes some kind of action, she invariably gets in over her head and has to be rescued (by her husband or by her mother). My personal frustrations with the cultural default for women being the passive role aside, it frankly makes for a very boring character. Plus it means almost all of the possibilities as regards to period detail are lost, since she's so wrapped up in whining about her helplessness and the results of her decisions that she barely interacts with the world around her other than superficially.
I feel a little bad writing this review - I know what an accomplishment it is to get a book published, especially for a newbie author, and how negative word of mouth can ultimately stunt a career. But I strongly suspect that this one should have remained a trunk novel.
And her book isn't awful, by any means - the author's voice and research are both solid, and the story hook (a flapper inadvertently finding herself involved with two men on opposite sides of Chicago's infamous gangs) not without promise. It does suffer from a strong case of "tell don't show", but that's the kind of thing that a strong enough story can overcome, and it's at least moderately excusable in a first novel.
Unfortunately, the characterization is so poor that it completely ruined the story for me. They're constructed whole cloth from gangster tropes - again, not necessarily a fatal flaw, but they're not fleshed out enough to be particularly likable or interesting, so we have no reason to root for them. The main character gets at least a little more backstory and motivation, but (and this is what really made me want to throw the book against the wall) she spends nearly the entire book worrying about herself/her family/her daughter/her husband/her lover while simultaneously doing absolutely nothing to change any of it. Even in the couple of instances where she takes some kind of action, she invariably gets in over her head and has to be rescued (by her husband or by her mother). My personal frustrations with the cultural default for women being the passive role aside, it frankly makes for a very boring character. Plus it means almost all of the possibilities as regards to period detail are lost, since she's so wrapped up in whining about her helplessness and the results of her decisions that she barely interacts with the world around her other than superficially.
I feel a little bad writing this review - I know what an accomplishment it is to get a book published, especially for a newbie author, and how negative word of mouth can ultimately stunt a career. But I strongly suspect that this one should have remained a trunk novel.
May 16, 2018
I'm so torn on the number of stars to give this book. I went back and forth in my mind between 4 and 5 stars, but I'm going to go with a 4.
I really surprised myself with how much I enjoyed this book. I know that sounds funny because shouldn't we always choose books we think we're going to love? I do really try to do just that but for whatever reason I passed over reading this book several times because the cover made me nervous. I thought it was going to chiefly be a romance novel. Now, before anyone wonders I have read my fair share of romance novels and generally enjoy them, but I have to be in the right mood. When I picked this one up I was not looking for that. In fact, I was having great difficulty deciding on which of my books to read next so I settled it the way I sometimes have to and let my Siri pick for me. (although I changed it to a man's voice and made him learn to respond to the name "Kevin". Hehehe) So anyway, I let Kevin pick a random number and matched it to my Goodreads to-read list and voila, this was the book that was chosen.
So back to the book--
There was a bit of a romance novel aspect in this book but it was far more complex than that. I would actually say it's well written Historical Fiction with a side of believable romance thrown in. I loved the Chicago 1920s setting and loved that the author filled the dialogue with great flapper-era slang. I laughed every time someone called one of the ladies "toots". We certainly wouldn't put up with that now would we? I even --surprisingly-- didn't mind that the author (maybe not purposely) wrote the main female character as a stupid girl. She was so naïve and too dumb for her own good but it seemed to work in the context of the story so I overlooked it.
I've never read this author before but I'll certainly keep my eyes open for her books in the future.
4*/3.70
I really surprised myself with how much I enjoyed this book. I know that sounds funny because shouldn't we always choose books we think we're going to love? I do really try to do just that but for whatever reason I passed over reading this book several times because the cover made me nervous. I thought it was going to chiefly be a romance novel. Now, before anyone wonders I have read my fair share of romance novels and generally enjoy them, but I have to be in the right mood. When I picked this one up I was not looking for that. In fact, I was having great difficulty deciding on which of my books to read next so I settled it the way I sometimes have to and let my Siri pick for me. (although I changed it to a man's voice and made him learn to respond to the name "Kevin". Hehehe) So anyway, I let Kevin pick a random number and matched it to my Goodreads to-read list and voila, this was the book that was chosen.
So back to the book--
There was a bit of a romance novel aspect in this book but it was far more complex than that. I would actually say it's well written Historical Fiction with a side of believable romance thrown in. I loved the Chicago 1920s setting and loved that the author filled the dialogue with great flapper-era slang. I laughed every time someone called one of the ladies "toots". We certainly wouldn't put up with that now would we? I even --surprisingly-- didn't mind that the author (maybe not purposely) wrote the main female character as a stupid girl. She was so naïve and too dumb for her own good but it seemed to work in the context of the story so I overlooked it.
I've never read this author before but I'll certainly keep my eyes open for her books in the future.
4*/3.70
December 2, 2013
I loved this book. I really love the 1920's so maybe that's why. It had strong female leads which I liked. This book also has romance and a little gangster violence. Overall it's a great read.
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
November 5, 2013
It's the Roaring 20's.
Prohibition, speakeasies, gangsters, the rich and the poor. DOLLFACE portrays the life of those living in Chicago during this time. No one was exempt from what was going on.
Vera Abramowitz worked in the typing pool of an insurance firm and also as a telephone operator to make ends meet, and she still made next to nothing. She didn't want to do this for her entire life and then met Shep Green, a gangster. She also met Tony Liolli who also was a gangster. She began dating both men, even though she knew she was playing with fire by dating both of them at the same time.
Despite the danger she was putting herself in, she couldn't help herself. Tony was fun, Shep had power, and she didn't want to turn out like her mother....poor and still working in the slaughterhouse. Then something happened and she found out who the "real" man was and who the "real" slacker was.
DOLLFACE is written in an easy style that grabs you as you want to learn more about this time period. The characters are definitely authentic, and the activity at that time appears to be right on.
You will love following Vera from rags to riches and then through a rough time, but Vera was tough. You will be shocked at what she does as a woman in the 1920's as well as bite your fingernails as you see what risky things she gets herself into. Vera carries this fabulous story along even though it is difficult to like her or to agree with what she does.
I really enjoyed DOLLFACE. The reality of events was terrific. The author captured the perfect picture of this time period and did excellent research.
You will want to read this book if you are a fan of historical fiction and more specifically the 1920's. It was a great read. 5/5
This book was given to me free of charge and without compensation by the publisher in return for an honest review.
Prohibition, speakeasies, gangsters, the rich and the poor. DOLLFACE portrays the life of those living in Chicago during this time. No one was exempt from what was going on.
Vera Abramowitz worked in the typing pool of an insurance firm and also as a telephone operator to make ends meet, and she still made next to nothing. She didn't want to do this for her entire life and then met Shep Green, a gangster. She also met Tony Liolli who also was a gangster. She began dating both men, even though she knew she was playing with fire by dating both of them at the same time.
Despite the danger she was putting herself in, she couldn't help herself. Tony was fun, Shep had power, and she didn't want to turn out like her mother....poor and still working in the slaughterhouse. Then something happened and she found out who the "real" man was and who the "real" slacker was.
DOLLFACE is written in an easy style that grabs you as you want to learn more about this time period. The characters are definitely authentic, and the activity at that time appears to be right on.
You will love following Vera from rags to riches and then through a rough time, but Vera was tough. You will be shocked at what she does as a woman in the 1920's as well as bite your fingernails as you see what risky things she gets herself into. Vera carries this fabulous story along even though it is difficult to like her or to agree with what she does.
I really enjoyed DOLLFACE. The reality of events was terrific. The author captured the perfect picture of this time period and did excellent research.
You will want to read this book if you are a fan of historical fiction and more specifically the 1920's. It was a great read. 5/5
This book was given to me free of charge and without compensation by the publisher in return for an honest review.
May 15, 2016
Once again, I let a pretty cover sucker me in.
This book just didn't work for me on any level. It somewhat reminded me of a chocolate Easter bunny: it looks delicious and filling on the outside, but once you bite into it, you find out it's hollow.
The characterization was flat and relied on cliches and tropes, and the writing went from flat to melodramatic and back again. It never really felt like I was reading a book set in 1920's Prohibition Era Chicago, despite the presence of flappers, gangsters, and bootleggers.
I found the main character to be extremely insufferable. I couldn't bring myself to care about what happened to her or any of the other characters, because I could not connect to any of the characters. The main character made bad choice after bad choice and never really seemed to learn much from her mistakes.
I could go on, but I'm not going to.
This book just didn't work for me on any level. It somewhat reminded me of a chocolate Easter bunny: it looks delicious and filling on the outside, but once you bite into it, you find out it's hollow.
The characterization was flat and relied on cliches and tropes, and the writing went from flat to melodramatic and back again. It never really felt like I was reading a book set in 1920's Prohibition Era Chicago, despite the presence of flappers, gangsters, and bootleggers.
I found the main character to be extremely insufferable. I couldn't bring myself to care about what happened to her or any of the other characters, because I could not connect to any of the characters. The main character made bad choice after bad choice and never really seemed to learn much from her mistakes.
I could go on, but I'm not going to.
March 15, 2024
3.5 stars rounded up.
Historical fiction about the prohibition/ gangster era in Chicago.
Young Vera is determined to live life on her terms. She wants to drink, smoke, party, and enjoy the “flapper” life. She becomes involved with two different men, but they have one thing in common besides her: they are both gangsters, but in rival gangs. As the Beer Wars in Chicago heat up, the Northside and Southside gangs (the Southside gang being run by Al Capone) fight it out on the streets with Tommy guns,
Vera finds herself in precarious situations, both physically, financially, and emotionally.
Vera is a somewhat interesting character, but I found that I didn’t like her much. The “torn between two lovers“ storyline got old and was times a bit ridiculous. I mean, who has such little self-control, self-respect, or sense of self preservation to carry on affairs with two merciless rival gang members. Vera was so smart in many other aspects of her life, but was really dumb when it came to her relationships with Shep and Tony.
The story itself is quite good in that you really get a sense of what that era was like. The author does a good job of immersing the reader in the time you get to see what the seamier side of prohibition was like. Overall, this is a good book if you get past Vera‘s flaws.
Historical fiction about the prohibition/ gangster era in Chicago.
Young Vera is determined to live life on her terms. She wants to drink, smoke, party, and enjoy the “flapper” life. She becomes involved with two different men, but they have one thing in common besides her: they are both gangsters, but in rival gangs. As the Beer Wars in Chicago heat up, the Northside and Southside gangs (the Southside gang being run by Al Capone) fight it out on the streets with Tommy guns,
Vera finds herself in precarious situations, both physically, financially, and emotionally.
Vera is a somewhat interesting character, but I found that I didn’t like her much. The “torn between two lovers“ storyline got old and was times a bit ridiculous. I mean, who has such little self-control, self-respect, or sense of self preservation to carry on affairs with two merciless rival gang members. Vera was so smart in many other aspects of her life, but was really dumb when it came to her relationships with Shep and Tony.
The story itself is quite good in that you really get a sense of what that era was like. The author does a good job of immersing the reader in the time you get to see what the seamier side of prohibition was like. Overall, this is a good book if you get past Vera‘s flaws.
November 7, 2013
“Dollface” was the name frequently given to girlfriends of mobsters during the “Flapper” years of the Roaring Twenties. To be so labeled was an honor, indicating the woman was highly protected and fawned on, but at a very great cost. Vera Abramowitz appears initially as a girl who thought she was escaping a world of drudgery by fleeing to Chicago. Her father had been killed by the Black Hand Gang and she wanted nothing of that life or of the meat packing plant her mother was now running, an amazing feat in itself in this era when women were only just starting to work in offices and factories but certainly not in management. Vera doesn’t quite see it that way and is barely making her meager bills with her typist’s salary. But two men are about to change Vera’s entire world and introduce her to the world of flashy living, guns, mobster hits, illegal booze running, and more toughness than any sane woman would ever want!
Tony, an Al Capone hood, first dazzles Vera with his fancy lifestyle to which he introduces her. Their world is filled with unbelievable passion but without commitment and the latter is the only part that leaves Vera feeling somewhat unsure of the future. Still she hangs on as her life has become somewhat easier since Tony treats her well with occasional gifts and even money. All of this changes when she meets a man named Shep Green, who owns a nightclub and is deeply involved with Capone’s rival gang, the North Side Gang. Tony knows Vera is attracted to Shep, but Shep knows nothing of his serious rival. It is Shep to whom Vera pivots because he actually shows that he really cares about her, a novelty for this love-starved gal who is so dazzled with the luxurious lifestyle around her new friends. Questions arise, though, that are extremely disquieting at times but which Vera shoves away in denial, literally questions of life and death!
Hints are dropped by Shep’s friends that seem to indicate shady business deals and rivalries that wind up in “hits.” These increase in frequency throughout the novel as vengeance and fury rule the day with the grief of losing each member. Vera is lost in her new home and eventually a gorgeous baby girl after a very quick wedding to Shep, but her denial phase is about to end with a bang when more murders occur and Shep seems slated to go to jail. Her fortunes, it seems, are as fickle as fate since they rely on something that is totally falling apart at the seams.
There is enough partying, gaiety, intimate sharings with guys and gals, dancing, drinking, shopping for the latest flapper styles and hairdos, tension, unexplained dangers, and so much more that keep the reader riveted to every page and flipping them rapidly to find out more. It’s an attractive and glamorous lifestyle these characters lived, a post-WWI revel that couldn’t possibly last but which was relished by participants and observers (readers as well) while it reigned supreme in the streets of major cities around America in the 1920’s. The end is stunning and can be visualized as a fierce and heart-rending mobster movie scene! Renee Rosen has captured not only the essence of it all but the fierce passion in which mobsters and their gals moved with elegance and gusto! This is a terrific read about a volatile and exciting time and is highly recommended to all!
Tony, an Al Capone hood, first dazzles Vera with his fancy lifestyle to which he introduces her. Their world is filled with unbelievable passion but without commitment and the latter is the only part that leaves Vera feeling somewhat unsure of the future. Still she hangs on as her life has become somewhat easier since Tony treats her well with occasional gifts and even money. All of this changes when she meets a man named Shep Green, who owns a nightclub and is deeply involved with Capone’s rival gang, the North Side Gang. Tony knows Vera is attracted to Shep, but Shep knows nothing of his serious rival. It is Shep to whom Vera pivots because he actually shows that he really cares about her, a novelty for this love-starved gal who is so dazzled with the luxurious lifestyle around her new friends. Questions arise, though, that are extremely disquieting at times but which Vera shoves away in denial, literally questions of life and death!
Hints are dropped by Shep’s friends that seem to indicate shady business deals and rivalries that wind up in “hits.” These increase in frequency throughout the novel as vengeance and fury rule the day with the grief of losing each member. Vera is lost in her new home and eventually a gorgeous baby girl after a very quick wedding to Shep, but her denial phase is about to end with a bang when more murders occur and Shep seems slated to go to jail. Her fortunes, it seems, are as fickle as fate since they rely on something that is totally falling apart at the seams.
There is enough partying, gaiety, intimate sharings with guys and gals, dancing, drinking, shopping for the latest flapper styles and hairdos, tension, unexplained dangers, and so much more that keep the reader riveted to every page and flipping them rapidly to find out more. It’s an attractive and glamorous lifestyle these characters lived, a post-WWI revel that couldn’t possibly last but which was relished by participants and observers (readers as well) while it reigned supreme in the streets of major cities around America in the 1920’s. The end is stunning and can be visualized as a fierce and heart-rending mobster movie scene! Renee Rosen has captured not only the essence of it all but the fierce passion in which mobsters and their gals moved with elegance and gusto! This is a terrific read about a volatile and exciting time and is highly recommended to all!
did-not-finish
December 31, 2013I'm a sucker for the Roaring Twenties, so I had to try this, but got a couple of chapters in and realized it wasn't meeting my minimum standards. It seemed like there was potential for a decent story, but the shallow characterizations and mediocre prose just weren't cutting it. It isn't absolutely awful, but it was not something I wanted to put time into, considering the other higher quality items on my already very full TBR.
December 12, 2020
Nothing like going through the tedious task of finding one’s oldest-added-to-TBR-book on Goodreads, but what a delight it was to finally read Dollface. I had originally added this book after being so enamored with this timeframe, and wanted to discover more books that took place in the roaring 20’s.
With just enough historical facts based loosely on A Capone and the mafia wars that took place through Chicago during that time, I absolutely loved this love story.
Romance and suspense with plenty of pomp thrown in, and it filled the desire I was hoping for.
With just enough historical facts based loosely on A Capone and the mafia wars that took place through Chicago during that time, I absolutely loved this love story.
Romance and suspense with plenty of pomp thrown in, and it filled the desire I was hoping for.
March 9, 2024
Audiobook. Solid 4 stars book and narration.
An interesting take on the Chicago prohibition gang war, from the point of view of a gangsters wife. The story swept me up and any initial doubts I had about the narrator faded as she delved into the story and the characters. I also very much appreciated the authors note at the end; this is something I like with historical fiction: what's fact, what's fiction, and sources.
I'll definitely be looking for more titles by this author.
An interesting take on the Chicago prohibition gang war, from the point of view of a gangsters wife. The story swept me up and any initial doubts I had about the narrator faded as she delved into the story and the characters. I also very much appreciated the authors note at the end; this is something I like with historical fiction: what's fact, what's fiction, and sources.
I'll definitely be looking for more titles by this author.
October 26, 2013
Vera Abramowitz is like any of the other ladies living in the 1920s. She is trying to survive. She works as a switchboard operator. For a brief period she worked as a jewelry model. She got to dress up in some of the finest jewelry and rub elbows with the rich and famous. It is here that Vera meets the dashing Shep. Shep is a club owner. Along the way Vera starts an affair with the sexy, Tony, a gambler. Tony has stolen Vera's heart.
Vera learns that Tony and Shep are in rival gangs. Vera is in the middle of the biggest gang war. There can only be one winner.
I have read a few books where the stories are based in the 1920s but I never really realized how much I enjoyed this era untl I read this book. This book was an instant hit with me. I was glued to Vera's story. It was like I was transported back in time and was one of the girls.
For me there was one clear winner when it came to the two men in Vera's life. I preferred Shep over Tony. While Tony may have been the bad boy in this story, I liked Shep and the kind mannerism that he protrayed. This is funny as I write this description about Shep. I would never expect to use the word "kind" to describe a gangster. Dollface is a must, must enchanting read!
Vera learns that Tony and Shep are in rival gangs. Vera is in the middle of the biggest gang war. There can only be one winner.
I have read a few books where the stories are based in the 1920s but I never really realized how much I enjoyed this era untl I read this book. This book was an instant hit with me. I was glued to Vera's story. It was like I was transported back in time and was one of the girls.
For me there was one clear winner when it came to the two men in Vera's life. I preferred Shep over Tony. While Tony may have been the bad boy in this story, I liked Shep and the kind mannerism that he protrayed. This is funny as I write this description about Shep. I would never expect to use the word "kind" to describe a gangster. Dollface is a must, must enchanting read!
June 3, 2021
After reading many of this author's later works, I must say that I might not have ever read another by Ms. Rosen if I had started with this book. And that would have been a great shame because her later works are just incredible.
I'm not too thrilled with some of the cliches used in this book. I can see why she had to use them, but I still didn't like it. I most especially did not like the sex, cheating on her man/men, the lying, and the physical abuse. I understand that this was a totally different period. I admit that I did love learning about this, the St. Valentine's day massacre, Prohibition, and of all of the 'mob' (Italian and Jewish) history of Chicago. But what really got me and that I hated is that Vera was just such a spineless, bland character. Vera honestly had nothing going on for her except for what was between her legs.
I am giving this 2.5 stars rounded up due to the rating system here because I did want to see how this book ended, and I was able to plow through it...slowly, but I finished it.
Oh, and be aware that there is a ton of violence-naturally since this is a Mob novel!
I'm not too thrilled with some of the cliches used in this book. I can see why she had to use them, but I still didn't like it. I most especially did not like the sex, cheating on her man/men, the lying, and the physical abuse. I understand that this was a totally different period. I admit that I did love learning about this, the St. Valentine's day massacre, Prohibition, and of all of the 'mob' (Italian and Jewish) history of Chicago. But what really got me and that I hated is that Vera was just such a spineless, bland character. Vera honestly had nothing going on for her except for what was between her legs.
I am giving this 2.5 stars rounded up due to the rating system here because I did want to see how this book ended, and I was able to plow through it...slowly, but I finished it.
Oh, and be aware that there is a ton of violence-naturally since this is a Mob novel!
December 14, 2021
I enjoyed this book so much!
I really loved Vera's character arc! She had some childlish dreams and she was so naive first but I could still relate to her and I loved to follow how she ended up being so much wiser. I also loved the atmosphere: this era was so fascinating.
I really loved Vera's character arc! She had some childlish dreams and she was so naive first but I could still relate to her and I loved to follow how she ended up being so much wiser. I also loved the atmosphere: this era was so fascinating.
April 19, 2019
La literatura, la televisión o el cine nos tienen acostumbrados a las historias de mafiosos en las que, para bien o para mal, ellos son los protagonistas. Soy muy fan desde siempre de los relatos de gangsters o bandas criminales con mucha violencia: Goodfellas, El Padrino, Peaky Blinders, Los Soprano, incluso Sons of Anarchy, siguen la misma línea siempre. Ellos son los “héroes” de su historia, pero ¿qué pasa con ELLAS? Detrás de un gran capo, suele haber una mujer, pero nunca sabemos qué siente, qué piensa o cómo ha llegado al lado de ese hombre, porque siempre están en las sombras o simplemente siendo “la chica” del mafioso de turno. Y esto se repetía en todo lo que había visto/leído hasta que di con Dollface.
Aunque a simple vista pueda parecer una historia densa, todos estos ingredientes que parecen sacados de la mejor película de género noir hacen que no se pueda parar de leer. Como en toda buena historia criminal, aquí también hay violencia, asesinatos y sangre por parte de ambas bandas. Las muertes se suceden cuando poco a poco van cayendo los líderes y son reemplazados por sus segundos al mando. En estas cuestiones, la verdad es que se agradece que la autora se haya mantenido prácticamente fiel a los hechos reales tal y como sucedieron, solamente cambiando alguna cronología y añadiendo algún personaje ficticio.
La historia es prácticamente fiel a lo que fue la realidad de esos años, los personajes cumplen a la perfección su papel y la protagonista hace que nos planteemos las mismas cuestiones morales que se plantea ella, así que esta novela nos satisfactoriamente lo que promete: contar la historia de una de esas “chicas adorno” para las que el apodo Dollface les viene perfecto.
RESEÑA COMPLETA -->http://enmitiempolibro.blogspot.com.e...
Aunque a simple vista pueda parecer una historia densa, todos estos ingredientes que parecen sacados de la mejor película de género noir hacen que no se pueda parar de leer. Como en toda buena historia criminal, aquí también hay violencia, asesinatos y sangre por parte de ambas bandas. Las muertes se suceden cuando poco a poco van cayendo los líderes y son reemplazados por sus segundos al mando. En estas cuestiones, la verdad es que se agradece que la autora se haya mantenido prácticamente fiel a los hechos reales tal y como sucedieron, solamente cambiando alguna cronología y añadiendo algún personaje ficticio.
La historia es prácticamente fiel a lo que fue la realidad de esos años, los personajes cumplen a la perfección su papel y la protagonista hace que nos planteemos las mismas cuestiones morales que se plantea ella, así que esta novela nos satisfactoriamente lo que promete: contar la historia de una de esas “chicas adorno” para las que el apodo Dollface les viene perfecto.
RESEÑA COMPLETA -->http://enmitiempolibro.blogspot.com.e...
November 12, 2013
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
How I do love me a good ‘20’s era read! Dollface was one I was impatiently waiting for, eager to get this read, and I loved it! 1920’s, flappers, gangsters, speakeasies...all of some of my favorite things. I loved that the writing was able to transport me back in time, and feel as though I was seeing Capone from across the bar and that my husband was a dangerous gangster. Following Vera was breathtaking and felt so authentic. The characters and descriptions were researched and getting a history lesson while reading is a favorite of mine. If you like historical fiction or are a fan of this era like me, read this one!
4.5 stars
How I do love me a good ‘20’s era read! Dollface was one I was impatiently waiting for, eager to get this read, and I loved it! 1920’s, flappers, gangsters, speakeasies...all of some of my favorite things. I loved that the writing was able to transport me back in time, and feel as though I was seeing Capone from across the bar and that my husband was a dangerous gangster. Following Vera was breathtaking and felt so authentic. The characters and descriptions were researched and getting a history lesson while reading is a favorite of mine. If you like historical fiction or are a fan of this era like me, read this one!
4.5 stars
December 7, 2013
Loved it!! By the end of this book I felt like I really knew the characters. If you love Boardwalk Empire you will love this book. It's totally jazz hot. Great job Renee!! Now where did I put those long strands of pearls???
August 25, 2013
Entertained me right to the end, which came quick being I couldn't put it down. Like a well scripted [ and therefore better ] lifetime movie on paper. Truly enjoyable read.
February 2, 2020
4'5*
Me encantan las historias/series de gangsters o bandas criminales, especialmente las ambientadas en los años veinte. Y esta tenía todos los detalles para engancharme: años veinte, Chicago, Jazz, ley seca, crimen, gangsters, Al Capone... Pero lo que realmente me ha enganchado de esta novela ha sido el punto de vista desde el que está escrita. Detrás de un gran capo, suele haber una mujer, pero nunca sabemos qué siente, qué piensa o cómo ha llegado al lado de ese hombre, porque siempre están en las sombras sin tener voz ni voto. En Dollface nos encontramos con esa visión femenina.
Aquí se desarrolla la historia de Vera en el trasfondo de un Chicago de los años 20 en plena ley seca, y, aunque obviamente, las bandas criminales tienen su importancia, al fin y al cabo la protagonista tiene relación con ellas, no son las protagonistas.
Vera me parece un personaje que se va desarrollando al mismo tiempo que la trama y va adquiriendo una profundidad muy realista que hace que hasta al propio lector adquiera las mismas dudas sobre lo correcto e incorrecto. Un personaje egoísta y a veces ingenua pero nivel no quiero ser consciente de lo que tengo delante así que escondo la cabeza. Quizás por eso no le doy el 5 completo porque a veces su "ingenuidad" me agobia.
Además, aunque se pueda considerar una novela romántica yo no la definiría como romántica al uso. Para mí las relaciones ya sean románticas o de amistad están basadas más bien en la lealtad, en el miedo, en la fidelidad e incluso en la ambición, aunque también en el amor.
Por último, destacar el final que me parece que es el mejor broche para cerrar la novela y además el más realista.
Me encantan las historias/series de gangsters o bandas criminales, especialmente las ambientadas en los años veinte. Y esta tenía todos los detalles para engancharme: años veinte, Chicago, Jazz, ley seca, crimen, gangsters, Al Capone... Pero lo que realmente me ha enganchado de esta novela ha sido el punto de vista desde el que está escrita. Detrás de un gran capo, suele haber una mujer, pero nunca sabemos qué siente, qué piensa o cómo ha llegado al lado de ese hombre, porque siempre están en las sombras sin tener voz ni voto. En Dollface nos encontramos con esa visión femenina.
Aquí se desarrolla la historia de Vera en el trasfondo de un Chicago de los años 20 en plena ley seca, y, aunque obviamente, las bandas criminales tienen su importancia, al fin y al cabo la protagonista tiene relación con ellas, no son las protagonistas.
Vera me parece un personaje que se va desarrollando al mismo tiempo que la trama y va adquiriendo una profundidad muy realista que hace que hasta al propio lector adquiera las mismas dudas sobre lo correcto e incorrecto. Un personaje egoísta y a veces ingenua pero nivel no quiero ser consciente de lo que tengo delante así que escondo la cabeza. Quizás por eso no le doy el 5 completo porque a veces su "ingenuidad" me agobia.
Además, aunque se pueda considerar una novela romántica yo no la definiría como romántica al uso. Para mí las relaciones ya sean románticas o de amistad están basadas más bien en la lealtad, en el miedo, en la fidelidad e incluso en la ambición, aunque también en el amor.
Por último, destacar el final que me parece que es el mejor broche para cerrar la novela y además el más realista.
November 2, 2022
I loved the arc of going from party girl to self sufficient alongside her romantic endeavors.
April 8, 2020
Read for POPSUGAR 2020 READING CHALLENGE: Read a book with "20" or "twenty" in the title.
September 12, 2021
DNF. Didn't hold my interest 😕
November 5, 2013
When I first read the blurb for this book, I thought it was about a woman bootlegger...and it is...like for all of 20%. In this aspect, it's disappointing. To state it bluntly, this heroine is just a tramp who can't keep her legs closed and is weak for a man...well, men. Unable to choose between two gangsters, she beds them both, sometimes one after the other.
I don't consider her strong, which is what I prefer in the heroines I read.
It's not until 62% that the very idea of her bootlegging even comes up.
However, I must say despite my intense dislike for the heroine, the book really captured the times, the lifestyle, the danger, the "toeing the line" between worlds. I mean, you have a woman who wants to provide the best home possible for her daughter and impress the Jewish Ladies' Society or whatever it is, but at the same time, her husband is a gangster and there's a bullet hole in her ceiling...
I also appreciated the theme moral...you may think the grass is greener on the other side...be careful what you wish for...la de da.
"Don't waste your time chasing after the wrong things."
I had a hard time with this chick's friends too, but I got a kick out of what they did at the auction.
Frankly, it's a very well-written story. It really made me dislike the characters, which is a sign of a good writer. I was sucked into the tale. I even appreciated the "tragic" ending, though I didn't find it tragic, but moralistic... I mean, hey, the bad guys can't win. It can't be made to look as though this life is the way to go, right?
Full review: http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2013/...
I don't consider her strong, which is what I prefer in the heroines I read.
It's not until 62% that the very idea of her bootlegging even comes up.
However, I must say despite my intense dislike for the heroine, the book really captured the times, the lifestyle, the danger, the "toeing the line" between worlds. I mean, you have a woman who wants to provide the best home possible for her daughter and impress the Jewish Ladies' Society or whatever it is, but at the same time, her husband is a gangster and there's a bullet hole in her ceiling...
I also appreciated the theme moral...you may think the grass is greener on the other side...be careful what you wish for...la de da.
"Don't waste your time chasing after the wrong things."
I had a hard time with this chick's friends too, but I got a kick out of what they did at the auction.
Frankly, it's a very well-written story. It really made me dislike the characters, which is a sign of a good writer. I was sucked into the tale. I even appreciated the "tragic" ending, though I didn't find it tragic, but moralistic... I mean, hey, the bad guys can't win. It can't be made to look as though this life is the way to go, right?
Full review: http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2013/...
June 24, 2015
I hardly know where to begin. This book kept me plugged in, totally addicted to the story. And as a person particularly interested in this time in history I was not at all disappointed. Vera reads as a real person, not just a character in a historical fiction novel. And as for the people saying that she's a female character who is completely dependent on a man-- I don't think we were reading the same book. Don't mistake love and emotions and wanting for being codependent on a man. In fact, to me, the book was about how she was able to survive on her own without the man she loves. She had a beautiful character arch that kept me inthralled in the story. I would definitely recommend to any fan of historical fiction.
November 13, 2013
I finished reading DOLLFACE a few days ago and I still feel wonderfully immersed in 1920s Chicago. What an era: flappers, mobsters, prohibition! Renee Rosen seamlessly combines real historic events and notorious characters with fictional ones. The story of the (unflappable) flapper Vera, with her ups and downs and her powerful men, is captivating and will keep you riveted from cover to cover, perhaps in one sitting like me. Rosen describes everything so vividly you can actually hear the jazz, smell the hooch, see the clothes, cars, etc. I absolutely loved this book and plan to give it to many friends and relatives for the holidays!
November 12, 2013
Fantasy of an altered universe more like it. Characterizations were one star. Flat. This depiction is not in any part or parcel but name designations the actual Chicago of the 1920's. Nor of 2013. Nor of any time in between those two eras. Nor was the Black Hand as described either. This is a romance novel marketed as historical fiction.
March 22, 2014
Novels set in the 1920's always get a generous rating from me because i'm obsessed with the era. Not much to this story, but I love the atmosphere, the gangsters, the ladies taking things into their own hands when necessary. Would only recommend to fellow 1920's obsessed readers.
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