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A Tender Thing
An exhilarating debut novel set under the dazzling lights of late 1950s Broadway, where a controversial new musical pushes the boundaries of love, legacy, and art.
Growing up in rural Wisconsin, Eleanor O'Hanlon always felt different. In love with musical theater from a young age, she memorized every show album she could get her hands on. So when she discovers an open call for one of her favorite productions, she leaves behind everything she knows to run off to New York City and audition. Raw and untrained, she catches the eye of famed composer Don Mannheim, who catapults her into the leading role of his new work, A Tender Thing , a provocative love story between a white woman and black man, one never before seen on a Broadway stage. As news of the production spreads, setting off an outpouring of protest that threatens the possibility of the show itself, Eleanor is forced to confront her own naive beliefs about the world.
Pulsing with the vitality and drive of 1950s New York, A Tender Thing immerses readers right into the heart of Broadway's Golden Age, a time in which the music soared and the world was on the brink of change.
Growing up in rural Wisconsin, Eleanor O'Hanlon always felt different. In love with musical theater from a young age, she memorized every show album she could get her hands on. So when she discovers an open call for one of her favorite productions, she leaves behind everything she knows to run off to New York City and audition. Raw and untrained, she catches the eye of famed composer Don Mannheim, who catapults her into the leading role of his new work, A Tender Thing , a provocative love story between a white woman and black man, one never before seen on a Broadway stage. As news of the production spreads, setting off an outpouring of protest that threatens the possibility of the show itself, Eleanor is forced to confront her own naive beliefs about the world.
Pulsing with the vitality and drive of 1950s New York, A Tender Thing immerses readers right into the heart of Broadway's Golden Age, a time in which the music soared and the world was on the brink of change.
336 pages, Paperback
First published April 7, 2020
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2764 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
March 22, 2021
3.5 stars, but rounding up for unpredictability and originality.
I'm a bit mystified this hasn't been more widely read! As of this writing, only 202 other Goodreaders have read it. And it came out in April 2020, aka peak quarantine for a lot of people. It has all the elements of a bestseller; a historical fiction (1958, best I can tell) about a rural Wisconsin girl who is mesmerized by the thrill of Broadway and moves to the city to chase her big break, only to face fear and challenges she never imagined.
Back in Wisconsin, she'd believed that the people who created those beautiful musicals must be as beautiful inside. They must love the art like she did. Now Eleanor was one of those creators and didn't know if she was fulfilling her dream or proving that it couldn't come true.
I can't call myself an expert on or a die hard fan of musical theater, but I do enjoy it. I haven't had the pleasure of seeing any major productions live, but I love filmed musicals. I was even a musical kid in high school!
17 year old Ellen Gail, left, seen on stage back when half sweaters and cropped tights were all the rage
So it was nice to be reminded of my adoration for musical performance in A Tender Thing. But Eleanor O'Hanlon is no typical Broadway ingénue. Instead she finds herself landing a role she never expected, as the lead Molly, in famed composer / her personal hero Don Mannheim's groundbreaking new musical. A Tender Thing (both the name of the book and the musical) will be Mannheim's most risky move yet as he attempts to be the first to bring an interracial love story center stage.
Eleanor smiled. Don might have been a genius, but he was wrong. He had no idea of the doubt she held inside her, a huge well that threatened to spill over any time someone looked too hard.
One of the biggest risks this book takes is with the main character Eleanor. I did enjoy how she was unashamedly ambitious, but most of the time she's downright unlikable. Tunnel vision, unthinkingly self-centered, and naive - she's also a little pretentious.
"You said so yourself. We're apart from the rest. There's no one like us, Don."
..."You think our pain is the same only because you can't imagine any greater than your own."
I thankfully enjoyed the rest of the ensemble much more. Her boyfriend Tommy, co-star Charles and his wife Gwen, her best friend Rosie; almost everyone else is a more interesting, sympathetic character. Especially Charles and Gwen. They're my favorite.
There were parts that dragged, particularly in the last 1/3, but I stayed pretty invested overall. As for the ending, I don't hate it, but I don't find it to be totally satisfying either.
I did like the ultimate trajectory of Eleanor's character, despite not liking her very much. I think it was an interesting move and a good choice that was bolstered by everything that came before it.
I may not have been convinced by the ending from a plot standpoint, but from a character one it satisfied. Much like I'll always appreciate a well choreographed dance number, I'll also appreciate a well executed piece of historical fiction. A Tender Thing has some bumps in its road, but overall it delivers well crafted Broadway drama.
Thanks to Edelweiss and G.P. Putnam's Sons for the digital review copy.
Quotes may be different in the published edition.
I'm a bit mystified this hasn't been more widely read! As of this writing, only 202 other Goodreaders have read it. And it came out in April 2020, aka peak quarantine for a lot of people. It has all the elements of a bestseller; a historical fiction (1958, best I can tell) about a rural Wisconsin girl who is mesmerized by the thrill of Broadway and moves to the city to chase her big break, only to face fear and challenges she never imagined.
Back in Wisconsin, she'd believed that the people who created those beautiful musicals must be as beautiful inside. They must love the art like she did. Now Eleanor was one of those creators and didn't know if she was fulfilling her dream or proving that it couldn't come true.
I can't call myself an expert on or a die hard fan of musical theater, but I do enjoy it. I haven't had the pleasure of seeing any major productions live, but I love filmed musicals. I was even a musical kid in high school!
17 year old Ellen Gail, left, seen on stage back when half sweaters and cropped tights were all the rage
So it was nice to be reminded of my adoration for musical performance in A Tender Thing. But Eleanor O'Hanlon is no typical Broadway ingénue. Instead she finds herself landing a role she never expected, as the lead Molly, in famed composer / her personal hero Don Mannheim's groundbreaking new musical. A Tender Thing (both the name of the book and the musical) will be Mannheim's most risky move yet as he attempts to be the first to bring an interracial love story center stage.
Eleanor smiled. Don might have been a genius, but he was wrong. He had no idea of the doubt she held inside her, a huge well that threatened to spill over any time someone looked too hard.
One of the biggest risks this book takes is with the main character Eleanor. I did enjoy how she was unashamedly ambitious, but most of the time she's downright unlikable. Tunnel vision, unthinkingly self-centered, and naive - she's also a little pretentious.
"You said so yourself. We're apart from the rest. There's no one like us, Don."
..."You think our pain is the same only because you can't imagine any greater than your own."
I thankfully enjoyed the rest of the ensemble much more. Her boyfriend Tommy, co-star Charles and his wife Gwen, her best friend Rosie; almost everyone else is a more interesting, sympathetic character. Especially Charles and Gwen. They're my favorite.
There were parts that dragged, particularly in the last 1/3, but I stayed pretty invested overall. As for the ending, I don't hate it, but I don't find it to be totally satisfying either.
I did like the ultimate trajectory of Eleanor's character, despite not liking her very much. I think it was an interesting move and a good choice that was bolstered by everything that came before it.
I may not have been convinced by the ending from a plot standpoint, but from a character one it satisfied. Much like I'll always appreciate a well choreographed dance number, I'll also appreciate a well executed piece of historical fiction. A Tender Thing has some bumps in its road, but overall it delivers well crafted Broadway drama.
Thanks to Edelweiss and G.P. Putnam's Sons for the digital review copy.
Quotes may be different in the published edition.
April 1, 2020
A Tender Thing starts out as a traditional tale of a girl with a big singing voice who is enamored with Broadway musical theater and escapes her boring life on a Wisconsin farm heading to New York City in search of fame on the Great White Way. A good premise for an enjoyable book but what transpires is much more complex as Eleanor O'Hanlon meets Don Mannheim, a star composer who is taken by her innocence and determination. She is given the lead in his new musical, "A Tender Thing," which is a love story between a white woman and a black man. This is the late 1950s and presenting a love story of this kind is beyond controversial.
This book gives lovers of musicals a great look behind the scenes in the making of a show during the golden age of Broadway when openings made the front page, above the fold, of the New York Times. And it movingly presents the harsh realities of prejudice during the early days of the civil rights movement. Bravo!
Many thanks to Edelweiss, G.P. Putnam’s Sons and Emily Neuberger for an advance copy of this impressive debut novel which will be published on April 7, 2020.
Review posted at MicheleReader.com
This book gives lovers of musicals a great look behind the scenes in the making of a show during the golden age of Broadway when openings made the front page, above the fold, of the New York Times. And it movingly presents the harsh realities of prejudice during the early days of the civil rights movement. Bravo!
Many thanks to Edelweiss, G.P. Putnam’s Sons and Emily Neuberger for an advance copy of this impressive debut novel which will be published on April 7, 2020.
Review posted at MicheleReader.com
March 26, 2020
Think All About Eve, A Star Is born, 42nd Street and picture that girl pulled out of the chorus or standing at the stage door in the rain and you have an idea of what the beginning of the book is about. Eleanor from Wisconsin gets her big break on Broadway. That’s really a simplification of the start of this book but those were the movies going though my mind as I was reading.
This book is about so much more than just Eleanor and her burning desire and unfounded belief that she is destined to star in a musical written by Don Mannheim and miraculously being singled out by him.
People can become so obsessed in doing the thing they love that they shut out the rest of the world until they are forced to open their eyes. Reality can return with a crash which is exactly what happens to Eleanor when she sees beyond herself and the bright lights of Broadway at last. The 1950’s were a turbulent period filled with protests, riots, racism, and civil rights, all of which Eleanor finally has to face when the musical is in Boston for pre-Broadway performances.
It was an interesting take on a turbulent period in history.
I won this ARC in a First Reads giveaway. Thank you to G.P. Putnam’s Sons and the author, Emily Neuberger.
This book is about so much more than just Eleanor and her burning desire and unfounded belief that she is destined to star in a musical written by Don Mannheim and miraculously being singled out by him.
People can become so obsessed in doing the thing they love that they shut out the rest of the world until they are forced to open their eyes. Reality can return with a crash which is exactly what happens to Eleanor when she sees beyond herself and the bright lights of Broadway at last. The 1950’s were a turbulent period filled with protests, riots, racism, and civil rights, all of which Eleanor finally has to face when the musical is in Boston for pre-Broadway performances.
It was an interesting take on a turbulent period in history.
I won this ARC in a First Reads giveaway. Thank you to G.P. Putnam’s Sons and the author, Emily Neuberger.
March 9, 2020
This book deals with a lot of topics that came together beautifully. Set in the 1950’s Eleanor has aspirations to be on Broadway and when an opportunity arises she takes it. She’s a small town gal in the big city of lights, with views she’s not accustomed to, such as, diversity & racism, and work ethics. A good read! Thanks to the publisher for this ARC via Goodreads. This is my honest review.
May 1, 2020
Set in 1950s Broadway in the era of the musical, I expected this story to be ABOUT Broadway, but it's actually a commentary on racism and sexism in the United States and particularly upon white fragility.
The commentary itself is effective, with Charles, Eleanor's black co-star regularly having to explain to her what it's like to be a black man and why the relationship covered by the musical of a black man and white woman would be difficult nigh impossible. In response, Eleanor's guilt often makes her resent Charles, because it's not her fault and why should he make her feel bad and uncomfortable? It's classic white fragility illustrated well. There's also regular overt commentary about the fact that, though Don has done a fairly good job with the story as a white man writing about an experience he has no part of, there are large aspects he doesn't understand and that his motivation is fame, rather than political or moral.
There's also commentary on the way the white directors and writers use the labor of people of color and women while not giving them the same treatment or worrying about their safety. Don regularly gets ideas from Eleanor (and probably Charles), but he gives them no credit unless they're in private. There's some commentary on the wage gap between male and female actors as well, and on the way gay men, even in theatre, had to hide their truth.
What works less well is Eleanor as the vehicle for this story. She's effective, because she's from small town America and has to learn about race essentially for the first time, so she runs through all the reactions and can learn lessons. However, for all that she's become a better person by the end, I still didn't like her or root for her. In fact, the only characters I liked were Charles and his wife, Gwen. Eleanor's selfish, and, while it's somewhat addressed, I didn't feel like she really grew out of that. This isn't, to be fair, entirely a bad thing, because I'm not convinced you're meant to like Eleanor that much. Still, it means that I wasn't as connected to this story emotionally, which is a shame.
The audiobook's really well done, read by Neuberger herself, who is a theatrical singer and sings a few times during the production. My guess is that I wouldn't have finished this one if I'd been reading the print, because of the disconnect, but Neuberger's passionate rendition kept the book engaging.
The commentary itself is effective, with Charles, Eleanor's black co-star regularly having to explain to her what it's like to be a black man and why the relationship covered by the musical of a black man and white woman would be difficult nigh impossible. In response, Eleanor's guilt often makes her resent Charles, because it's not her fault and why should he make her feel bad and uncomfortable? It's classic white fragility illustrated well. There's also regular overt commentary about the fact that, though Don has done a fairly good job with the story as a white man writing about an experience he has no part of, there are large aspects he doesn't understand and that his motivation is fame, rather than political or moral.
There's also commentary on the way the white directors and writers use the labor of people of color and women while not giving them the same treatment or worrying about their safety. Don regularly gets ideas from Eleanor (and probably Charles), but he gives them no credit unless they're in private. There's some commentary on the wage gap between male and female actors as well, and on the way gay men, even in theatre, had to hide their truth.
What works less well is Eleanor as the vehicle for this story. She's effective, because she's from small town America and has to learn about race essentially for the first time, so she runs through all the reactions and can learn lessons. However, for all that she's become a better person by the end, I still didn't like her or root for her. In fact, the only characters I liked were Charles and his wife, Gwen. Eleanor's selfish, and, while it's somewhat addressed, I didn't feel like she really grew out of that. This isn't, to be fair, entirely a bad thing, because I'm not convinced you're meant to like Eleanor that much. Still, it means that I wasn't as connected to this story emotionally, which is a shame.
The audiobook's really well done, read by Neuberger herself, who is a theatrical singer and sings a few times during the production. My guess is that I wouldn't have finished this one if I'd been reading the print, because of the disconnect, but Neuberger's passionate rendition kept the book engaging.
March 6, 2020
Historical fiction fans and musical lovers this is a book for you! A TENDER THING is a beautifully written story about a strong-willed midwestern gal who takes on life in NYC to follow her passion—life on the stage. Eleanor immediately felt like a close friend, and I could not put this book down. Full of heartbreak, hope, and love this is a book I won’t soon forget.
December 2, 2019
A TENDER THING is a compelling, page-turning, and thought-provoking read that I devoured in two thoroughly enjoyable sittings. I love musical theater but I'm not very knowledgeable about its history, and this novel provides a fascinating peek behind the curtain (forgive the pun) of how productions come together and the New York City ecosystem they inhabit. It also tells a deeply human story about difference and privilege with nuance and care. And it ALSO hooks you with relationships—between family members, friends, romantic prospects, colleagues, and, most significantly (New Yorkers know I'm dead serious here), ROOMMATES—that feel raw and real.
As Garrard Conley aptly points out in his cover blurb, this novel's themes echo those of some of the best classic musicals (West Side Story, dare I say Hairspray?) while using the singular experiences of a 1959 young woman to examine much broader issues that were as crucial in that historical moment as they are in our own. Eleanor is a many-layered and lovable protagonist who you want to cheer for as much as you want to sit her down and have one of those "girl, I love you but you have GOT to get it together" friend talks. Also, if you, like me, are a fan both of historical fiction and of NBC's ill-fated but forever iconic series Smash (criminally underrated), this will scratch an itch in your brain you didn't know was still there.
An impressive debut and a delectable read. Highly recommend.
As Garrard Conley aptly points out in his cover blurb, this novel's themes echo those of some of the best classic musicals (West Side Story, dare I say Hairspray?) while using the singular experiences of a 1959 young woman to examine much broader issues that were as crucial in that historical moment as they are in our own. Eleanor is a many-layered and lovable protagonist who you want to cheer for as much as you want to sit her down and have one of those "girl, I love you but you have GOT to get it together" friend talks. Also, if you, like me, are a fan both of historical fiction and of NBC's ill-fated but forever iconic series Smash (criminally underrated), this will scratch an itch in your brain you didn't know was still there.
An impressive debut and a delectable read. Highly recommend.
November 27, 2019
Miss Neuberger's debut novel is a delight to read. A thoughtful journey that carefully depicts a young woman's journey to star on Broadway, the highs, the lows, the exciting adventure of finally living your dream, as well as the great disappointments when the reality of those dreams inevitably rears its head.
January 18, 2020
As a theater lover and a farm girl from Wisconsin I could relate with this book on many levels. I loved the characters and their budding relationships.
March 20, 2020
When an open call is posted to audition for a famous Broadway composer, Eleanor flees her home on a pig farm in Wisconsin for the bright lights of 1950s New York City. She lands a role in a controversial, integrated new musical that is sure to raise eyebrows. And between protests of the show and becoming the composer’s muse, Eleanor questions her own views of the world and the theatre.
As a musical theatre fan, I really enjoyed this story and the atmospheric setting. Eleanor is a great protagonist, and a bit different from the typical "actress trying to make it on Broadway". She's got her own problematic views and misconceptions; she's not perfect, but she's doing her best. I love the realistic messiness of the artistic process. I would have liked to see some of the other characters developed a bit more, but overall, really enjoyable. If you like Golden Age Broadway, you won't be disappointed!
As a musical theatre fan, I really enjoyed this story and the atmospheric setting. Eleanor is a great protagonist, and a bit different from the typical "actress trying to make it on Broadway". She's got her own problematic views and misconceptions; she's not perfect, but she's doing her best. I love the realistic messiness of the artistic process. I would have liked to see some of the other characters developed a bit more, but overall, really enjoyable. If you like Golden Age Broadway, you won't be disappointed!
January 30, 2021
What a ride!
This books wasn’t what I expected.
I thought it was going to be a light-hearted rom-com, but oh my goodness it was SO MUCH MORE, and I thoroughly enjoyed the journey on which I was taken.
I love the author’s dedication to inclusion and diversity as well as getting SO MANY THINGS right in the theater world. I was glad to know she had a history with musical theater because it shows!
So much of this story, even though it takes place in the 50’s, is unfortunately still relevant today.
Highly recommend this one.
If you’re a binge reader, this is a book for you because it’s one story that flows beginning middle and end.
Highly recommend!!!
This books wasn’t what I expected.
I thought it was going to be a light-hearted rom-com, but oh my goodness it was SO MUCH MORE, and I thoroughly enjoyed the journey on which I was taken.
I love the author’s dedication to inclusion and diversity as well as getting SO MANY THINGS right in the theater world. I was glad to know she had a history with musical theater because it shows!
So much of this story, even though it takes place in the 50’s, is unfortunately still relevant today.
Highly recommend this one.
If you’re a binge reader, this is a book for you because it’s one story that flows beginning middle and end.
Highly recommend!!!
August 21, 2020
While this book had its flaws, I enjoyed it. It was well developed historic fiction about one of my favorite eras. I did enjoy the references to a variety of wonderful musicals.
February 23, 2020
A naive farm girl from Wisconsin runs away to New York to make it big on Broadway but instead of landing the lead role in the next Rogers and Hammerstein she is given the lead in the most controversial play Broadway has ever seen. This scenerio could happen today but this story takes place in the 1950's and the show that Eleanor lands the lead in is a love story between a white girl and a black man and they do more than hold hands on stage, igniting deep seated racial tensions. She must not only learn the cut throat world of the theatre but also learns first hand the secret segregated world for people of color and homosexuals and handle her new independence and sexual awakening. This well written debut starts off with an innocent who must open herself up to much more than she ever dreamed of. The lesson is that just because you are blinded by the lights of Broadway doesn't mean you shouldn't fight for the people hiding in its shadow. Fans of CHELSEA GIRLS and CITY OF GIRLS and avid watchers of THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAIZEL will enjoy this slice of New York history. My thanks to the publisher for the advance copy.
April 7, 2020
I mean, I thought it was great!
April 20, 2020
Emily Neuberger has written a polished and quietly powerful novel of historical fiction in A Tender Thing. Built around the idea of a young actress and singer who leaves the Midwest to try to become a Broadway star in the 1950s, the novel's skillful take on the racism of the era is deftly woven through the story. Eleanor O'Hanlon has grown up with one true love in her life- musical theater. After traveling to NYC with her lifelong friend Rosie and attending several auditions, she captures the eye of Don Mannheim, a famous composer who has long been one of Eleanor's favorites. Soon she is cast in a new musical, "A Tender Thing", in the starring role of Molly, a young woman who falls in love with a black man, Luke, and defies society's expectations by wanting to marry him. Initially, the novel appears to be about Eleanor having to overcome her own beliefs about African-Americans, the novel digs far deeper than that. It examines the theater community's limiting perceptions of race and sexual orientation and the ugliness of Jim Crow laws that were still very much a part of the era in the Northeast.
Neuberger manages to capture Eleanor's almost childlike naïveté about the world she has entered without making her seem unappealing. Better still, her single-mindedness is never so blindered that she is rendered unsympathetic. Most of the secondary characters like Don and Charles are well-developed. While I could quibble with a few of the other characters who seemed thin on the page (Rosie and Tommy, in particular), overall the book is successful in capturing an era in which Broadway thrived and society was on the cusp of change.
The audiobook, narrated by the author, is well done, though the sung passages, heavy on a thin soprano voice with excessive vibrato, were not that pleasing to my ear. Thankfully, they were present only briefly.
I received a Digital Review Copy and a paper review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Neuberger manages to capture Eleanor's almost childlike naïveté about the world she has entered without making her seem unappealing. Better still, her single-mindedness is never so blindered that she is rendered unsympathetic. Most of the secondary characters like Don and Charles are well-developed. While I could quibble with a few of the other characters who seemed thin on the page (Rosie and Tommy, in particular), overall the book is successful in capturing an era in which Broadway thrived and society was on the cusp of change.
The audiobook, narrated by the author, is well done, though the sung passages, heavy on a thin soprano voice with excessive vibrato, were not that pleasing to my ear. Thankfully, they were present only briefly.
I received a Digital Review Copy and a paper review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 12, 2020
I found this ARC at the independent bookstore where I volunteer, and I immediately took it. It’s set on Broadway in the 1950s. Need I say more. 😉
April 29, 2020
I stayed up until 3 in the morning finishing this beautiful story. Eleanor is a young woman who lives on a pig farm, when she decides to cash in her parents' war bonds for a one way ticket to New York to try to make it as an actress. She gets cast in an extremely controversial Broadway show- her character, Molly, a white woman, falls in love with Luke, a black man. The story follows not only her journey in New York, but also their journey as they prepare for this show, while fighting the racism and hatred of everyone around them. This was such a deep, moving read. Personally, I related to this story because my mom is white and my dad is black. I know they faced criticism from their peers and families when they started dating. Luckily, my husband and I, who are also an interracial couple, haven't faced the same scrutiny that these characters did, but it isn't lost on me those who have paved the way before us, including my parents. Eleanor was forced to face her own prejudices and naivety through the show, and deal with being disowned by her family. Charles, the black man who plays Luke, faces his own challenges: navigating the predominantly white world of theatre while dealing with threats and violence from people around him. The stakes are high because Charles has a baby on the way. Eleanor and Charles stand together as they use the show as a vehicle of social change. Powerful, moving, profound, A Tender Thing is a poignant look at feminism and racism. I think if you enjoyed A Good Neighborhood and/or the old Hollywood vibes of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, you will enjoy this book. Thank you @putnambooks for this gorgeous finished copy.
April 2, 2020
"The world makes you earn your happiness"
A Tender Thing is an extremely engaging novel. In all honesty, I would have never picked this book up to read if I hadn't been given an advanced reader copy of it, but I was pleasantly surprised. I really enjoyed it even though I'm not into musical theater or intrigued much by the 1950s. Emily Neuberger is a really captivating writer. I kept wanting to read one more chapter, then one more chapter, instead of going to sleep. I liked the growth of the main character, Eleanor, and the focus on the racial issues of the time period. I will definitely be interested in reading future works by this author. I also intend to buy a copy for a friend's birthday next month as I really think they will enjoy it.
Disclaimer: The quoted text is from an uncorrected proof of this book that I received from G.P. Putnam's Sons through Shelf Awareness in exchange for my honest review.
A Tender Thing is an extremely engaging novel. In all honesty, I would have never picked this book up to read if I hadn't been given an advanced reader copy of it, but I was pleasantly surprised. I really enjoyed it even though I'm not into musical theater or intrigued much by the 1950s. Emily Neuberger is a really captivating writer. I kept wanting to read one more chapter, then one more chapter, instead of going to sleep. I liked the growth of the main character, Eleanor, and the focus on the racial issues of the time period. I will definitely be interested in reading future works by this author. I also intend to buy a copy for a friend's birthday next month as I really think they will enjoy it.
Disclaimer: The quoted text is from an uncorrected proof of this book that I received from G.P. Putnam's Sons through Shelf Awareness in exchange for my honest review.
August 20, 2020
Elenour loves the theater and music. So much so she leaves her small town in Wisconsin to audition for a play in New York. The play is about a love affair between a black man and a white woman. Set in the 1950s as the civil rights movement was beginning, the play immediately captures attention and controversy. Set against the New York theater and cultural scene of the 1950s, Elenour learns more about race relations and life than she was planning. This is a great story about following your dreams in a changing society and seeing a different viewpoint of the world. The characters are superb. Definitely recommend
February 21, 2024
Rating for Zoe you’re welcome. 3.5 stars. I felt as though the preview on the book cover pulled me in the wrong direction, making me think there would be more romantic tension between Eleanor and Don. The ending wrapped things up nicely, but had to dock a little for the frustration I felt reading about them up until the last chapter 😂 Also felt like the middle was repetitive with “We’ll change the show just a little to placate the audiences in Boston but oh no they still didn’t like it and it strays from the original message of the show!!”
December 5, 2023
Broadway nerds--this is a book for you. When an open call is posted to audition for a famous Broadway composer, Eleanor leaves her rural Wisconsin farm for 1950s New York City. She manages to land a role in the controversial, integrated new musical by her composer idol, Don Mannheim. Sure, this story is about a doe-eyed innocent finding her way in NYC, but it also explores deeper themes of racism, sexuality, feminism, family relationships. Eleanor is an interesting protagonist. She is riddled with problematic views and misconceptions. We see some growth in her over time, but maybe not quite as much as I'd like--though maybe this is more realistic? The relationships are complex, the story is compelling, and as a musician, I really appreciated how thoroughly this writer understood the world of performing arts. I'll be honest--there are some overly earnest and cheesy lines sprinkled throughout (though mostly in the beginning of the book), and I did MAJORLY cringe when the author sang in the audiobook (I switched back and forth between the book and audio). But this is generally a really enjoyable story.
September 10, 2023
This book was infuriating. I finished it - begrudgingly - because it just had to get better, right?
Unfortunately, ‘A Tender Thing’ missed almost all of the most important marks in a work of creative fiction: nuance, atmosphere, insight… in other novels that I have disliked to this degree, I was put off by their sheer vanity and ham-fistedness. But somehow, that is easier to stomach. It is far less disappointing to expect stupidity and receive it. To know what you’re getting into. Almost a sense of self-awareness. ‘A Tender Thing’ took itself far more seriously, which made it all the more dreadful.
I recognize that the author was attempting to write in-step with the main character’s arc throughout the story; hopeful, naieve, to arrogant and frustrated, to finally softening and cautiously optimistic. But what resulted? Well, I’ll tell you.
Part one is written as if from the point-of-view of a child. The characters were as one-note as they were archetypal. Any sense of building atmosphere was crushed under the weight of the exposition. Though we, as readers, never hope for pretentiousness, the first act of this book lacked sophistication to such a degree, I nearly felt condescended. The repetition was maddening, especially with regard to the musical jargon. “Eleanor sang clear, her voice buzzing in her face”. You’d think that description would suffice when written once, even if a little pedestrian. But I’m not joking when I say the author wrote that exact line probably close to 20 times.
Part two was painful. The sheer narcissicism radiating off of the characters suffocated their every interaction. But even beyond that, their stupidity was astounding. I felt as though I was watching footage from the video game “The Sims”: characters confidently stumbling through interactions that, while normally mundane, become surreal, ridiculous, almost uncanny. You wonder to yourself, “how is this so close to reality, but missing it so entirely?” And don’t get me wrong, I understand that fiction is not intended to be reality. But, this novel is clearly meant to touch something, well, *tender*! But there is nothing tender about petting an animal’s fur against the grain.
Part three is just plain boring. I was constantly checking the page numbers and counting down how much further I had to go. Do you remember being in high school and looking at the clock? Thinking to yourself, “okay, 40 minutes left. That’s two sets of twenty minutes. I can get through two sets of twenty minutes, right?” I was - and I say this without any glimmer of facetiousness - doing that with the pages. “Okay, 50 more pages. That’s two sets of 25… okay, 30 more pages. That’s two sets of 15.” Revelations that had been built-up to were revealed, but had been hinted at so plainly they weren’t even anti-climactic, they were just a given.
Part four was so beyond unaffecting, I’m not even sure I could put it into words. I reached the finish line glad to be done, with no sense of accomplishment. They say that love and hate are the same because they are both born of passion. The true opposite to love is apathy. And that’s how I finished the novel. Apathetic towards the plot, the characters. With my previous 1-star books, I realize now how much more passionately I had felt. I’d laugh at them, talk about them with friends, think about how angry I was to spend my money on them. In a way, that was far more rewarding than this. At least it had been an experience. This was just mind-numbing.
I wanted so badly to connect to this novel because of what Eleanor represented. A person so isolated, who finds connection with music, and a reverence to whomever created it. A feeling that, even if no one else understands me, the person who created this does. This is a feeling I’ve had the entirety of my life. It consumes my soul, it is so intense it at times makes me feel sick to my stomach. If that’s what this book is about, shouldn’t I have felt moved? Yes. I should have.
Unfortunately, ‘A Tender Thing’ missed almost all of the most important marks in a work of creative fiction: nuance, atmosphere, insight… in other novels that I have disliked to this degree, I was put off by their sheer vanity and ham-fistedness. But somehow, that is easier to stomach. It is far less disappointing to expect stupidity and receive it. To know what you’re getting into. Almost a sense of self-awareness. ‘A Tender Thing’ took itself far more seriously, which made it all the more dreadful.
I recognize that the author was attempting to write in-step with the main character’s arc throughout the story; hopeful, naieve, to arrogant and frustrated, to finally softening and cautiously optimistic. But what resulted? Well, I’ll tell you.
Part one is written as if from the point-of-view of a child. The characters were as one-note as they were archetypal. Any sense of building atmosphere was crushed under the weight of the exposition. Though we, as readers, never hope for pretentiousness, the first act of this book lacked sophistication to such a degree, I nearly felt condescended. The repetition was maddening, especially with regard to the musical jargon. “Eleanor sang clear, her voice buzzing in her face”. You’d think that description would suffice when written once, even if a little pedestrian. But I’m not joking when I say the author wrote that exact line probably close to 20 times.
Part two was painful. The sheer narcissicism radiating off of the characters suffocated their every interaction. But even beyond that, their stupidity was astounding. I felt as though I was watching footage from the video game “The Sims”: characters confidently stumbling through interactions that, while normally mundane, become surreal, ridiculous, almost uncanny. You wonder to yourself, “how is this so close to reality, but missing it so entirely?” And don’t get me wrong, I understand that fiction is not intended to be reality. But, this novel is clearly meant to touch something, well, *tender*! But there is nothing tender about petting an animal’s fur against the grain.
Part three is just plain boring. I was constantly checking the page numbers and counting down how much further I had to go. Do you remember being in high school and looking at the clock? Thinking to yourself, “okay, 40 minutes left. That’s two sets of twenty minutes. I can get through two sets of twenty minutes, right?” I was - and I say this without any glimmer of facetiousness - doing that with the pages. “Okay, 50 more pages. That’s two sets of 25… okay, 30 more pages. That’s two sets of 15.” Revelations that had been built-up to were revealed, but had been hinted at so plainly they weren’t even anti-climactic, they were just a given.
Part four was so beyond unaffecting, I’m not even sure I could put it into words. I reached the finish line glad to be done, with no sense of accomplishment. They say that love and hate are the same because they are both born of passion. The true opposite to love is apathy. And that’s how I finished the novel. Apathetic towards the plot, the characters. With my previous 1-star books, I realize now how much more passionately I had felt. I’d laugh at them, talk about them with friends, think about how angry I was to spend my money on them. In a way, that was far more rewarding than this. At least it had been an experience. This was just mind-numbing.
I wanted so badly to connect to this novel because of what Eleanor represented. A person so isolated, who finds connection with music, and a reverence to whomever created it. A feeling that, even if no one else understands me, the person who created this does. This is a feeling I’ve had the entirety of my life. It consumes my soul, it is so intense it at times makes me feel sick to my stomach. If that’s what this book is about, shouldn’t I have felt moved? Yes. I should have.
June 20, 2020
A great story. The ending fell a little flat. 4/5 stars.
April 19, 2020
I was probably predisposed to like this book. It's about an idealistic young person from the midwest who loves musical theater and dreams of working on Broadway. I was an idealistic young person from the midwest who loved musical theater and dreamed of working on Broadway. But even with that predisposition aside, this book moved me and thoroughly entertained me. It begins almost as a fairy tale. The protagonist, Eleanor, is extremely likable and easy to root for, and when she impulsively moves to New York, her dreams rapidly come true. It feels sparkly and technicolor, like an episode of Mrs. Maisel. But as the story progresses, Neuberger peels back the surface of that dream come true little by little, revealing all the truer and more complicated layers underneath. And what began as a fun fantasy begins to feel more authentic and confusing. It's a simple device in theory, but Neuberger makes it look easy, and I would imagine it's anything but. She really poignantly captures how, as you achieve your dreams, they morph and alter, and you have to seek out new ones, and reconcile what you dreamed of with reality. There is also a prominent arc of Eleanor being awakened to the racial injustices of the US in the late 1950s, before being woke was a thing. Neuberger never feels preachy, nor like she's spelling out pat answers to deeply complex issues. They arise so naturally, and are grappled with, not tied up with bows. Lastly, as a lover of music and theater, I've always been frustrated that books, movies, and series about the arts always focus on performance and gloss over rehearsal. As anyone in the arts know, rehearsal is where all the real drama is! It is SO refreshing to see the development and rehearsal of a new musical mined for all its dramatic worth. It's gratifying to know this was clearly written by someone who understands and appreciates that process. All in all, I highly recommend it, especially if you love musicals!
December 6, 2021
I am a theater nut! I identify with the main character Eleanor in Emily Neuberger’s A Tender Thing so much. Anyone who has followed my reviews knows I am drawn to books about the theater, theater biographies, and stories of the production of Broadway musicals. And thus, when I read the description of A Tender Thing, I knew it was for me. While I wish the editor of the book had been more of a musical theater expert because there are a few examples used that don’t read right, i.e. the auditions for The Sound of Music (Mary Martin was attached to the show from the very beginning and thus there would have been so leading lady auditions) and criticism of Cole Porter’s book writing (he only wrote the music and lyrics, with someone else providing the spoken words,) I overlooked these gaffs because the characters were so rich and the story so compelling. Eleanor leaves her parents’ Wisconsin farm to audition for a Broadway show, helmed by composer/lyricist/book writer Don Mannheim, a wunderkind obviously patterned after the genius of Stephen Sondheim. She is cast in a very controversial show, directed by Harry Flynn, again obviously patterned after the style of choreographer/director Jerome Robbins. This setup alone tells us theater-obsessed readers the story will fly along with all kinds of touchy subjects. And it does. I found the book, set in 1959, as it deals with all kinds of taboo points to be enjoyable and thought-provoking. This is a book for everyone, but particularly us theater nuts. I am still wondering why the designation “Ms.” was used, as common usage of that only started in the 1970s. Little things can do so much to tarnish an otherwise stellar novel written by a great new talent.
April 24, 2023
It's really hard to get a book published, so I'm assuming Putnam and its editors saw something in this manuscript that they felt was worthwhile. I just honestly can't determine what that "thing" was. I am a HUGE musical theatre fan so I was very interested in this book from the get-go. But most of the book read like a YA novel. Not a lot of depth The plot was really hard to believe. So many (SO many) lines were written as questions. (Eleanor, the protagonist, is constantly asking these questions in her head.) It took place in the 1950s but that didn't seem very obvious until you were hit over the head with how difficult life was then for African Americans. Or LGBTQ+ people. Or women. I felt those issues needed to be presented through conversations or subtle observations by Eleanor. The time period could have also been presented through descriptions of NYC and the apartments where people lived and the restaurants. There were just so many other (better) ways to describe time and place. And Eleanor's infatuation with her composer/lyricist idol felt very juvenile. After reading most of the other reviews of this book in Goodreads, I am definitely in the minority. Ah well. My mother would say, "That's why they make chocolate AND vanilla." :-)
Interesting side note: I found this book in a Little Free Library in my neighborhood. Tucked inside the book was a personal note from the editor to Julia Fine (author of Should Be Wild) stating that Julia's agent asked to have a copy of A Tender Thing sent to Julia. The editor's business card was also in the book! I discovered that Julia Fine and I live in the same city. I never miss a chance to journey down a rabbit hole. ;-)
Interesting side note: I found this book in a Little Free Library in my neighborhood. Tucked inside the book was a personal note from the editor to Julia Fine (author of Should Be Wild) stating that Julia's agent asked to have a copy of A Tender Thing sent to Julia. The editor's business card was also in the book! I discovered that Julia Fine and I live in the same city. I never miss a chance to journey down a rabbit hole. ;-)
September 29, 2021
I finished this book in two sittings. I was drawn in right away with the main character, Eleanor, growing up in Wisconsin (as I did), and her love of musicals (also a passion of mine). I also have a connection to the author through her dad. That being said, I absolutely loved this book and diving into the relationships between characters. It was good to see that Eleanor was on both sides of the let downs that happen between people.
The theater background was wonderful to delve into, and I had no idea about all of the rewrites that occur between the first try away from Broadway, and the final (if you will) performance. Eleanor chased her dreams regardless of how it affected those close to her. Even with all of her faults, I feel like she really did evolve to be a better person in the end.
The tension that came as a result of what the play was about was tangible and built in intensity throughout the story. I think that Eleanor truly learned a lot about how different reality was from what her original dream had been, and that no matter where you go, no one is perfect.
I loved this story and I honestly hope that there will be more to come from Ms. Neuberger. Her writing drove me deep into the story and let me escape my own reality for awhile. I could visualize everything she wrote about and her words made me care about the characters in a way that I truly love.
Kudos to you, Emily, on this, your debut novel! I plan to spread the word so that more people read this, especially if you have any affinity to historical fiction about Broadway.
The theater background was wonderful to delve into, and I had no idea about all of the rewrites that occur between the first try away from Broadway, and the final (if you will) performance. Eleanor chased her dreams regardless of how it affected those close to her. Even with all of her faults, I feel like she really did evolve to be a better person in the end.
The tension that came as a result of what the play was about was tangible and built in intensity throughout the story. I think that Eleanor truly learned a lot about how different reality was from what her original dream had been, and that no matter where you go, no one is perfect.
I loved this story and I honestly hope that there will be more to come from Ms. Neuberger. Her writing drove me deep into the story and let me escape my own reality for awhile. I could visualize everything she wrote about and her words made me care about the characters in a way that I truly love.
Kudos to you, Emily, on this, your debut novel! I plan to spread the word so that more people read this, especially if you have any affinity to historical fiction about Broadway.
May 20, 2020
Book Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5⠀
⠀
Ms. Neuberger - you are a literary genius. A Tender Thing is an absolute GIFT. I feel honored to have read it. ⠀
⠀
This dazzling debut novel (debut!? WOW) is set in the late 1950s on Broadway where a controversial new musical pushes the boundaries of love, legacy, and art.⠀
⠀
I was so, so drawn into this novel. I felt like I was put into the story line by the author so that I was able to have the truest experience possible. I am a sucker for anything 50’s and Broadway related, and this cover also drew my eye in. Following Eleanor as she finds herself and follows her dreams was an exciting journey. As we meet Charles later on, along with a whole cast of beautifully developed characters, we find ourselves completely immersed. I laughed, cried, and felt sick to my stomach. You truly feel like you’re on the brink of change, experiencing the racial inequalities of this time period.⠀
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This is a novel I avoided reading because I didn’t want to finish it. I have been lucky to have a few of those lately. I wouldn’t allow myself more than a few chapters at a time. But towards the end, I couldn’t help but to devour it. This was a gift, Emily Neuberger is a gift, and I cannot wait to see what other works she creates in the future. WOW.⠀
⠀
(Thank you to Edelweiss, the publisher, and the author for the ARC of A Tender Thing).⠀
⠀
Ms. Neuberger - you are a literary genius. A Tender Thing is an absolute GIFT. I feel honored to have read it. ⠀
⠀
This dazzling debut novel (debut!? WOW) is set in the late 1950s on Broadway where a controversial new musical pushes the boundaries of love, legacy, and art.⠀
⠀
I was so, so drawn into this novel. I felt like I was put into the story line by the author so that I was able to have the truest experience possible. I am a sucker for anything 50’s and Broadway related, and this cover also drew my eye in. Following Eleanor as she finds herself and follows her dreams was an exciting journey. As we meet Charles later on, along with a whole cast of beautifully developed characters, we find ourselves completely immersed. I laughed, cried, and felt sick to my stomach. You truly feel like you’re on the brink of change, experiencing the racial inequalities of this time period.⠀
⠀
This is a novel I avoided reading because I didn’t want to finish it. I have been lucky to have a few of those lately. I wouldn’t allow myself more than a few chapters at a time. But towards the end, I couldn’t help but to devour it. This was a gift, Emily Neuberger is a gift, and I cannot wait to see what other works she creates in the future. WOW.⠀
⠀
(Thank you to Edelweiss, the publisher, and the author for the ARC of A Tender Thing).⠀
October 27, 2020
3.5 stars. If you like historical fiction, Broadway, or NYC you will like this book. Eleanor lives on a farm with her family but has always loved Broadway musicals. When she reads there will be an open call she leaves the farm behind for the big city. She lands a part in a very provocative play that is a love story between a white girl and a black boy (this is the 1950s so race is a major factor). As she finds her footing in the big city she is forced to question all of her beliefs.
I found Eleanor's naivety irritating at times but as race was not something she ever had to deal with before maybe that was realistic. I do wish that she would have gone back to talk to her family. I feel like part of her life was never really closed and just left hanging.
This book dives a lot deeper than just a girl wanting to be a star on Broadway. It really digs into the racial issue that was going on at the time. It also reminds you that sometimes what you most thought you want doesn't turn out to be what you thought it would be.
Thank you to Putnam for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I found Eleanor's naivety irritating at times but as race was not something she ever had to deal with before maybe that was realistic. I do wish that she would have gone back to talk to her family. I feel like part of her life was never really closed and just left hanging.
This book dives a lot deeper than just a girl wanting to be a star on Broadway. It really digs into the racial issue that was going on at the time. It also reminds you that sometimes what you most thought you want doesn't turn out to be what you thought it would be.
Thank you to Putnam for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 3, 2022
This book sat on my shelf for months. I couldn’t remember why I bought it and now I can’t believe it took me so long to open it up.
I also can’t believe how few people have read and talked about this book. I started it thinking Eleanor was just going to be some farm girl who gets wrapped up in New York drama, makes silly mistakes, but ultimately drinks and smokes and acts worldly. This book is nothing like that. Eleanor is smart and determined. And she’s forced to think about the reality of blacks and whites in the era of the 50s through a play she’s starring. I really hoped Eleanor’s eyes would be opened and I wasn’t disappointed. I only wish we had more of Charles, more pages of his thoughts, more pages of his anger, more pages of his disappointment. I felt it barely scratched the surface but that’s barely a fault of the writer. It’s just that I closed the book and immediately wanted more. This book also delves into all the different forms of friendships - childhood best friends, unexpected friends, friends of old lovers, friends that will never be more - and it’s beautifully embraced. I wouldn’t have changed a thing. I will absolutely pick this up again in the future.
I also can’t believe how few people have read and talked about this book. I started it thinking Eleanor was just going to be some farm girl who gets wrapped up in New York drama, makes silly mistakes, but ultimately drinks and smokes and acts worldly. This book is nothing like that. Eleanor is smart and determined. And she’s forced to think about the reality of blacks and whites in the era of the 50s through a play she’s starring. I really hoped Eleanor’s eyes would be opened and I wasn’t disappointed. I only wish we had more of Charles, more pages of his thoughts, more pages of his anger, more pages of his disappointment. I felt it barely scratched the surface but that’s barely a fault of the writer. It’s just that I closed the book and immediately wanted more. This book also delves into all the different forms of friendships - childhood best friends, unexpected friends, friends of old lovers, friends that will never be more - and it’s beautifully embraced. I wouldn’t have changed a thing. I will absolutely pick this up again in the future.
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