The Ashtrays Are Full and the Glasses Are Empty

by Kirsten Mickelwait

"Fans of Paula McLain and Marie Benedict will enjoy this insightful novel."- Kirkus Reviews



"Micklewait provides a jewel box of a book illustrating that none of us invented the fight for a singularly creative life." - Randy Susan Meyers, internationally bestselling author of The Many Mothers of Ivy Puddingstone



Raised in New York's Gilded Age, pampered heiress Sara Wiborg dreams of a more creative life than the rigid future prescribed for her. It's only when she meets Gerald Murphy that she finds a man who shares her creative, aesthetic ideal and, after a friendship of eleven years, they marry despite the strong disapproval of her family.



Against the sizzling Jazz Age backdrop of 1920s Paris and Antibes, Sara's innate style and gift for friendship attract the bohemian elite of the new century-including Hemingway, Fitzgerald, Picasso, and Dorothy Parker. But by the 1930s, her fortune is lost and tragedy strikes-not once, but twice. Sara's strength and resilience allow her to find a new equilibrium over time, long after the parties have ended. A heartbreaking story of love and loss, The Ashtrays Are Full and the Glasses Are Empty follows Sara through her very modern life to reveal how tragedy can be healed by faith, unconditional love, and a creative mind. 

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction

381 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 27, 2025

About the author

Kirsten Mickelwait has been passionate about reading and writing for as long as she can remember, but her love of literature was really ignited as an English major at UC Berkeley, where she discovered James Joyce and the expatriate writers of 1920s Paris. Her historical novel, The Ashtrays Are Full and the Glasses Are Empty, features many of these characters, including Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, John Dos Passos, Gertrude Stein, and Dorothy Parker. Her memoir, The Ghost Marriage, was published in 2021. Kirsten is an alumna of the Community of Writers, the Napa Valley Writers Conference, the Kauai Writers' Conference, and several other writers' workshops. She has another book in the pipeline—a speculative novel—and is currently at work on a collection of linked short stories about post-menopausal women.

Reviews

[Heather~ Nature.books.and.coffee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Taking place in the 1920’s, This is a great biographical fiction about Sara Wiborg (a pampered heiress) and Gerald Murphy, who ended up marrying after a lengthy friendship. I love books set in the 20’s. I find that era so fun to read about.  I had never heard of this couple before but I found this story really interesting and of course led me to Google them. Reading about who this couple was and the friends they made through their life was so fascinating.  The couple, with their children, moved to places all over the world, including NY, LA, and Paris. I loved reading about their glamourous life but I also found parts especially towards the end to be so heartbreaking. This was quite a good read!

Thank you to the publisher, author, and Suzy approved book tours for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley for this advanced reading.

This is a poignant and touching historical biographical book. The writing is so compelling.
It's so hard to put into words how much I loved this book.
I never heard of them before, but it's simply amazing how Sarah and Gerald was written that I was instantly consumed by their thoughts and emotions.

This is a poignant and touching historical biographical book which I stumbled by accident, but I'm happy that I did, because story of Sara and Gerald would stay with me for long.

[Sarah Jensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review: The Ashtrays Are Full and the Glasses Are Empty
by Kirsten Mickelwait

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Overview
Kirsten Mickelwait’s The Ashtrays Are Full and the Glasses Are Empty is a vivid historical fiction novel that immerses readers in the decadence and turbulence of the Jazz Age, following the lives of Sara and her partner, a real-life couple whose story intertwines with the cultural upheavals of early 20th-century France. Mickelwait blends meticulous period detail with emotional depth, crafting a narrative that is as much about societal transformation as it is about personal resilience.

Themes and Content

The novel excels in:
-Historical Authenticity: The Jazz Age and expatriate life in France are rendered with rich, sensory prose—smoke-filled rooms, clinking glasses, and the bohemian chaos of the era feel palpable.
-Character Complexity: Sara’s journey from New York society to the heart of Parisian avant-garde circles is portrayed with nuance, exploring themes of identity, love, and disillusionment.
-Cultural Commentary: Mickelwait subtly critiques the gendered constraints and existential restlessness of the time, drawing parallels to modern struggles for autonomy.
-Narrative Pacing: The story balances introspective moments with lively vignettes of parties, artistic debates, and personal crises, though some transitions feel abrupt.

Writing Style and Structure
Mickelwait’s prose is lush and evocative, channeling the lyrical excesses of the period. Dialogue crackles with wit, and descriptions of settings (e.g., smoky cafés, dimly lit apartments) anchor the reader in the era. However, the nonlinear structure—while artistically ambitious—may challenge readers seeking a conventional plot arc.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:
-Atmospheric Mastery: The book’s greatest achievement is its immersive recreation of time and place.
-Emotional Resonance: Sara’s internal conflicts—between societal expectations and personal desires—are universally relatable.
-Originality: A lesser-explored facet of historical fiction, focusing on the interplay between art, love, and societal change.

Weaknesses:
-Pacing Irregularities: Some sections linger excessively on ambiance, slowing narrative momentum.
-Character Accessibility: Secondary characters occasionally blur together, lacking distinct voices.

Section Scoring Breakdown (0–5)
-Historical Depth: 5/5 – A standout portrayal of the Jazz Age.
-Character Development: 4/5 – Sara shines; supporting cast could be sharper.
-Prose Quality: 4.5/5 – Gorgeous but occasionally overwrought.
-Plot Cohesion: 3.5/5 – Nonlinear structure may disorient some readers.
-Thematic Impact: 4/5 – Timely themes, though subtlety borders on obscurity at times.

Final Verdict
The Ashtrays Are Full and the Glasses Are Empty is a decadent, thought-provoking dive into a bygone era, perfect for readers who savor historical fiction with literary flair. While its structural quirks and pacing inconsistencies may frustrate those seeking tight plotting, Mickelwait’s ability to evoke the soul of the Jazz Age makes this a memorable read.

★★★★☆ (4/5) – A shimmering, if uneven, ode to lost loves and found freedom.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author, Kirsten Mickelwait, for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Stacia Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for this advanced copy! This was a tough read for me, solely because I am not a huge fan of historical fiction. This book takes you through the life of prominent figures from our past. Since this read more as a biography, it was harder for me to keep an interest. It was very hard for me to finish! I’m giving it a 4/5 because I think others who appreciate historical fiction might really enjoy it!

[Annie Oortman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m happy to announce that Kirsten Mickelwait has renewed my faith in authors and books! With compelling writing, captivating characters, and one hell of a plot, “The Ashtrays are Full and the Glasses are Empty” has it all. Start with a young girl and young boy at the turn of the 20th century; sprinkle in some historic figures like Picasso, Hemingway, and Fitzgerald; add a dash of European locations and situations, and you have one hell of a treatise on how one’s perspective changes throughout the years, but not one’s soul. Ultimately, it’s a story about marriage and how the coupling goes from romantic to challenging to profound. Definitely, definitely worth the read!

[Shawna Seed · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a sucker for books about Sara and Gerald Murphy, the legendary hosts of everyone who was anyone in 1920s Europe.

Kirsten Mickelwait's novel, The Ashtrays Are Full and the Glasses Are Empty, focuses on Sara, an heiress completely uninterested in the life society has mapped out for her. She finds a kindred spirit in Gerald, who shares her restlessness. Together, they're determined to create the world they want to inhabit.

The book is arranged chronologically, and the early years proceed at a gallop. They spend idyllic days on the beach in the south of France surrounded by their three children and a dizzying cast of friends: Cole Porter, Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald, Picasso, Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas. Despite their friends' occasional bad behavior (or in the case of the Fitzgeralds, more than occasional), the Murphys are generous with artistic encouragement and financial support. Their mansion, Villa America, is home base for The Lost Generation.

It all comes crashing down, of course. The Depression makes their lavish lifestyle untenable. Tragedy strikes the family not once, but twice. Fitzgerald and eventually Hemingway turn on them, skewering them in Tender is the Night and A Moveable Feast.

At the heart of this novel is the question: Who were the Murphys, really? Spoiled, heedless children who used their wealth to collect famous friends? People of exquisite taste whose support enabled some of the greatest artists of the 20th century?

Did they -- as Hemingway suggested -- deserve all the bad things that came their way?

Mickelwait's portrait is sympathetic, but it also captures the nuance of this glittering couple. The Murphys were many things: perfectly suited, unhappily married, generous, foolish, kind, snobbish, glamorous, and ultimately, tragic.

Thanks to NetGalley for an advance copy.

[Cassie’s Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an amazing but interesting story that is quite touching!

This book tells the story about the real life couple Sara and Gerald Murphy. I had never heard of them before this book! Sara who grew up during the gilded age. Sara has her own dreams that is completely different than the dreams of her family. She wants to be creative, so when she meets Gerald who shares the same dreams for the future they become friends and then marry, much to her family disapproval. We read about their life together through good times and their famous friendships that attract the bohemian elite of the new century-including Hemingway, Fitzgerald, Picasso, and Dorothy Parker. While at the French Rivera. We see their connection to the Tender is the Night the famous novel. When tragedy strikes we see Sara’s strength long after their parties have ended and friends have turned on them . It’s heartbreaking , eye opening and takes you on a historical ride.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would give this 10 stars if I could. The title grabbed my attention. A wonderful account of the life of Sara Murphy. This author did an amazing job telling it. I have read about Sara and Gerald Murphy, as friends of Hemingway and Fitzgerald they have shown up time and time again. Even knowing how the story of their life goes, I couldn’t put this down.

[Laurie G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Move over Gilbert and Patchett, Kirsten Mickelwait has earned a seat at your table. Ashtrays and Glasses is stunning historical fiction with exquisitely written dialogue. This is a book not to be missed. Would love to see it as a movie.

[Rudrashree Makwana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a poignant and touching historical biographical book. The writing is so compelling. This follows the story of Sara. From sharing about growing up, making friends, describing class to life before and after marriage, author has shared all the highs and lows of life. The characters are fictional but the author has taken inspiration from real life characters. There is a mention of World War. I liked how Sara and Gerald become friends first and remain friends for eleven years and then they decide to marry. Despite disapproval from Sara’s family and all the hardships, they stay together. This is such a heart wrenching story and everything that happens in the story made me sad. I felt so deeply for Sara.

Thanks to the Publisher


4.5⭐️

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review

This is a fictional retelling of the real-life couple Sara and Gerald Murphy. They were part of the scene in the roaring 20’s and included the likes of F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, Gertrude Stein, Pablo Picasso, and many others as their close friends. Going from New York to France to Switzerland to Los Angles, back to the East Coast, and what felt like everywhere in between, The Murphys and their three children (and at some point, a menagerie of animals) experienced the world. That is, until faced with some devastating heartbreak that caused them to settle back in the US for the rest of their days.

The Murphys demonstrated commitment and adaptability in making changes for their children, while also maintaining close friendships, as friends continued to visit them wherever they moved. With as much as this story focused on the parties and social engagements of the time, I was surprised to find myself in tears through the last 30% of this book. It absolutely tore my heart out. This last section was so well written and emotionally charged, it raised my overall rating of the book and changed some of my earlier opinions.

I started this book thinking it was purely non-fiction but found myself confused on the narrative style of the story. With that confusion in mind, I struggled to connect with the story and the characters. Everything seemed a little flighty, jumping around through different topics and locations. Characters who were introduced first thing, didn’t seem to be mentioned after the initial meeting. Obviously, I was struggling to vibe with this book. Some books may require a specific time and mood before readers become fully engaged with them. I set this one down for a month before circling back to it, and I am glad I did. This book is a perfect example of why I struggle with not finishing a book. Though the beginning took a moment to find its stride, shortly past the middle, this story took off.

I would recommend this book to anyone who appreciates fictional retellings of real-life events and people. It should be read with that in mind before one gets smashed over the head with the amount of name-dropping that takes place. Ultimately, this is a story about family, of origin, chosen, found, and everything in between.

Thank you to Kirsten Mickelwait, NetGalley and Köehler Books for an advanced copy of this eBook.

[Shreedevi Gurumurty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gerald Clery Murphy and Sara Sherman Wiborg, a wealthy American expatriate couple, made their mark on the French Riviera in the early 20th century. Their lives were a testament to their love of art, literature, and luxury.

_Gerald Murphy_
Born: March 26, 1888
Died: October 17, 1964
Background: His family owned the Mark Cross Company, a renowned seller of fine leather goods. But Gerald's true passion lay in the arts.

_Sara Murphy_
Born: November 7, 1883
Died: October 10, 1975
Family: Sara's father was a self-made millionaire who owned a printing ink and varnish company. Her mother came from a notable family with connections to Senator John Sherman and General William Tecumseh Sherman.

_Meeting and Marriage_
The Murphys met in East Hampton, where they spent time with their families. Despite their families' initial disapproval due to differences in their backgrounds and personalities, they married in 1915. They had 3 children together: Baoth, Patrick, and Honoria.

Their marriage was complex and multifaceted, enduring despite challenges like Gerald's probable homosexuality and the loss of their two sons, Patrick, to tuberculosis in 1937 and Baoth to meningitis in 1935. However, Gerald and Sara had a deep connection, and their bond was built on mutual love, support, and a shared passion for art and life.

_Life in France_
The Murphys moved to Paris in 1921, becoming central figures in the city's artistic and literary circles. They befriended notable figures like F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Ernest Hemingway. Their summer villa, Villa America, in Cap d'Antibes, became a hub for creative minds. The Murphys played a significant role in popularising the French Riviera as a summer destination, convincing the Hôtel du Cap to stay open year-round and introducing sunbathing as a fashionable pastime.

_Artistic Contributions_
Gerald was a talented painter. Sara was also an accomplished pianist and patron of the arts.
The Murphys were generous hosts and supporters of the Lost Generation. They provided financial assistance, emotional support, and a creative haven.

The couple inspired numerous books and plays about their lives.

[Chelsie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The drink and the madness were just layers of tarnish over the beautiful young souls we'd once known." - Kirsten Mickelwait
The Murphy's were such fascinating people, and I had not heard of them until reading this novel. Sara and Gerald married after a decade of friendship and seemed to have lived this glamorous life. Sara used to living an extravagant life, easily enveloped Gerald into this lifestyle. They had various homes, many high society friends and appeared to have the perfect marriage. Summers by the beach and never ending flow of liquor and friends to enjoy life with. But as things change, so do people, friends and the truth of who people really are. Although Sara and Gerald always held a strong front for their marriage, there were secrets they both held that always lurked just below the surface of who they were. But when tragedy strikes their perfect image, they Murphy's soon find out who their true friends were and who will be there in time of need. Sara always looks back on their life and wonders if just maybe they did this different then maybe this wouldn't happen. It was a very interesting look into the lives of the Picasso, the Fitzgerald's and Hemingway as they were often a part of their friend group. I really enjoyed reading about the Murphy's and always find that the Roaring 20's really seemed to be a fascinating time to be alive. Thank you to the author for the complementary novel and to Suzy Approved Book Tours for the tour invite. This review is of my own opinion and accord.

[H.R.H. Carpathia]

Thank you Netgalley for this advanced reading

The title says so much and paints a scene all its own. When I read it I immediately thought that a ‘party’ (bright time of a life) was coming to an end. So, it was the creative title that drew me to this book. I do not believe I have heard of Sara and Gerald before though it is possible. The Fitzgeralds and Hemmingway I knew and of course Picasso. I thought the book would take a slower course through Sarah’s early life (before she married) but the story overall moves fast. I felt it is more so of a collection of events happening and I never felt I knew Sarah or Gerald or their children. Everything passes in a whirlwind which may have been deliberate. I did learn something about Zelda, how she suffered from a mental disorder. It is new to me as this time period is not exactly my interest and I do not care for the lifestyles of the characters. All that being said, it is always nice to see writers stick to historical’s true selves. In my opinion if you write about a real person, even in fiction, then why change them to fit a story when you could simply invent a character “inspired” by them. Unless it is satire then give these long gone people some respect and keep them as they were. So good on the writer for that.
There is some harsh language in this book, GD is used. Also there is a very dramatic scene where Zelda throws herself down the stairs, a dancer has her neck snapped on an axle by her own scarf.

[Susan Ballard (subakkabookstuff) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew that during the alluring Jazz Age (the 1920s and 30s), there was a circle of creatives that partied and played together, but I wasn’t familiar with Sara Murphy (nee Wiborg), who was among them.

Sara was a New York heiress who married her longtime friend Gerald Murphy. They lived a lavish life, owning homes from New York to Paris, owning yachts and traveling to Spain, Rome, LA, the Florida Keys, all in the company of their good friends Hemingway, Fitzgerald and Zelda, Dorthy Parker, Picasso, and other creatives, writers, and painters of the time.

I’ve read some other biographical fiction of this era, and this is one of my favorites. Mickelwait’s storytelling shines here! It reads so much like an immersive drama; I was so invested and enthralled that Sara was rubbing elbows with all these famous people. But to her, they were just friends; some would become thorns in her side, some would be a lover in another lifetime, perhaps. Although Sara and her husband would experience all the glitz and glamour the Jazz Age had to offer, they would also suffer from loss and tragedy, reminding me that these were real people; they were not invincible or out of tragedy's reach.

This title is so perfect; I can imagine the Jazz clubs or the French bistros with friends smoking and drinking. I can almost see and hear the glasses clinking and smell the smoke haze.

Thank you to @suzyapprovedbooktours and @kmickelwait54 for the #gifted book.

[Joy Fauvre · Rating 5 out of 5]

I already knew a little about Sara and Gerald from my love of Jazz Age writers and painters, so I was very excited to read "The Ashtrays are Full and the Bottles are Empty."

Kirsten Mickelwait did a superb job of giving us so many details about the spectacular friendships and dramas, the brilliance and darkness of the crowd that gathered around the Murphys – some of the greatest talents ever known.

And the story is interwoven with many snippets that will surprise and delight you. For example, you might guess that it was Coco Chanel who remarked, “Whoever said money can’t buy happiness simply didn’t know where to shop.” But it was Gertrude Stein.

In the Murphys’ later years, Archibald MacLeish donated Gerald’s painting "Wasp and Pear" to MOMA because MacLeish wanted Gerald to really think of himself as a painter. And I thought to myself at that moment, “Yes, he really was a painter. And Sara really was a writer.”

Then I remembered that this was Ms. Mickelwait’s biography of the Murphys’ lives of privilege that they generously shared with the Jazz Age’s leading lights. Their story of so much happiness, combined with later unimaginable personal tragedies, is so intimate and heartbreaking, you might think that Sara herself was the writer.

And lastly, their granddaughter said that when Hemingway wrote "A Moveable Feast" (published posthumously in 1964), he had turned against everybody. This was very upsetting to the Murphys, but they were gracious to the end, finding the memoir to be “such a mean book but so well-written.”

[Country Mama · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Ashtrays are Full and the Glasses are Empty by Kirsten Mickelwait is well written historical fiction about the historical period of the Jazz age in America and in France. This story follows Sara who is our FMC. Sara grows up in this book and also she makes friends. She describes her live before, after, and during marriage which is interesting to hear about. Sara is an heiress who has her entire life mapped out for her. And she hates it! The emotional journey of Sara is so moving of a read and you really start to feel for her as a person as you read this book.
I love how Sara and Gerald meet and become friends but stay in the friendzone for about 11 years before they decide to marry each other. This is very relatable for me personally as that is the way my own marriage/relationship with my hubby started. We were friends first which is the best option in my own opinion, it strengthens your marriage. I love how the author describes the smoky cafes and dim places in this book, you really get to see it as a reader as you are reading. And we also get to hear about historical figures as well like Hemingway, who become friends with Sara and Gerald;) One of my fav writers!
I highly recommend this one to fans of historical fictions!

[Kim Wilch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is this not the best title? And yes—I fully admit I’m a cover snob, and this one had me at hello. What’s inside is just as dazzling: a sweeping debut that dives into the glitz, grit, and gossip of the 1920s through the complicated marriage of heiress Sara Murphy and her artist husband, Gerald. On the surface, it’s all sun-soaked beaches, endless cocktails, and name-dropping friends like Hemingway, Picasso, and the Fitzgeralds. But beneath the sparkle lurks secrets, tragedy, and the quiet resilience of a couple who somehow held each other up through it all.

Told from Sara’s perspective, the story is glamorous, heartbreaking, and surprisingly tender—Gerald’s affairs (with men, including Cole Porter) and Sara’s fling with Picasso included. Yet, their bond endured decades of shifting times, even into the Beatles era, with their daughter ultimately summing it up: “She’d do it all over again.”

If you love the Roaring Twenties, messy but loyal love stories, or peeking into the lives of famous artists and writers, this book is one heck of a party invite you won’t want to turn down.

[Micheal D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ashtrays Are Full and the Glasses Are Empty by Kirsten Mickelwait is a lush and captivating journey through the glittering highs and devastating lows of the Jazz Age. With elegance and emotional depth, Mickelwait reimagines the extraordinary life of Sara Wiborg Murphy a woman whose charm, creativity, and resilience made her both muse and maker among the artistic elite of 1920s Paris and Antibes.

Through Mickelwait’s lyrical prose, readers are swept into the world of gilded parties, literary salons, and seaside escapes that defined an era, while also witnessing the private heartbreaks that shaped Sara’s soul. What sets this novel apart is its empathy its tender understanding of a woman who loses everything yet never stops searching for beauty, meaning, and faith in the aftermath.

Poignant, atmospheric, and utterly absorbing, The Ashtrays Are Full and the Glasses Are Empty is a triumph of historical fiction an ode to art, endurance, and the indomitable spirit of a woman ahead of her time. Fans of The Paris Wife, Z, and The Swans of Fifth Avenue will be enthralled.

[Firetruckmama · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher, for which I thank them.

“The Ashtrays are Full and the Glasses are Empty” is a fictional book by Kirsten Mickelwait. This book tells the story of true life couple Sara and Gerald Murphy. If you haven’t heard of them, that’s okay (I had heard of them in passing before reading this book). The Murphys were part of the post-WWI art era (think Picasso). They not only hung out with famous people (literature, news, art, fashion) but also were famous in their own right. They are, to modern readers, known for “opening” up the French Riviera for summer pleasure (it had previously closed due to it being too warm in that part of France). I found the beginning of the book a bit slow (though Dorothy Parker’s appearance was fantastic) as Ms. Mickelwait gave Sara’s background, but the book picked up once Sara and Gerald married and their adventures together began.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ah, Paris in the 1920s. Who doesn't love it? This is the land of Hemingway, Fitzgerald, Picasso and more. It must have been a hotbed of creativity, and one decadent party. Into this atmosphere came two Americans, Gerald and Sara Murphy, an unconventional married couple who strove for happiness and independence above all. Sara was an heiress, providing the money which made this all possible.

The story, told through Sara's eyes, reads more like a memoir than a novel. It is more a series of events than a plot. That is okay, given the nature of the book. It is well researched and transports the reader to this time. There are some particularly interesting and gossipy tidbits about Scott, Ernest, Pablo, Zelda, etc. There is also the downfall of the Lost Generation. The party could not go on forever (hence the title of this book.) No one escapes tragedy.

A great read for fans of historical fiction.

[Jill Elizabeth]

I was so excited when I saw this one - Everybody Was So Young is one of my favorite historical novels, and I love the world of Sara and Gerald Murphy! Their personalities and exploits are fascinating to me, as are their friendships and social positioning within the changing world of the early 20th century.

I loved the cover art and title, and the book certainly opened well, but I pretty quickly found myself floundering to connect with the author's writing style. I know a fair bit about these characters, but yet still felt oddly disconnected to the story. I think it is just a matter of my reading style and the author's writing style not meshing well, which is very unfortunate... The underlying story here is a truly fabulous one, so you should definitely take a look for yourself though.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my obligation-free review copy.

[Sarah Bowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sara and her husband Gerald had quite the life. I had never heard of them so it was nice to go through the journey of their life with them. They lived in so many interesting places and met so many interesting people. I love to see the famous writers and artists that I do know and the times they all spent different places abroad with each other.

They lived through a lot of big things like the pandemic of the 20s/30s, the Crash and World War II. They had some tragic losses in their life and there were secrets that they had to hide from friends, family and the world. They even kept from sharing secrets with themselves. though it may not have always been easy, it seemed to me that they just lived a big full life and that's what they wanted to have lived.

[Debbie Rozier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this historical fiction book based on the life of Jazz Age trendsetters, Sara and Gerald Murphy.

I loved that the book is written in first person. I loved that the book is set from 1901-1975 so I was able to be with Sara from her teen years to her passing.

I love the time period of the jazz age and this book did not disappoint with all of the expats like the Fitzgeralds, the Hemingways as well as Picasso. These folks were close friends with the Murphys who made it trendy to summer in the French Riveria. A fun fact: the characters from TENDER IS THE NIGHT is partly based on the Murphys.

The book also is a love story between Sara and Gerald. It tells of their partnership, their struggles, and their home life. It shares their tragedies and their happiness in creating a home.

[Belinda Mann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly catching and holding the attention and interest of the reader. An historical fiction that takes you back to Paris in the 1920's told by Sara Murphy with her and her husband's exciting, daring, unusual and wealthy lives. She tells of the luxury, happiness and magical world of being friends with rich and famous painters, writers, actors and actresses, and captures your hearts as Sara focuses on personal tragedy and heartbreak.
The book ends in the mid 1970's and puts a shining light on how the Murphy's were looked at as not as important and special as the celebrities they were friends with, and Sara never giving up on her husband's ambitions, and raising her children. This book is inspiring and delightfully enjoyable. I highly recommend it.

[Christy Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is fascinating historical fiction! I hadn’t heard of the Murphy’s before reading this but I devoured this epic story about their life together - - their deep & untraditional bond, their children, their ups and downs, their fabulous & extremely generous entertaining, their many homes in so many places, their travels and more! SO many famous friends. It was especially interesting to read about their relationships and interactions with well known writers, painters and others. Love the title and appreciated the authors note.

[Booksandcoffeemx · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hard to explain what this book is really about; guess that’s why I’m not the writer. But wow. This book is way more than just a dramatic family story. It’s beautifully written and clearly well researched.
You get history, art, literature, and this incredible cast of real-life characters, Hemingway, Fitzgerald, Picasso, all set against the backdrop of 1920s Paris and the French Riviera. As an art lover, I was all in.
It’s glamorous and fun, but also heartbreaking. A wild, emotional ride!

[Danielle B · Rating 4 out of 5]

The 1920s are one of my favorite “eras” and Paris is one of my favorite cities. I had already connected with this story before starting the book. After reading THE ASHTRAYS ARE FULL AND THE GLASSES ARE EMPTY, I was definitely impressed with the writing. I have not read too many biographical fiction books, but I really enjoyed this one!

Many thanks to Kirsten Mickelwait for my gifted copy.

This review will be shared to my Instagram account (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the future.

[Karen J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks NetGalley for the arc of The Ashtrays are Full and the Glasses are Empty. I knew a good amount about the expatriates but nothing about Sara and Gerald Murphy. I was intrigued and enjoyed to book though at times I found it frustrating. Their lives were opulent and tragic but they held onto each other through it all. A well researched, educational and entertaining look at the life of Sara Wiborg Murphy.

[Dawnny · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story takes place during the 1920s. This is my favorite era to read about. This story is about Sara Wiborg and Gerald Murphy. It's all about their lives during the Jazz Age. I've never heard of them before but I was pulled right into their glamor and bohemian lifestyle. Their friendships with Hemingway, Fitzgerald, Picasso and the likes. Their rise and fall. Their story is as beautiful and turbulent as the times and had me a little emotional. A great read. I really enjoyed this.

Dawnny Ruby
Novels N Latte
Hudson Valley NY