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The Socialites
One ordinary school. Three extraordinary women …
In the 1920s, three young girls enter a strict, cheerless convent school in a quiet London suburb.
Six years later they leave, to change the world …
Maureen was the movie star, whose role as Tarzan’s Jane helped rewrite the rules of cinema censorship.
Sonia was the aspiring writer who became George Orwell’s wife and the guardian of his literary legacy.
And Vivian was the actress as iconic as the roles she played, from Cleopatra to Scarlett O’Hara.
Together their careers encompassed glamour and tragedy, triumph and scandal. From Bloomsbury to Hollywood, and from the cafés of Paris to the theatres of New York, this novel is a breath-taking epic spanning four decades in three unforgettable lives.
In the 1920s, three young girls enter a strict, cheerless convent school in a quiet London suburb.
Six years later they leave, to change the world …
Maureen was the movie star, whose role as Tarzan’s Jane helped rewrite the rules of cinema censorship.
Sonia was the aspiring writer who became George Orwell’s wife and the guardian of his literary legacy.
And Vivian was the actress as iconic as the roles she played, from Cleopatra to Scarlett O’Hara.
Together their careers encompassed glamour and tragedy, triumph and scandal. From Bloomsbury to Hollywood, and from the cafés of Paris to the theatres of New York, this novel is a breath-taking epic spanning four decades in three unforgettable lives.
465 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
December 12, 2024
In 1922, three young girls are students at a catholic convent of the Sacred Heart in Roehampton, London, Vivian Hartley, Maureen O’Sullivan and Sonia Brownell.
The narrative is about the lives of actresses Vivien Leigh and Maureen O'Sullivan and Sonia Orwell an aspiring writer and the widow of George. Their childhood friendship, what happened to them after they left the convent school and one of them was expelled, and it covers their careers as budding actresses, getting a movie contract in Hollywood, their successes and disappointments, what it was like the be famous and the pressure put on older screen sirens, marriages and infidelity, their struggles with fame and fortune, tragedy and loss.
You really get a sense of what it’s like to be an actress in Hollywood, of course I have watched Gone with the Wind and yet I didn’t know a lot about Vivien Leigh and Maureen O’ Sullivan was Irish and starred in the early Tarzan movies and preformed with Laurence Oliver and Greta Garbo. Sonia was the second wife of George Orwell, she was born in Calcutta, and she worked as an assistant to Cyril Connolly who started the magazine Horizon and that's how she met her husband.
I received a copy of The Socialites from NetGalley and HarperCollins UK in exchange for an honest review. Caroline Lamond writes about three women who all went to the same convent school as children and became famous in their own right and the ups and down of their lives.
I really enjoyed the first three quarters of the historical fiction book, but found my concentration and enthusiasm was waning by the last quarter of the novel and I think the issue was it was simply too long. Set in London, Hollywood, Paris and New York and I really enjoyed reading about Vivien Leigh and her life and four stars from me and loved Ms. Lamond's previous book Well Behaved Women.
The narrative is about the lives of actresses Vivien Leigh and Maureen O'Sullivan and Sonia Orwell an aspiring writer and the widow of George. Their childhood friendship, what happened to them after they left the convent school and one of them was expelled, and it covers their careers as budding actresses, getting a movie contract in Hollywood, their successes and disappointments, what it was like the be famous and the pressure put on older screen sirens, marriages and infidelity, their struggles with fame and fortune, tragedy and loss.
You really get a sense of what it’s like to be an actress in Hollywood, of course I have watched Gone with the Wind and yet I didn’t know a lot about Vivien Leigh and Maureen O’ Sullivan was Irish and starred in the early Tarzan movies and preformed with Laurence Oliver and Greta Garbo. Sonia was the second wife of George Orwell, she was born in Calcutta, and she worked as an assistant to Cyril Connolly who started the magazine Horizon and that's how she met her husband.
I received a copy of The Socialites from NetGalley and HarperCollins UK in exchange for an honest review. Caroline Lamond writes about three women who all went to the same convent school as children and became famous in their own right and the ups and down of their lives.
I really enjoyed the first three quarters of the historical fiction book, but found my concentration and enthusiasm was waning by the last quarter of the novel and I think the issue was it was simply too long. Set in London, Hollywood, Paris and New York and I really enjoyed reading about Vivien Leigh and her life and four stars from me and loved Ms. Lamond's previous book Well Behaved Women.
February 23, 2025
I really liked the premise of this enjoyable historical fiction novel - interweaving the life stories of three famous women who went to the Convent of the Sacred Heart school in Roehampton in the 1920s: actresses Vivien Leigh (Gone With the Wind) and Maureen O'Sullivan (Jane in the Tarzan films), and Sonia Brownell (who was the last wife of George Orwell).
I especially liked the characterisation of Sonia, who I always felt had been bit heartless to leave her new husband in hospital to go to the Ritz after the wedding, but comes across as sparky and likeable here. This a lively and fast-paced book, which while full of drama feels like a light, easy read. It's perhaps best suited to readers with an interest in Old Hollywood.
I especially liked the characterisation of Sonia, who I always felt had been bit heartless to leave her new husband in hospital to go to the Ritz after the wedding, but comes across as sparky and likeable here. This a lively and fast-paced book, which while full of drama feels like a light, easy read. It's perhaps best suited to readers with an interest in Old Hollywood.
October 22, 2024
This book was a really interesting read. How the three girls started in the same place and moved on so differently but also with so many similarities.
I did however think that the many time skips and different povs made it difficult to follow. Because there was so much to tell it sometimes felt like we skimmed through and didn’t get the chance to properly connect with the characters and events.
I did however think that the many time skips and different povs made it difficult to follow. Because there was so much to tell it sometimes felt like we skimmed through and didn’t get the chance to properly connect with the characters and events.
January 2, 2025
An intriguing histfic tale focused on three girls who attended the same London convent and grew up to be famous: Actresses Maureen O'Sullivan and Vivien Leigh, and writer Sonia Orwell, who later married George Orwell. I was captivated by their lives, but found the different POVs hard to keep clear at times. Book clubs who enjoy historical novels about exceptional women will want to add this to their 2025 reading lists.
February 24, 2025
The Socialites is a fictionalised account of three well known figures from film, theatre and media circles: film actres Maureen O'Sullivan, known for her pioneering role as Jane in the Tarzan films, theatre actress (and later film star) Vivien Leigh, known for her theatre career and role as Scarlett O'Hara in Gone with the Wind, and writer/archivist Sonia Orwell (nee Brownell), known for her works in publishing and collation of Orwell's writing's.
This is a captivating account of their lives from their time together at an English boarding school as tweens through their heydays in the 1930s and 40s, through scandals, marriages, families, and their careers, mental health challenges, and much more, all the way through to Vivien's death in the late 1960s. Difficult topics (such as Vivien's mental illness; Maureen's husband's alcoholism, Sonia's trauma) were addressed candidly, but at the same time with sensitivity and compassion.
Aside from their brief interaction at school, the three womens' lives were only tangentially connected; rather the book alternated chapters between them, collated under similar themes but not necessarily overlapping. There is so much content here, that there could have easily been a whole book about each of these remarkable women.
Maureen, Vivien and Sonia were pioneers in their chosen fields, revolutionary women who made waves and this was a fascinating account of their lives, and the times that shaped them - or the times they were instrumental in shaping. There were some time jumps in this book - skipping forward years, going back ten years to a different person - and I found that to be a little frustrating.
The book overall was well written and engaging, and the accompanying audiobook was similarly well narrated by Elaine Claxton. I thoroughly enjoyed this.
~Many thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I also purchased the accompanying audiobook~
This is a captivating account of their lives from their time together at an English boarding school as tweens through their heydays in the 1930s and 40s, through scandals, marriages, families, and their careers, mental health challenges, and much more, all the way through to Vivien's death in the late 1960s. Difficult topics (such as Vivien's mental illness; Maureen's husband's alcoholism, Sonia's trauma) were addressed candidly, but at the same time with sensitivity and compassion.
Aside from their brief interaction at school, the three womens' lives were only tangentially connected; rather the book alternated chapters between them, collated under similar themes but not necessarily overlapping. There is so much content here, that there could have easily been a whole book about each of these remarkable women.
Maureen, Vivien and Sonia were pioneers in their chosen fields, revolutionary women who made waves and this was a fascinating account of their lives, and the times that shaped them - or the times they were instrumental in shaping. There were some time jumps in this book - skipping forward years, going back ten years to a different person - and I found that to be a little frustrating.
The book overall was well written and engaging, and the accompanying audiobook was similarly well narrated by Elaine Claxton. I thoroughly enjoyed this.
~Many thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I also purchased the accompanying audiobook~
September 4, 2025
Shocked how much I enjoyed this in the best way. I usually dislike/can't get invested in historical fiction about Old Hollywood because it's sensationalized and inadequately researched, but this was wonderful. Definitely took creative liberties, e.g. Vivien and Maureen continuing their professional relationship later in life, but I've read less accurate non-fiction books about Vivien.
February 14, 2025
taylor swift reading challenge
⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂ ⠂⠄⠄⠂☆
the last great american dynasty — read a book based on a true story or with historical themes
3.5
this was cute, something good to pass the time, but nothing groundbreaking.
the book is packed with drama and old hollywood glamour, but the characters all shine on their own.
the writing is fun, easy to read, and enjoyable, so it definitely didn't feel like a drag.
there are a bunch of cool cameos from real historical figures, so it was fun going all leonardo di caprio pointing at the screen meme every time someone got namedropped. sue me. i'm nosy. if you like george orwell, you're in for a treat. (i don't. hate that man)
thank you so much to netgalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review!
⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂ ⠂⠄⠄⠂☆
the last great american dynasty — read a book based on a true story or with historical themes
3.5
this was cute, something good to pass the time, but nothing groundbreaking.
the book is packed with drama and old hollywood glamour, but the characters all shine on their own.
the writing is fun, easy to read, and enjoyable, so it definitely didn't feel like a drag.
there are a bunch of cool cameos from real historical figures, so it was fun going all leonardo di caprio pointing at the screen meme every time someone got namedropped. sue me. i'm nosy. if you like george orwell, you're in for a treat. (i don't. hate that man)
thank you so much to netgalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review!
January 8, 2025
I was first hooked when the author was talking about their lives in the catholic school and how strict it was. But after that it just went downhill. Felt like the story dragged on.
I’m all about women power but there was just no flow to the story sorry.
I’m all about women power but there was just no flow to the story sorry.
January 21, 2026
Really enjoyed this book and the way the characters stories weave through each other. After reading the last few pages and the author’s note, the author’s passion for these women is apparent and the feminist theme comes through. However I thought the end was a little rushed.
December 12, 2024
I'd call this lightweight poolside reading. Enjoyable enough but nothing to write home about. 3 stars.
December 26, 2024
In this book we discover how three Holywood legends Maureen O’Sullivan , Sonia Brownell and Vivian Leigh left a last impression on history.
The three legends met whilst at convent school in 1920’s London each one making their own way into lives filled with uncertainty, glamour, adoration and fame,
The novel spans four decades and helped us glimpse into their lives which on the outside were glittering and inspiring but underneath the hidden tragedies, addictions and infidelities were also present..
I do love historical fiction but I struggled to connect with the characters as I sometimes got lost between them. I would not discourage others from reading this book as this may not be the case for others,
The three legends met whilst at convent school in 1920’s London each one making their own way into lives filled with uncertainty, glamour, adoration and fame,
The novel spans four decades and helped us glimpse into their lives which on the outside were glittering and inspiring but underneath the hidden tragedies, addictions and infidelities were also present..
I do love historical fiction but I struggled to connect with the characters as I sometimes got lost between them. I would not discourage others from reading this book as this may not be the case for others,
January 1, 2025
I was very excited for this book at the start and to begin with it didn’t disappoint. Not knowing the history of the three women I was expecting a Lacesque (Shirley Conrad) adventure, but as the book went on the tenuous link got thinner and thinner.
This story was about three women who happen to attend the same school but that was pretty much where the link died.
Reading the authors note at the end I was surprised that Sonia Orwell was in part the inspiration for the book as her story definitely felt like an after thought.
The time line jumped all over the place which didn’t help and the biggest annoyance I have was that these ground breaking women all seemed to think the problems of their world could be solved with a baby. Vivien abandoned her first child because she felt no emotional connection but somehow thought she could save her second marriage with a baby, Maureen knew her husband to be a serial philanderer but continued to produce seven children and Sonia married a homosexual and thought she could make him love her if she could convince him to give her a baby. A rather disappointing take on the role of women in society.
This story was about three women who happen to attend the same school but that was pretty much where the link died.
Reading the authors note at the end I was surprised that Sonia Orwell was in part the inspiration for the book as her story definitely felt like an after thought.
The time line jumped all over the place which didn’t help and the biggest annoyance I have was that these ground breaking women all seemed to think the problems of their world could be solved with a baby. Vivien abandoned her first child because she felt no emotional connection but somehow thought she could save her second marriage with a baby, Maureen knew her husband to be a serial philanderer but continued to produce seven children and Sonia married a homosexual and thought she could make him love her if she could convince him to give her a baby. A rather disappointing take on the role of women in society.
April 11, 2025
absolutely adored this book 💘
December 8, 2024
3.5 stars
A historical fiction novel following along Maureen O'Sullivan, Vivien Leigh, and Sonia Orwell' lives after all three women attended the same strict convent school in London in the 1920s.
Such an interesting, entertaining read, and I really had so much fun with it. I found all three stories to be very fascinating, and the writing made it so easy to read; whenever I picked it up, I really couldn't put it down. It felt a little disjointed and confusing at times, but it was always easy enough to slip back into the story and fully enjoy it. I do think there was so much to tell that it makes the pacing feel a little weird at times, as if we're rushing through certain things just so we can get to others. Overall, I really loved diving into these three women's stories and watching how each of them carved their paths in ways that were so similar, yet so incredibly different; and as someone who is very interested in both literature and cinema/theater, it was a really interesting insight on those world as well, especially with Maureen and Vivien, whose stories I found myself gravitating towards more.
Many thanks to HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter & NetGalley for the eARC. All opinions are my own.
A historical fiction novel following along Maureen O'Sullivan, Vivien Leigh, and Sonia Orwell' lives after all three women attended the same strict convent school in London in the 1920s.
Such an interesting, entertaining read, and I really had so much fun with it. I found all three stories to be very fascinating, and the writing made it so easy to read; whenever I picked it up, I really couldn't put it down. It felt a little disjointed and confusing at times, but it was always easy enough to slip back into the story and fully enjoy it. I do think there was so much to tell that it makes the pacing feel a little weird at times, as if we're rushing through certain things just so we can get to others. Overall, I really loved diving into these three women's stories and watching how each of them carved their paths in ways that were so similar, yet so incredibly different; and as someone who is very interested in both literature and cinema/theater, it was a really interesting insight on those world as well, especially with Maureen and Vivien, whose stories I found myself gravitating towards more.
Many thanks to HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter & NetGalley for the eARC. All opinions are my own.
December 10, 2024
A compelling, fascinating look into the lives of two iconic actresses and the wife of George Orwell. This book is mainly about the lives and tragedies of Vivien Leigh and Maureen O'Sullivan. Vivien Leigh eventually married Sir Laurence Olivier, Maureen O'Sullivan Married John Farrow, and Sonia married George Orwell.
Maureen, Vivian (the original spelling of her name), and Sonia meet in a harsh convent school in England and become good friends, or so it would seem. Remember that this is a fictional retelling of their lives.
This book deals with the trials and tribulations of two up-and-coming actresses: one who goes on to win an Oscar for Gone With the Wind and the other who makes a career out of playing Jane in the Tarzan series.
Their lives were filled with lies, booze infidelities, and tragedies.
It is a captivating read, though a little boring in places. It will pull you in, especially if you like books about strong and famous women.
*ARC was supplied by the publisher One More Chapter, the author, and NetGalley.
Maureen, Vivian (the original spelling of her name), and Sonia meet in a harsh convent school in England and become good friends, or so it would seem. Remember that this is a fictional retelling of their lives.
This book deals with the trials and tribulations of two up-and-coming actresses: one who goes on to win an Oscar for Gone With the Wind and the other who makes a career out of playing Jane in the Tarzan series.
Their lives were filled with lies, booze infidelities, and tragedies.
It is a captivating read, though a little boring in places. It will pull you in, especially if you like books about strong and famous women.
*ARC was supplied by the publisher One More Chapter, the author, and NetGalley.
December 19, 2024
In this classical mix of fact and fiction, Caroline Lamond, cleverly introduces the reader to the early lives of three well-known Hollywood legends, Maureen O'Sullivan, Sonia Brownell and Vivian Leigh.
Each of these women is a legend in their own right:
O'Sullivan's (apparently) racy role in the early Tarzan films, had a lasting impact on censorship rules in Hollywood
Brownell safeguarded and helped to build the legacy of Orwell as we know it today
Leigh was truly one of the early icons of Hollywood, and known for her relationships, as much as her performances on screen.
We meet each woman as a young girl, and even then, they stand out for their strength and determination. Yet, no one could imagine the tribulations they would face in the years to come as they faced the world media.
The Socialites is an epic tale of endurance, where historical fiction and fact combine to create a compelling story.
Each of these women is a legend in their own right:
O'Sullivan's (apparently) racy role in the early Tarzan films, had a lasting impact on censorship rules in Hollywood
Brownell safeguarded and helped to build the legacy of Orwell as we know it today
Leigh was truly one of the early icons of Hollywood, and known for her relationships, as much as her performances on screen.
We meet each woman as a young girl, and even then, they stand out for their strength and determination. Yet, no one could imagine the tribulations they would face in the years to come as they faced the world media.
The Socialites is an epic tale of endurance, where historical fiction and fact combine to create a compelling story.
July 19, 2025
I found this book a chore to read. I will caveat this with - this book may appeal to people who enjoyed the film LaLa land which I found equally dull. It’s clearly not a topic of interest for me, and with the constant jump about in time at irregular pace and between the characters there was little time to understand or care about the characters. Although it is a fictional account of real famous people’s lives - the name dropping at times is clumsy and jarring, and doesn’t add to the narrative but reads as a “look how clever I am I added in another famous name of the period”.
Word: Dull
Personal enjoyment: 2
Writing style: 4
Genre: 4
Word: Dull
Personal enjoyment: 2
Writing style: 4
Genre: 4
January 14, 2025
Honestly, this book felt very confused to me. The beginning, in the convent school, sounded interesting, but it was skipped over very quickly and with very little meat. The rest of the book proceeded in the same manner. It's a series of quick and undeveloped snapshots among three barely connected lives, over several decades, which left me feeling quite unsatisfied and frustrated. I didn't feel like I actually got to know any of the three women, just got told things that were happening in their lives.
Also why is this book so obsessed with babies/pregnancy? I lost count of the number of rehashed conversations where each one of the three main characters was convinced if they just had a baby (or another baby), their lives would magically be solved, despite the fact that the actual children in their lives were mostly neglected/ignored.
Overall, I would say that I might pick up an actual biography of Vivien Leigh or Maureen O'Sullivan, but I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone.
Also why is this book so obsessed with babies/pregnancy? I lost count of the number of rehashed conversations where each one of the three main characters was convinced if they just had a baby (or another baby), their lives would magically be solved, despite the fact that the actual children in their lives were mostly neglected/ignored.
Overall, I would say that I might pick up an actual biography of Vivien Leigh or Maureen O'Sullivan, but I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone.
July 18, 2026
Fascinating historical fiction novel about the lives of Vivien Leigh, Maureen O'Sullivan and Sonia Orwell. This novel transports you back to the early 20s, the golden age of Hollywood through to post war life through the triumphs and tragedies of 3 remarkable women who left their mark on stage, cinema and in literature. I thoroughly enjoyed this and the writing style! One of those books where you stop and want to look up and uncover the real life tales which inspired the book.
January 13, 2025
I just loved this book. With it's core based on the facts; the early lives of Maureen O'Sullivan, Vivien Leigh, and Sonia Brownell are interwoven when they all attend Roehampton school. From that point, some creative license is used to create a fascinating tale, spanning four decades, of three powerful, influential, and fragile women.
Admittedly, in places, the jumping around in time became a little confusing. But, it's a small criticism of a glamorous, heartbreaking, and all-consuming novel. From the opening pages, Lamond grips you with her control of the three distinctive women, and that only develops with their beautifully crafted character arcs.
Loved it!
Admittedly, in places, the jumping around in time became a little confusing. But, it's a small criticism of a glamorous, heartbreaking, and all-consuming novel. From the opening pages, Lamond grips you with her control of the three distinctive women, and that only develops with their beautifully crafted character arcs.
Loved it!
March 1, 2026
This book was compared to Taylor Jenkins Reid books … can’t say I agree, all the characters had the same story …
August 14, 2025
The writing is average at best. The redeeming part was the story until I realised it’s all based on real life people, so the author didn’t even come up with their storylines herself - and you can tell that she just wanted to fit in as many facts about them as she could because the story jumped all over the place. 2.5 stars if I could.
December 3, 2024
Caroline Lamond's "The Socialites" invites readers into the world of three extraordinary women—Maureen, Sonia, and Vivian—who break free from the constraints of a 1920s London convent school to become trailblazers of their era. This riveting narrative intertwines glamour, aspiration, and the complexities of fame as each woman forges her own path.
The story begins within the austere walls of the convent where these girls, brimming with dreams and potential, chafe against the rigid norms imposed upon them. As they graduate and step out into the world, new possibilities open up in ways they could never have anticipated.
Maureen becomes a groundbreaking movie star, pushing the boundaries of cinema censorship as she takes on the role of Tarzan's Jane. Sonia, an ambitious writer, marries George Orwell and plays a pivotal role in preserving his literary heritage. Vivian dazzles as an actress known for her iconic roles, from Cleopatra to Scarlett O'Hara.
The themes explored in "The Socialites" encompass female empowerment, the relentless pursuit of dreams, and the influence of societal expectations on personal identity. Lamond expertly crafts a vivid emotional landscape that mirrors the highs and lows experienced by her characters, capturing both the allure of Hollywood glamour and the sobering reality of personal sacrifice. The atmosphere shifts from the oppressive halls of the convent to the bustling streets of Paris and thriving theaters of New York, echoing the personal growth and evolving ambitions of these remarkable women.
Lamond's writing is engaging and richly detailed, painting evocative scenes that immerse readers in the story. Her characters are well-developed and relatable, their struggles resonating deeply as they attempt to balance ambition with personal relationships. While the book celebrates their triumphs, it also candidly portrays their failures and vulnerabilities, offering a nuanced portrayal of their lives.
While Lamond's portrayal sometimes leans towards romanticizing the era and its figures, potentially downplaying harsher truths, this approach serves to highlight the resilience and determination required to succeed amidst the tumultuous times.
"The Socialites" is an ideal read for anyone drawn to stories about strong women leaving their mark on history while navigating a world of personal trials and triumphs.
The story begins within the austere walls of the convent where these girls, brimming with dreams and potential, chafe against the rigid norms imposed upon them. As they graduate and step out into the world, new possibilities open up in ways they could never have anticipated.
Maureen becomes a groundbreaking movie star, pushing the boundaries of cinema censorship as she takes on the role of Tarzan's Jane. Sonia, an ambitious writer, marries George Orwell and plays a pivotal role in preserving his literary heritage. Vivian dazzles as an actress known for her iconic roles, from Cleopatra to Scarlett O'Hara.
The themes explored in "The Socialites" encompass female empowerment, the relentless pursuit of dreams, and the influence of societal expectations on personal identity. Lamond expertly crafts a vivid emotional landscape that mirrors the highs and lows experienced by her characters, capturing both the allure of Hollywood glamour and the sobering reality of personal sacrifice. The atmosphere shifts from the oppressive halls of the convent to the bustling streets of Paris and thriving theaters of New York, echoing the personal growth and evolving ambitions of these remarkable women.
Lamond's writing is engaging and richly detailed, painting evocative scenes that immerse readers in the story. Her characters are well-developed and relatable, their struggles resonating deeply as they attempt to balance ambition with personal relationships. While the book celebrates their triumphs, it also candidly portrays their failures and vulnerabilities, offering a nuanced portrayal of their lives.
While Lamond's portrayal sometimes leans towards romanticizing the era and its figures, potentially downplaying harsher truths, this approach serves to highlight the resilience and determination required to succeed amidst the tumultuous times.
"The Socialites" is an ideal read for anyone drawn to stories about strong women leaving their mark on history while navigating a world of personal trials and triumphs.
December 21, 2024
I didn’t love it, darling. Picked up as an Amazon Free Read, and regret. It was slow, and I didn’t realise it was loosely based on real actors. It felt like there was no conflict or tension to solve, just this happened and then that happened and then this.. it was a plod, for sure.
November 12, 2024
Everyone knows I’m not a big historical fiction fan but I saw the cover & blurb and had to request this one on NetGalley. I was not disappointed. This book follows three women that all attended the same boarding school in the 1920s and through their lives, loves and careers after. I don’t want to give too away much about this book because I think it’s better as a blind read - I will however add my favourite part was the journey to fame and trying to make it and stay a star. I don’t know why I don’t pick up more books around this when I clearly love it lol. I’d actually recommend this book for those who are looking for something after Evelyn Hugo as it gave me that same glimpse into that world.
The book imo itself would have been stronger if it was a series split into the three womens separate stories as the POVs felt a bit disjointed. It didn’t take away from the read but I think Sonia’s path just didn’t connect with me compared to Viv and Maureens.
4 Old Hollywood Stars.
Thank you to Netgalley, One More Chapter and Caroline Lamond for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The book imo itself would have been stronger if it was a series split into the three womens separate stories as the POVs felt a bit disjointed. It didn’t take away from the read but I think Sonia’s path just didn’t connect with me compared to Viv and Maureens.
4 Old Hollywood Stars.
Thank you to Netgalley, One More Chapter and Caroline Lamond for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 19, 2024
When I started reading this I had no idea that it was based on the lives of three famous women, this however becomes evident as you discover the rise to fame and the rocky path to get there for all of them.
Starting in a cold and loveless boarding school in England the three girls plan different futures and the book sees how Maureen, Vivian and Sonia make their way in a glamorous world and the price they all pay for this.
Well written and told from the point of view of of the characters this is an engaging story and gives the reader a glimpse of the heady world of theatre, film and society in the time of the star studded movie era. There are so many famous faces making an appearance, as well as the main characters there are plenty of chances to star spot as descriptions of fabulous parties and love affairs are revealed.
As a reader I found myself drawn to the character of Sonia, although she is by far the quietest of the three she has a huge impact on the lives of so many and a fierce influence, I enjoyed getting to know about her life.
Definitely would recommend this. Good and engaging writing style and enjoyable read.
Starting in a cold and loveless boarding school in England the three girls plan different futures and the book sees how Maureen, Vivian and Sonia make their way in a glamorous world and the price they all pay for this.
Well written and told from the point of view of of the characters this is an engaging story and gives the reader a glimpse of the heady world of theatre, film and society in the time of the star studded movie era. There are so many famous faces making an appearance, as well as the main characters there are plenty of chances to star spot as descriptions of fabulous parties and love affairs are revealed.
As a reader I found myself drawn to the character of Sonia, although she is by far the quietest of the three she has a huge impact on the lives of so many and a fierce influence, I enjoyed getting to know about her life.
Definitely would recommend this. Good and engaging writing style and enjoyable read.
July 27, 2026
FUCK YES. 5 stars.
This book was absolutely perfect. Drop-dead, throw-me-off-a-cliff perfect. I genuinely don't understand how this book isn't everywhere because it deserves to be.
The Socialites follows the intertwined lives of three extraordinary women who all attended the same strict religious boarding school before going on to lead wildly different lives. There's Vivien Leigh, the legendary actress whose career took her from the British stage to the dazzling heights of 1930s and 40s Hollywood, becoming one of the greatest stars of classic cinema. Then there's Maureen O'Sullivan, another Hollywood icon best known for playing Jane in the Tarzan films, whose story explores both the glamour and the harsh realities of the film industry. Finally, there's Sonia Orwell, who immersed herself in London's literary circles before marrying George Orwell, giving us a fascinating glimpse into an entirely different world of writers, intellectuals and post-war Britain. The fact that all three women began in the same place but ended up living such vastly different lives is honestly incredible.
I'll admit I was a little nervous going in because I knew the book followed three different women and spanned almost their entire lifetimes. I thought it might end up feeling messy or difficult to follow, constantly jumping between perspectives and decades. Instead, Caroline Lamond handled it with absolute precision. I never once forgot where each woman's story had left off, and despite the constant shifts in focus, I never felt disconnected from any of them. Every time a chapter switched, I was just as invested as I had been before.
The writing was genuinely phenomenal. I know these women were real people, but Caroline somehow made them feel real in a way that's surprisingly difficult to achieve in historical fiction. They never felt like distant historical figures or famous names on a page. They felt like complex, flawed, funny, ambitious women with distinct personalities, voices and dreams. Their individuality shines through every chapter, and I became completely attached to all three of them.
I absolutely adored the 1930s and 40s Hollywood atmosphere brought by Vivien and Maureen's stories. Reading about film sets, premieres, glamorous parties, famous actors and the golden age of cinema was just so much fun. But what I loved even more was that the glamour never overshadowed the reality. Beneath all the sparkle was the deeply misogynistic industry these women had to navigate, where actresses were scrutinised, controlled and expected to sacrifice so much for success. Caroline captures both the magic of classic Hollywood and the darker reality behind it so well.
Then, in complete contrast, Sonia's story transported me into London's literary scene, and hello... George Orwell. As someone who loved 1984, I absolutely ate those sections up. The smoky pubs, intellectual debates, publishing world and post-war literary circles created such a different atmosphere from Hollywood, yet somehow it all blended together perfectly. It gave the novel such a unique balance, constantly moving between two fascinating worlds.
I honestly think the strongest aspect of this book is the women themselves, and I'm eternally grateful that Caroline discovered they had all attended the same strict religious boarding school because what an incredible premise. What struck me most, though, was something Caroline says in the author's note. All three women were raised within a toxic, abusive education system that expected them to become nothing more than obedient wives and mothers, silenced by the authority of God and their husbands.
And yet... all three of them basically said, "fuck that."
They pushed back against the restrictive misogyny embedded within the world they were raised in and carved out lives on their own terms. Whether that meant conquering Hollywood, becoming part of Britain's literary elite or simply refusing to accept the role society had assigned them, each woman challenged everything she had been taught she was supposed to be. Considering the opportunities available to women during the twentieth century, that felt incredibly powerful.
I also really appreciated how honestly the book portrayed mental health, family relationships and romantic relationships. No one's life was presented as perfect, not even huge movie stars who seemed to have everything. There was pain, loneliness, complicated family dynamics, unhealthy relationships and personal struggles throughout, and I thought that honesty made the book feel even more human.
I also absolutely loved the opening because it somehow contained everything I find ridiculously interesting. It begins in a boarding school run by abusive nuns, exploring the corruption that can exist within organised religion, before expanding into the glamour of twentieth-century Hollywood while exposing the misogyny actresses endured. There are mentions of the Second World War, literary London, and of course George Orwell himself, who I've loved ever since reading 1984 last year. It honestly felt like Caroline Lamond wrote a book specifically tailored to my interests.
I genuinely don't understand why this book hasn't become far more renowned. It's actually annoying me that it hasn't gone viral because it's incredible. It deserves so much more attention than it's getting.
Anyway... FUCK YES. Five stars. Live. Love. The Socialites.
This book was absolutely perfect. Drop-dead, throw-me-off-a-cliff perfect. I genuinely don't understand how this book isn't everywhere because it deserves to be.
The Socialites follows the intertwined lives of three extraordinary women who all attended the same strict religious boarding school before going on to lead wildly different lives. There's Vivien Leigh, the legendary actress whose career took her from the British stage to the dazzling heights of 1930s and 40s Hollywood, becoming one of the greatest stars of classic cinema. Then there's Maureen O'Sullivan, another Hollywood icon best known for playing Jane in the Tarzan films, whose story explores both the glamour and the harsh realities of the film industry. Finally, there's Sonia Orwell, who immersed herself in London's literary circles before marrying George Orwell, giving us a fascinating glimpse into an entirely different world of writers, intellectuals and post-war Britain. The fact that all three women began in the same place but ended up living such vastly different lives is honestly incredible.
I'll admit I was a little nervous going in because I knew the book followed three different women and spanned almost their entire lifetimes. I thought it might end up feeling messy or difficult to follow, constantly jumping between perspectives and decades. Instead, Caroline Lamond handled it with absolute precision. I never once forgot where each woman's story had left off, and despite the constant shifts in focus, I never felt disconnected from any of them. Every time a chapter switched, I was just as invested as I had been before.
The writing was genuinely phenomenal. I know these women were real people, but Caroline somehow made them feel real in a way that's surprisingly difficult to achieve in historical fiction. They never felt like distant historical figures or famous names on a page. They felt like complex, flawed, funny, ambitious women with distinct personalities, voices and dreams. Their individuality shines through every chapter, and I became completely attached to all three of them.
I absolutely adored the 1930s and 40s Hollywood atmosphere brought by Vivien and Maureen's stories. Reading about film sets, premieres, glamorous parties, famous actors and the golden age of cinema was just so much fun. But what I loved even more was that the glamour never overshadowed the reality. Beneath all the sparkle was the deeply misogynistic industry these women had to navigate, where actresses were scrutinised, controlled and expected to sacrifice so much for success. Caroline captures both the magic of classic Hollywood and the darker reality behind it so well.
Then, in complete contrast, Sonia's story transported me into London's literary scene, and hello... George Orwell. As someone who loved 1984, I absolutely ate those sections up. The smoky pubs, intellectual debates, publishing world and post-war literary circles created such a different atmosphere from Hollywood, yet somehow it all blended together perfectly. It gave the novel such a unique balance, constantly moving between two fascinating worlds.
I honestly think the strongest aspect of this book is the women themselves, and I'm eternally grateful that Caroline discovered they had all attended the same strict religious boarding school because what an incredible premise. What struck me most, though, was something Caroline says in the author's note. All three women were raised within a toxic, abusive education system that expected them to become nothing more than obedient wives and mothers, silenced by the authority of God and their husbands.
And yet... all three of them basically said, "fuck that."
They pushed back against the restrictive misogyny embedded within the world they were raised in and carved out lives on their own terms. Whether that meant conquering Hollywood, becoming part of Britain's literary elite or simply refusing to accept the role society had assigned them, each woman challenged everything she had been taught she was supposed to be. Considering the opportunities available to women during the twentieth century, that felt incredibly powerful.
I also really appreciated how honestly the book portrayed mental health, family relationships and romantic relationships. No one's life was presented as perfect, not even huge movie stars who seemed to have everything. There was pain, loneliness, complicated family dynamics, unhealthy relationships and personal struggles throughout, and I thought that honesty made the book feel even more human.
I also absolutely loved the opening because it somehow contained everything I find ridiculously interesting. It begins in a boarding school run by abusive nuns, exploring the corruption that can exist within organised religion, before expanding into the glamour of twentieth-century Hollywood while exposing the misogyny actresses endured. There are mentions of the Second World War, literary London, and of course George Orwell himself, who I've loved ever since reading 1984 last year. It honestly felt like Caroline Lamond wrote a book specifically tailored to my interests.
I genuinely don't understand why this book hasn't become far more renowned. It's actually annoying me that it hasn't gone viral because it's incredible. It deserves so much more attention than it's getting.
Anyway... FUCK YES. Five stars. Live. Love. The Socialites.
September 23, 2024
I didn’t love this one as I didn’t like or connect with any of the main characters. It was an interesting time piece but I wasn’t excited to return to it when I sat down and picked up my Kindle. I wasn’t compelled by any of the women’s stories or ties to each other.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an early release in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an early release in exchange for a fair and honest review.
August 18, 2026
I bought this back in January last year and have only just got around to it. I have to wait to be in the mood to change my reading diet from my usual fare of murderation !! However, it's good to have a palate-cleanser now and then.
Surprisingly, I've read a lot of reviews stating the readers weren't keen on the inclusion of Sonia, which I find pretty ridiculous !! She went to the same dreaded convent school as Maureen and Vivien and forged her own way in the same era they did so why she shouldn't be included I find unfathomable. Granted, I'd never heard of her (and neither have I ever fancied reading a George Orwell book) but I'd not heard of Maureen either ! I grew up with the Ron Ely Tarzan....Weissmuller's incarnation was before my time so so was she. I only know Vivien because obviously she was very famous indeed. AND she starred in one of my most favourite oldie films ever-Waterloo Bridge.
It was written in a similar style to Gill Paul's books, which I love. Real people written about with a fair bit of artistic licence with their dialogue. Though I did find the usual disclaimer at the outset a bit odd in this instance with the "any resemblance to actual persons" bit......when clearly it's all about actual people !! Maybe it's something the legal-eagles insist on but it's a bit pointless.
Loved the cover as well and even the chopping-off of the person's whole face so an intriguing use of it, too.
I did get a kick out of the reason patent shoes were banned at the convent. Only the Catholics would manage to have their minds in the gutter like this !! I had no idea all nuns cut their hair short, either, though I suppose it makes sense with all that headgear. I also learned girls could still be presented at court if they were married. I have always thought that custom was for single girls alone !!
I did note the odd little niggle-she overused the word discerned, the name Bay highly irritated me because I guessed it was short for a proper name but we were never told what that maybe was. Lindy Hop needed capitalising...I was sure Cocoanut Grove was a repeated misspelling but upon checking see it isn't....it did catch my eye at every reference, though. There were a few missed-off question marks and she wrote leant not lent. A couple of words were also missed in sentences....then she refers to Vivien winning 2 Oscars to Larry's zero, which shocked me, then I looked it up and he had won one in 1948 by the time we were at in the book. She had stayed true to all historical happenings till then to my knowledge so perhaps this was just an omission.
All this said, it was a fascinating tale of three very different but in many ways quite similar ladies of this era, who each forged their way successfully in an even more male-dominated era than these days. Though don't get me wrong, this is NOT some feminist burn-your-bra piece of claptrap in the least !!
Surprisingly, I've read a lot of reviews stating the readers weren't keen on the inclusion of Sonia, which I find pretty ridiculous !! She went to the same dreaded convent school as Maureen and Vivien and forged her own way in the same era they did so why she shouldn't be included I find unfathomable. Granted, I'd never heard of her (and neither have I ever fancied reading a George Orwell book) but I'd not heard of Maureen either ! I grew up with the Ron Ely Tarzan....Weissmuller's incarnation was before my time so so was she. I only know Vivien because obviously she was very famous indeed. AND she starred in one of my most favourite oldie films ever-Waterloo Bridge.
It was written in a similar style to Gill Paul's books, which I love. Real people written about with a fair bit of artistic licence with their dialogue. Though I did find the usual disclaimer at the outset a bit odd in this instance with the "any resemblance to actual persons" bit......when clearly it's all about actual people !! Maybe it's something the legal-eagles insist on but it's a bit pointless.
Loved the cover as well and even the chopping-off of the person's whole face so an intriguing use of it, too.
I did get a kick out of the reason patent shoes were banned at the convent. Only the Catholics would manage to have their minds in the gutter like this !! I had no idea all nuns cut their hair short, either, though I suppose it makes sense with all that headgear. I also learned girls could still be presented at court if they were married. I have always thought that custom was for single girls alone !!
I did note the odd little niggle-she overused the word discerned, the name Bay highly irritated me because I guessed it was short for a proper name but we were never told what that maybe was. Lindy Hop needed capitalising...I was sure Cocoanut Grove was a repeated misspelling but upon checking see it isn't....it did catch my eye at every reference, though. There were a few missed-off question marks and she wrote leant not lent. A couple of words were also missed in sentences....then she refers to Vivien winning 2 Oscars to Larry's zero, which shocked me, then I looked it up and he had won one in 1948 by the time we were at in the book. She had stayed true to all historical happenings till then to my knowledge so perhaps this was just an omission.
All this said, it was a fascinating tale of three very different but in many ways quite similar ladies of this era, who each forged their way successfully in an even more male-dominated era than these days. Though don't get me wrong, this is NOT some feminist burn-your-bra piece of claptrap in the least !!
December 12, 2024
The Socialites by Caroline Lamond is a treat for any fans of the Golden Age of Hollywood, inspired as it is by the lives of actresses Vivien Leigh and Maureen O' Sullivan as well as Sonia Brownwell who was the second wife of novelist George Orwell. When the author learned that these three women attended the same school for several years it became a jumping off point for her to follow them over the course of their lives and careers from girlhood through career successes and personal triumphs and tragedies. Well written and with fascinating source material to work with, it is no surprise that I very much enjoyed reading about these women. From boarding school pranks to Hollywood glamour and scandal the author certainly kept my attention and I enjoyed the writing style very much indeed. I found that Vivien's and Maureen's chapters held my interest more that Sonia's did and at first I thought it was because I knew a little about them before picking up the book, but as I read on I realised it was because the friendship between them and their similar careers meant that their stories were more intertwined while the chapters from Sonia's perspective almost felt like a detour from the main story and that disconnect meant that I was always eager to get back to the other perspectives. It is a shame because there is no doubt that Sonia had an interesting life of her own but it just did not fit quite as neatly into the overall narrative of the book. All that being said I think the author had a great idea and executed it well and I would have no hesitation in recommending it to readers who enjoyed books like The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, or in picking up another book by this author.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.
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