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In Polite Company
“This terrific debut lifts the veil on the charming old city of Charleston and a prominent Lowcountry family to deliver an entertaining story about becoming yourself without totally rejecting your past. Plus: debutante balls! I love this novel.” —Lauren Weisberger, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Devil Wears Prada and When Life Gives You Lululemons
A captivating debut novel that looks inside the private lives of Charleston aristocracy, where a former debutante learns that sometimes good behavior leads to bad decisions.
Tourists think they see the real Charleston, but Simons Smythe knows there’s more to her hometown than sweet tea and Southern hospitality. Behind the walled gardens, inside the fabled historic homes, live Charleston’s elite. Simons was born into this powerful aristocracy that has quietly ruled the city for centuries.
Simons’s family has a banner year ahead; Her older sister will give birth to her second child, and her younger sister will make her debut—a series of cocktail parties and balls to introduce her to society. And in one year, Simons plans to marry Trip. She hopes that’s enough time to fall back in love.
Simons produces the news at a local TV station, a job that increasingly tests her loyalty to her family and friends. On her days off, Simons surfs the waves of Folly Beach, crabs the salty rivers of Edisto Island, and follows her wayward heart to King Street bars. The one touchstone in this confusing time is her elegant and secretive grandmother, Laudie, who—repeatedly and mysteriously—urges Simons to “be brave”.
In this sparkling novel, Simons unlocks riddles from the past, flirts with a new future, and discovers that some rules are made to be broken.
A captivating debut novel that looks inside the private lives of Charleston aristocracy, where a former debutante learns that sometimes good behavior leads to bad decisions.
Tourists think they see the real Charleston, but Simons Smythe knows there’s more to her hometown than sweet tea and Southern hospitality. Behind the walled gardens, inside the fabled historic homes, live Charleston’s elite. Simons was born into this powerful aristocracy that has quietly ruled the city for centuries.
Simons’s family has a banner year ahead; Her older sister will give birth to her second child, and her younger sister will make her debut—a series of cocktail parties and balls to introduce her to society. And in one year, Simons plans to marry Trip. She hopes that’s enough time to fall back in love.
Simons produces the news at a local TV station, a job that increasingly tests her loyalty to her family and friends. On her days off, Simons surfs the waves of Folly Beach, crabs the salty rivers of Edisto Island, and follows her wayward heart to King Street bars. The one touchstone in this confusing time is her elegant and secretive grandmother, Laudie, who—repeatedly and mysteriously—urges Simons to “be brave”.
In this sparkling novel, Simons unlocks riddles from the past, flirts with a new future, and discovers that some rules are made to be broken.
368 pages, Paperback
First published August 17, 2021
142 people are currently reading
6971 people want to read
About the author
Gervais Hagerty
2 books138 followersGervais Hagerty grew up in Charleston, South Carolina. She earned her B.A. in psychology from Vanderbilt University. After a post-college stint in Southern California, she returned to the east coast and worked as a news reporter and producer for both radio and television broadcasts.
In 2013, she earned her M.B.A. from The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina and soon after became a professor, teaching Leadership Communications to cadets.
She is a board member of The Charleston Council for International Visitors and serves on Charleston's Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee.
She lives in Charleston with her husband and daughters. IN POLITE COMPANY is her first novel.
In 2013, she earned her M.B.A. from The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina and soon after became a professor, teaching Leadership Communications to cadets.
She is a board member of The Charleston Council for International Visitors and serves on Charleston's Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee.
She lives in Charleston with her husband and daughters. IN POLITE COMPANY is her first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 233 reviews
February 19, 2021
I'm so proud of this amazing young Charleston author Gervais Hagerty. Here's what I think about IN POLITE COMPANY:
"Peek behind the veil of Charleston’s cobbled streets, Southern charm, and pedigreed society. In Polite Company offers a nuanced look at birth and death, privilege and discrimination at odds between generations. Gervais Hagerty is an author to watch!”
"Peek behind the veil of Charleston’s cobbled streets, Southern charm, and pedigreed society. In Polite Company offers a nuanced look at birth and death, privilege and discrimination at odds between generations. Gervais Hagerty is an author to watch!”
May 12, 2021
At its heart, In Polite Company is simply a love letter written to the city of Charleston and it's admirers, giving the reader a peak behind the curtain of the classic Charleston lifestyle. This beautifully crafted novel tells the story of a young woman, Simons, as she's going through a moment of self discovery, learning not only about her grandmother and her past, but about who she wants to be and how she wants her own life to turn out.
The grandmother character, Laudie, brought tears to my eyes multiple times; she is the true heart and soul of the book. I loved every scene with her in it. While I felt at a few places that the book felt a little disjointed, when the chapter would end and the next would pick up on a different topic when I wanted more of what I was just reading, it all came together quite nicely in the end.
This is Gervais Hagerty's debut novel and her writing style is sublime. I think she's going to fill the shoes quite well for the late, great Dorothea Benton Frank; I can see admirers of Dottie's novels loving this Charleston tale fiercely.
4.5 ⭐️
The grandmother character, Laudie, brought tears to my eyes multiple times; she is the true heart and soul of the book. I loved every scene with her in it. While I felt at a few places that the book felt a little disjointed, when the chapter would end and the next would pick up on a different topic when I wanted more of what I was just reading, it all came together quite nicely in the end.
This is Gervais Hagerty's debut novel and her writing style is sublime. I think she's going to fill the shoes quite well for the late, great Dorothea Benton Frank; I can see admirers of Dottie's novels loving this Charleston tale fiercely.
4.5 ⭐️
October 6, 2021
You’ll want to head to Charleston after reading Gervais Hagerty's debut novel,
In Polite Company
!!
“Here’s the thing about Charleston families: we regard civility above all else. No matter what is said or done, we remain in polite company. It’s what we’ve been bred to do: hide our disagreements beneath the smiles. Not say what we mean.”
Simons Smythe was born and raised to do the right things. Her family has been part of Charleston society for generations, and everyone knows the role they are expected to play. Her older sister is having her second baby while her younger sister is scheduled to make her debut into society shortly, which puts her family in the center of the public eye, just the way they like it.
But Simons has always been the one to question expectations. She never quite followed the route her parents wanted, but now she’s engaged to a suitable man and will have the wedding and the life she’s supposed to. The challenge is, she doesn’t think she loves Trip, her fiancé—but is that enough to stop the marriage? (She's also not interested in stopping working once she gets married.)
As a producer for a local television news station, she’s inclined to dig deeper and ask probing questions. But sometimes her work crosses the line and tests the mores of the genteel society she’s supposed to uphold, and that creates tension among her family.
What do you do when you find yourself wanting something different than you’re expected to, when bucking the status quo could mean risking it all? How do you balance what you want with what you need?
In Polite Company is both the story of one woman’s struggle to find her own path and a love letter to Charleston, South Carolina. I really enjoyed this as I love books that provide social commentary about societies I don’t live in. (Plus I love Charleston!)
Thanks to William Morrow Books for the complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased review!!
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2020 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2021/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2020.html.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
“Here’s the thing about Charleston families: we regard civility above all else. No matter what is said or done, we remain in polite company. It’s what we’ve been bred to do: hide our disagreements beneath the smiles. Not say what we mean.”
Simons Smythe was born and raised to do the right things. Her family has been part of Charleston society for generations, and everyone knows the role they are expected to play. Her older sister is having her second baby while her younger sister is scheduled to make her debut into society shortly, which puts her family in the center of the public eye, just the way they like it.
But Simons has always been the one to question expectations. She never quite followed the route her parents wanted, but now she’s engaged to a suitable man and will have the wedding and the life she’s supposed to. The challenge is, she doesn’t think she loves Trip, her fiancé—but is that enough to stop the marriage? (She's also not interested in stopping working once she gets married.)
As a producer for a local television news station, she’s inclined to dig deeper and ask probing questions. But sometimes her work crosses the line and tests the mores of the genteel society she’s supposed to uphold, and that creates tension among her family.
What do you do when you find yourself wanting something different than you’re expected to, when bucking the status quo could mean risking it all? How do you balance what you want with what you need?
In Polite Company is both the story of one woman’s struggle to find her own path and a love letter to Charleston, South Carolina. I really enjoyed this as I love books that provide social commentary about societies I don’t live in. (Plus I love Charleston!)
Thanks to William Morrow Books for the complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased review!!
Check out my list of the best books I read in 2020 at https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2021/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2020.html.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
Follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
September 18, 2021
When Harper Lee first went to her eventual publisher, the wise individual told her the real story was Atticus’s defense of the innocent man of color. I wish someone had done the same with In Polite Company – the story I wanted to read was Loudie’s.
That said, please don’t think the book compares with Harper Lee – it doesn’t. What we have is the story of a pampered liberal rich girl. Even her name, ‘Simons’, portrays her utter pretentiousness when she says ‘m like shrimp not m like Simon’. She looks down on transplants to the South, people who live in the suburbs, but also hates the people that normally live the life of privilege she has. At one point in the book, she said something about people not understanding white privilege and I really want to shake her and say – no, your family is filthy rich - owning huge city homes and beach homes and that’s your privilege.
At the end of the story, I was glad she was going to leave Charleston. She needs to move someplace where no one knows her. She needs to make it on her own. The author leads you to assume she will, but clearly, our opinions differ.
That said, please don’t think the book compares with Harper Lee – it doesn’t. What we have is the story of a pampered liberal rich girl. Even her name, ‘Simons’, portrays her utter pretentiousness when she says ‘m like shrimp not m like Simon’. She looks down on transplants to the South, people who live in the suburbs, but also hates the people that normally live the life of privilege she has. At one point in the book, she said something about people not understanding white privilege and I really want to shake her and say – no, your family is filthy rich - owning huge city homes and beach homes and that’s your privilege.
At the end of the story, I was glad she was going to leave Charleston. She needs to move someplace where no one knows her. She needs to make it on her own. The author leads you to assume she will, but clearly, our opinions differ.
September 3, 2021
I was so excited to read this book living in Charleston and it was a total disappointment. The main character, Simon was unbearable and unlikable. There was no strong character development, the characters felt hallow and didn’t feel connected to any of them. The book seemed to almost paint Charleston and Charleston society in a bad light. Also didn’t care for how there was social justice / political undertone to the book with the use of certain buzzwords and topics.
September 28, 2021
This was….not great. It had a lot of potential in that touched on environmental and racial issues as well as the patriarchy. However, those issues never got much past a mention. Everything was scattered around and most of the words were dedicated to descriptions of roads, places, landscapes. And the big secret was not much of a secret at all. Laudie’s story also didn’t get much more than a passing glance. Thank you to Goodreads for a copy of this book to review but it was a miss for me.
March 11, 2021
A beautifully descriptive and fascinating look inside Old Charleston’s families and their deep seated Southern traditions. The traditions and values held dear to the older generations, but beginning to be questioned by the younger ones.
“Here’s the thing about Charleston families: we regard civility above all else. No matter what is said or done, we remain in polite company. It’s what we’ve been bred to do: Hide our disagreements beneath the smiles. Not say what we mean. It’s why Laudie never speaks up to Tito. It’s why I said yes to Trip.”
This story is told through Simons, a 30 something Charleston native, working as a news producer. She grew up as part of the Charleston elite, mostly letting her future be planned out for her. As she hits a turning point in her life, she grapples with her expectations for her future. Should she choose the easy way -the way of life she grew up around, or should she possibly disappoint her family and choose to chart her own course. If she continues in her current path, she will be married to a lawyer, live in a nice house, and enjoy all the things that money and prestige can offer. Yet if she veers off course, it could lead to romantic love, a job effecting change for things that matter and a break from traditions she no longer believes in. Yet it could also lead to an uncertain future, one in which she lives with regret and remorse.
Simons’ Grandmother, Laudie has always known that Simons is like her in more ways that she knows. As a part of Charleston society, she has adhered to tradition, minded her manners and has lived a comfortable, enjoyable life. She frequently tells Simons to “be brave.” As Laudie learns about Simons’ struggles with her future, she shares a piece of her younger years that she never previously shared. How she too, was faced with a difficult choice before she married. Once Simons learns the final piece of her Grandmother’s story through a found old letter, Simons knows her choice.
The author’s words wrap Charleston around the reader. The prose throughout the book is mesmerizing. It was a treat to inhale the gorgeous words as illustrated by a few samples below:
“My family, like the others who grew up within the historic district, will never leave. So, we do what we can to keep from dissolving into the thick humidity that weighs down this Southern coastal town as much as its complicated history does: We wear linen and guzzle iced tea.”
“I have a growing sense of unease that the wall of portraits represents far more than the leadership of the club. They are the figureheads of a powerful network; they look out for each other. These are the men who run the city, quietly, carefully, out of the limelight.”
Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for the opportunity to read and review this advance copy!
“Here’s the thing about Charleston families: we regard civility above all else. No matter what is said or done, we remain in polite company. It’s what we’ve been bred to do: Hide our disagreements beneath the smiles. Not say what we mean. It’s why Laudie never speaks up to Tito. It’s why I said yes to Trip.”
This story is told through Simons, a 30 something Charleston native, working as a news producer. She grew up as part of the Charleston elite, mostly letting her future be planned out for her. As she hits a turning point in her life, she grapples with her expectations for her future. Should she choose the easy way -the way of life she grew up around, or should she possibly disappoint her family and choose to chart her own course. If she continues in her current path, she will be married to a lawyer, live in a nice house, and enjoy all the things that money and prestige can offer. Yet if she veers off course, it could lead to romantic love, a job effecting change for things that matter and a break from traditions she no longer believes in. Yet it could also lead to an uncertain future, one in which she lives with regret and remorse.
Simons’ Grandmother, Laudie has always known that Simons is like her in more ways that she knows. As a part of Charleston society, she has adhered to tradition, minded her manners and has lived a comfortable, enjoyable life. She frequently tells Simons to “be brave.” As Laudie learns about Simons’ struggles with her future, she shares a piece of her younger years that she never previously shared. How she too, was faced with a difficult choice before she married. Once Simons learns the final piece of her Grandmother’s story through a found old letter, Simons knows her choice.
The author’s words wrap Charleston around the reader. The prose throughout the book is mesmerizing. It was a treat to inhale the gorgeous words as illustrated by a few samples below:
“My family, like the others who grew up within the historic district, will never leave. So, we do what we can to keep from dissolving into the thick humidity that weighs down this Southern coastal town as much as its complicated history does: We wear linen and guzzle iced tea.”
“I have a growing sense of unease that the wall of portraits represents far more than the leadership of the club. They are the figureheads of a powerful network; they look out for each other. These are the men who run the city, quietly, carefully, out of the limelight.”
Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for the opportunity to read and review this advance copy!
September 8, 2021
Sometimes when I read a book that is so descriptive, I get bored with all the details. That was not the case here, the descriptions were so easy to get lost in and I found the author's writing style to be quite enchanting. She made the history of Charleston interesting and the ways in which its residents live were eye opening. It's like a time period from the past, but one for the elite. They're all born of generations of the families that make up the area, all with silver spoons in their mouths and living lives of extreme privilege. It's a bit much to swallow in this day and age, but maybe nice escapism or a bit of a fairy tale for readers.
While the writing style held my attention, the story itself didn't really have much of an arc and I didn't feel like it went anywhere. It was sort of a linear book. Here is Charleston and this is how everyone lives and what is expected of them and pretty much everyone fits right into the narrative. There are a few lessons along the way, but the main character is so tight in her box that I felt disinterested in her life because she didn't seem brave to me and I thought the book was supposed to be about her breaking through the imposed barriers. Her grandmother, however, was a wonderful and somewhat sassy character and I enjoyed all the chapters in which she was included.
Many thanks to William Morrow Paperbacks for a chance to read this ARC.
While the writing style held my attention, the story itself didn't really have much of an arc and I didn't feel like it went anywhere. It was sort of a linear book. Here is Charleston and this is how everyone lives and what is expected of them and pretty much everyone fits right into the narrative. There are a few lessons along the way, but the main character is so tight in her box that I felt disinterested in her life because she didn't seem brave to me and I thought the book was supposed to be about her breaking through the imposed barriers. Her grandmother, however, was a wonderful and somewhat sassy character and I enjoyed all the chapters in which she was included.
Many thanks to William Morrow Paperbacks for a chance to read this ARC.
October 5, 2021
Loved the Charleston setting but didn't enjoy the characters.
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September 13, 2021I received an ARC of this book for my honest review. This is DNF for me. I hate not finishing books but this is just not a good book to me. I'm halfway through and wish I could finish but life is too short to read stuff you don't like and I have a pile of other books waiting. I can't decide if the author is proud of the Charleston people or totally wants to slam them. The main character is so wishy washy and annoying. The only character I like is the grandmother, Laudie. The book has political leanings that aren't needed in the story and slams the Christian faith using random verses out of context. I won't rate since I didn't finish. Maybe I can pass a long to a friend who will finish and rate.
October 21, 2021
I just finished In Polite Company by Gervais Hagerty. I have read lots of books about the Lowcountry, but they have mainly focused on the beach and ocean. This book is located in Charleston, and Charleston seems more like a character in the story, rather than just the setting. In this book, Simons is a young woman who grew up in the elite and wealthy of Charleston, and she is struggling to find her place in the world. I loved Simons—she is a wonderfully developed character! The book touches on issues of female empowerment, ecology, and misogyny. The descriptions of Charleston, its customs, and its homes were so detailed. I actually looked up homes on realtor.com just to compare my mental picture to what they actually looked like.
October 18, 2023
I have no idea who recommended this to me but they’re just plain wrong.
October 11, 2021
She was an absolute delight to meet in person last week at the Carmel Clay PL book & author luncheon. I loved In Polite Company and I will definitely read her next novel.
January 8, 2022
I read In Polite Company for the Friends and Fiction reading challenge; it was my January selection for a debut book. The author Gervais Hagerty appeared on Friends and Fiction, and many readers recommended her debut novel. It seemed like the perfect time to read it!
What I enjoyed most about In Polite Company was the setting. I haven't been to Charleston, South Carolina, in years, and this book transported me there like a documentary film (and it made me want to visit). Charleston was a central character in this book: where "old" Charleston meets the new, for better or worse. I'm glad the main character Simons realized the privilege of her rich Charleston upbringing. Through her eyes, we saw many outdated norms of Charleston society, such as men's clubs where women could not be a member and "happy slave" pictures in the women's restroom.
This book is recommended for readers who like Southern fiction, stories about family relationships, or stories where the main character learns more about herself. The storytelling was vivid! I look forward to reading more of Gervais Hagerty's books in the future.
What I enjoyed most about In Polite Company was the setting. I haven't been to Charleston, South Carolina, in years, and this book transported me there like a documentary film (and it made me want to visit). Charleston was a central character in this book: where "old" Charleston meets the new, for better or worse. I'm glad the main character Simons realized the privilege of her rich Charleston upbringing. Through her eyes, we saw many outdated norms of Charleston society, such as men's clubs where women could not be a member and "happy slave" pictures in the women's restroom.
This book is recommended for readers who like Southern fiction, stories about family relationships, or stories where the main character learns more about herself. The storytelling was vivid! I look forward to reading more of Gervais Hagerty's books in the future.
May 1, 2022
Polite Company is set in Charleston and gives us a peek behind the veil of high society. Simon is a former debutante who produces the news at a local TV station. She has to juggle information that tests loyalty to her family and friends. She also learns that even good things can lead to bad decisions. Simons unlocks riddles from the past, flirts with a new future, and discovers that some rules are made to be broken in her high-profile community. This book is almost a personal invitation into a beautiful Antebellum home and a view into the fancy side of life. There is some sex, drugs, and rock and roll.
I picked this up because of the Charleston setting. But one of the relationships that stood out to me the most was the older relationship between Tito and Laudie. It looks at the question: "What does it mean to settle into your relationship in old age and have misgivings?
To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://zibbyowens.com/transcript/ger...
I picked this up because of the Charleston setting. But one of the relationships that stood out to me the most was the older relationship between Tito and Laudie. It looks at the question: "What does it mean to settle into your relationship in old age and have misgivings?
To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://zibbyowens.com/transcript/ger...
January 17, 2022
Enjoyed the Charleston history and the acknowledgement of the white privilege. Good story and quick moving. The author was a great speaker when I saw her in October 2021. I will definately read her next book!
July 26, 2023
Was this book original? Absolutely not. Did I enjoy the scenes and description of old and new Charleston? Absolutely. Ranking this lower because I found the main character to be pretty annoying, but loved the scenery and all the places I visit every week.
3.5 stars - great easy summer read.
3.5 stars - great easy summer read.
September 15, 2021
The main character aggravated me to death in this one! Loved the descriptions of Charleston though.
November 1, 2021
It started out good with descriptions and life in Charleston. Then it became a downer with way too much time on sickness, wakes, and funerals.
Didn't really have an ending.
Very disappointing.
Didn't really have an ending.
Very disappointing.
August 11, 2023
Horrible. So many things about this book aggravated me.
Firstly, the protagonist Simons, pronounced Simmons (insert eye roll) was a completely insufferable "justice warrior". So heroic of you to be fighting climate change in your Lily Pulitzer dress from a box seat at the Gaillard Center.
As someone about to be married, the lack of respect with which she treated her fiancé gave me hives. "Oh, how rude of him to gift me this gorgeous pearl necklace - it feels like a collar chained around my throat." "Oh, how rude of him to not call and check in on me after I called off our engagement and immediately hooked up with another man." Seriously, grow up.
Also, having worked in development in Charleston for four years, I can tell you that the stormwater and permitting process there is one of the strictest, most thorough in the Southeast. It can take years for projects to be permitted because they have to adhere to the strict 100 year flood regulations so for her to continuously act like she knows better than engineers and planners who do this for a living in regards to development and what is good for the city drove me nuts. Stick to reporting, Simons with one M.
Thirdly(?), it was just all over the place. The grandmother, then the fiancé, then her job, now this random band guy she went to Waffle House with in high school, then back to the grandmother, oh also, throw in some conflict with the best friend, then back to the fiancé, oh, insert a new man she met while surfing! Maybe this discord was an intentional device by the author to help us relate to the protagonist who also seemed to have no clue what was going on.
On a positive note, several of the tropes made me chuckle (everyone in Charleston naming their dog Cooper, for example. That could not be more true.)
Firstly, the protagonist Simons, pronounced Simmons (insert eye roll) was a completely insufferable "justice warrior". So heroic of you to be fighting climate change in your Lily Pulitzer dress from a box seat at the Gaillard Center.
As someone about to be married, the lack of respect with which she treated her fiancé gave me hives. "Oh, how rude of him to gift me this gorgeous pearl necklace - it feels like a collar chained around my throat." "Oh, how rude of him to not call and check in on me after I called off our engagement and immediately hooked up with another man." Seriously, grow up.
Also, having worked in development in Charleston for four years, I can tell you that the stormwater and permitting process there is one of the strictest, most thorough in the Southeast. It can take years for projects to be permitted because they have to adhere to the strict 100 year flood regulations so for her to continuously act like she knows better than engineers and planners who do this for a living in regards to development and what is good for the city drove me nuts. Stick to reporting, Simons with one M.
Thirdly(?), it was just all over the place. The grandmother, then the fiancé, then her job, now this random band guy she went to Waffle House with in high school, then back to the grandmother, oh also, throw in some conflict with the best friend, then back to the fiancé, oh, insert a new man she met while surfing! Maybe this discord was an intentional device by the author to help us relate to the protagonist who also seemed to have no clue what was going on.
On a positive note, several of the tropes made me chuckle (everyone in Charleston naming their dog Cooper, for example. That could not be more true.)
September 17, 2022
3.5 stars
July 12, 2024
This book didn’t really have a point (the author tried to force a very little protagonist change at the end, kind of) but I still enjoyed the book because it just talks basically about every single place in Charleston. Felt like that was the actual point of the book, to just write something with Charleston as a character.
August 17, 2021
I won an Uncorrected Proof of In Polite Company by Gervais Hagerty from Goodreads. Here is my honest review. No Spoilers.
The story takes place in Charleston and it takes you into Simons world of growing up rich and what it is like to grow up in the south. Simon is engaged to Trip who she doesn't love and tries to avoid phone calls with him as they are doing long distance relationship. Right about this time I'm like if you don't love him what the heck end it. Seriously move on. It takes her a long time to realize this and find out how to stand on her own two feet and stand up for herself and not to settle in life. She learns to be brave from her grandmother and learning about her secret past. Finally she is able to figure out what she wants and move forward .
The story takes place in Charleston and it takes you into Simons world of growing up rich and what it is like to grow up in the south. Simon is engaged to Trip who she doesn't love and tries to avoid phone calls with him as they are doing long distance relationship. Right about this time I'm like if you don't love him what the heck end it. Seriously move on. It takes her a long time to realize this and find out how to stand on her own two feet and stand up for herself and not to settle in life. She learns to be brave from her grandmother and learning about her secret past. Finally she is able to figure out what she wants and move forward .
January 18, 2022
As someone who reads a ton of thrillers, I always try to mix in some other genres every once in a while and I really enjoyed this contemporary debut by Gervais Hagerty. It was a great story about family and the bonds they have or the bonds they are working on. The main character Simons was a strong female protagonist, which I always love, and I loved reading about her finding her own way. Her grandmother Laudie’s story also added so much to this novel. In addition to telling the Smythe’s family story, this was also a love letter to Charleston with sounds beautiful and made me want to visit ASAP! I’m really glad I picked this one up and I will be on the look out for Hagerty’s next novel!
Thanks to William Morrow for the gifted copy.
Thanks to William Morrow for the gifted copy.
August 31, 2021
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. That has not influenced my opinion of this book in any way.
This is a beautifully-written look into the world of modern womanhood in the south. It is steeped in tradition and love but also possibility for what the modern woman can accomplish. The story teaches the reader that sometimes the best way to show love is to let something go and that letting go can lead to personal growth and clarity. This book also brings to attention the importance of perspective and balance in life. It's not-all-or-nothing. Sometimes you might lose something but that just leaves room for something more to be gained.
This is a beautifully-written look into the world of modern womanhood in the south. It is steeped in tradition and love but also possibility for what the modern woman can accomplish. The story teaches the reader that sometimes the best way to show love is to let something go and that letting go can lead to personal growth and clarity. This book also brings to attention the importance of perspective and balance in life. It's not-all-or-nothing. Sometimes you might lose something but that just leaves room for something more to be gained.
September 8, 2021
In Polite Company was a complete delight. Reading it will give anyone a peek into Charleston society, but also a glimpse into how Southern society as a whole functions. Any reader will find something to relate to within these pages—whether in Simons’ professional, romantic, or family struggles.
July 18, 2023
Overall, I enjoyed this book and was pretty much glued to it the entire time. I liked how descriptive it was, and though all the street names and bar names and whatnot did blend together in my mind, you could just tell that the author really knew what she was talking about and loves Charleston (and reading about something an author loves makes you love it too). It was honestly kind of like a vacation in a book (guess that's why it was in the Beach Reads section of Barnes and Noble). Laudie's story and the way it was revealed was also a great way to keep me reading- definitely served its purpose.
There were still some things I thought could have been better. Some of the writing was... lurchy occasionally, with a few awkward lines here and there. I also did wonder about the way some issues were treated in the book- it felt like Simons came to realize and understand the inherent issues in her culture within the span of a few paragraphs, like when she realized how misognistic it was from reading a few Bible verses and then wondering if this is what her family was told at church every Sunday. How on earth did she not know? Didn't she go to church with her family growing up too? And has she not seen the paintings in the Battery Hall bathroom before? Her grandfather was president of the club! Why was all of this such a surprise? In some ways a couple parts of the book felt like an outsider looking into this culture rather than an insider coming to realize how in the dark she's been.
I'm not against the book exploring things like misogyny, racism, or environmental issues- on the contrary, I think that's key to what the book is about. I do, however, wish that they were handled a little more realistically for who Simons is and what her background is .
Also, what on earth happened to everyone?? I feel like the book ended a chapter or two earlier than I'd like (I liked the ending, it was mostly satisfying and made sense ... I just wanted to know what happened to some of the other characters especially after the climax).
I still really enjoyed this book pretty much the entire way through; it definitely qualifies as a ~Beach Read~~ and it's a great debut novel. It was escapism enough and held me enough to get a fairly high rating.
edit: re-reading this and maybe I didn't talk enough about what I liked in the book? Because I actually loved it! Recently read an ok-ish book and as soon as I finished it I was like, "man, I had so much fun with In Polite Company!" Genuinely enjoyed this, Hagerty really painted her setting well, it never felt too long and draggy, every page felt so worth it, it was crisp and fun and had a lot of heart to it. And Simons wasn't perfect but for the most part I liked her as a main character and rooted for her. Probably will re-read this eventually.
There were still some things I thought could have been better. Some of the writing was... lurchy occasionally, with a few awkward lines here and there. I also did wonder about the way some issues were treated in the book- it felt like Simons came to realize and understand the inherent issues in her culture within the span of a few paragraphs, like when she realized how misognistic it was from reading a few Bible verses and then wondering if this is what her family was told at church every Sunday. How on earth did she not know? Didn't she go to church with her family growing up too? And has she not seen the paintings in the Battery Hall bathroom before? Her grandfather was president of the club! Why was all of this such a surprise? In some ways a couple parts of the book felt like an outsider looking into this culture rather than an insider coming to realize how in the dark she's been.
I'm not against the book exploring things like misogyny, racism, or environmental issues- on the contrary, I think that's key to what the book is about. I do, however, wish that they were handled a little more realistically for who Simons is and what her background is .
Also, what on earth happened to everyone?? I feel like the book ended a chapter or two earlier than I'd like (I liked the ending, it was mostly satisfying and made sense ... I just wanted to know what happened to some of the other characters especially after the climax).
I still really enjoyed this book pretty much the entire way through; it definitely qualifies as a ~Beach Read~~ and it's a great debut novel. It was escapism enough and held me enough to get a fairly high rating.
edit: re-reading this and maybe I didn't talk enough about what I liked in the book? Because I actually loved it! Recently read an ok-ish book and as soon as I finished it I was like, "man, I had so much fun with In Polite Company!" Genuinely enjoyed this, Hagerty really painted her setting well, it never felt too long and draggy, every page felt so worth it, it was crisp and fun and had a lot of heart to it. And Simons wasn't perfect but for the most part I liked her as a main character and rooted for her. Probably will re-read this eventually.
December 2, 2021
This is a good debut novel for Ms. Hagerty. I think it's a job well done.
This is the voice of a young 20 something woman who has been brought up in the old Charlestonian way of life. She feels a little out of place in the family and can't quite figure out where she wants to go and what she values. I have a family lineage myself that comes from Charleston and this rings true - my maternal grandfather was born there and he retold stories to my Mom and her siblings all the time about 'who was who' and the family lineage. Hagerty captures the undertones quite well of this very old southern port city.
My main issue for not giving 4 stars is that I feel the decriptions of every thing around her went overboard, especially towards the end of the book - in fact I began to skim pages. At the end I felt I was reading a novel about how something looked, felt, smelled, reminded, evoked, etc., rather than a novel about the central character, Simons and where she was going.
However, if you are looking for a positive story of a young woman in search of her modern day values and you'd like something quality to read I'd say give this a try. This book gives a thorough descriptive geography and seasonal aspects of coastal low country and societal Charleston. I would be happy to read her next novel.
This is the voice of a young 20 something woman who has been brought up in the old Charlestonian way of life. She feels a little out of place in the family and can't quite figure out where she wants to go and what she values. I have a family lineage myself that comes from Charleston and this rings true - my maternal grandfather was born there and he retold stories to my Mom and her siblings all the time about 'who was who' and the family lineage. Hagerty captures the undertones quite well of this very old southern port city.
My main issue for not giving 4 stars is that I feel the decriptions of every thing around her went overboard, especially towards the end of the book - in fact I began to skim pages. At the end I felt I was reading a novel about how something looked, felt, smelled, reminded, evoked, etc., rather than a novel about the central character, Simons and where she was going.
However, if you are looking for a positive story of a young woman in search of her modern day values and you'd like something quality to read I'd say give this a try. This book gives a thorough descriptive geography and seasonal aspects of coastal low country and societal Charleston. I would be happy to read her next novel.
September 23, 2021
Loved this debut novel by Gervais Hegarty! have visited the city of Charleston several times as a tourist, but enjoyed getting the insider’s slice of life of Charleston society. At first glance, it appears to be the story of a young woman’s discontent with her family pedigree and the expectations for her future life, but as the story unfolds, it is more complicated than that. I love how her grandmother’s story is woven into the main plot and influences the choices Simons makes. I liked how she interacts with her family and how she finds the courage to be brave, as her beloved grandmother advised her. I like how her friendships and personal behaviors are not always perfect, and how she experiences disappointment, betrayal and sadness. At the end, when she has demonstrated personal growth and a desire to move past settling for what others expect and having the courage to question the norms and fight back, I wanted to cheer. I will be looking forward to reading more from this author.
August 28, 2022
Enjoyed this debut novel and how it encapsulated the old traditions of South Charleston while also leaving space for the messiness of life including growing, different views of politics and a person’s role within the family. This was an easy read and built up some tension where I certainly was cheering on Simmons throughout the book. And Laudie, oh how I loved her character and her relationship with Simmons. An enjoyable read.
My favorite line in the book speared in the acknowledgments, something the author’s brother Hart told her, “leap and the net will appear.” This point in the book resonated me because I am at a crossroads in life where I can make some new decisions and change directions with my family if I desire. What a blessing to have choice just as Simmons did and to “be brave” and act on those opportunities.
My favorite line in the book speared in the acknowledgments, something the author’s brother Hart told her, “leap and the net will appear.” This point in the book resonated me because I am at a crossroads in life where I can make some new decisions and change directions with my family if I desire. What a blessing to have choice just as Simmons did and to “be brave” and act on those opportunities.
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