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The Pink Hotel
Confined to an opulent Beverly Hills hotel during a raging wildfire, a young couple is caught in the escalating tension between the wealthy guests and the staff.
Newlyweds Keith and Kit Collins can hardly believe their luck when the general manager of the iconic, opulent Pink Hotel invites them to come for a luxurious stay as a bid to hire Keith. Kit loves their small-town life, but Keith has always wanted more, and the glittering, lily-scented lobby makes him feel right at home.
Soon after their arrival, wildfires sweep through the surrounding mountains and Los Angeles becomes a pressure cooker, with riots breaking out across the city amid rolling blackouts. The Pink Hotel closes its doors to "outsiders," and Keith and Kit find themselves confined with an anxious, disgruntled staff and a growing roster of eccentric, ultra-wealthy, dangerously idle guests who flock to the hotel for sanctuary, company, and entertainment.
A blistering, dark social satire, The Pink Hotel exposes a tenuous class system within its walls, full of insurmountable expectations and unspoken resentments, which deteriorate as the city burns. In her barbed, provocative new novel, Liska Jacobs explores the corrosive nature of greed and interrogates the notion of true love, while hurtling readers toward certain disaster.
Newlyweds Keith and Kit Collins can hardly believe their luck when the general manager of the iconic, opulent Pink Hotel invites them to come for a luxurious stay as a bid to hire Keith. Kit loves their small-town life, but Keith has always wanted more, and the glittering, lily-scented lobby makes him feel right at home.
Soon after their arrival, wildfires sweep through the surrounding mountains and Los Angeles becomes a pressure cooker, with riots breaking out across the city amid rolling blackouts. The Pink Hotel closes its doors to "outsiders," and Keith and Kit find themselves confined with an anxious, disgruntled staff and a growing roster of eccentric, ultra-wealthy, dangerously idle guests who flock to the hotel for sanctuary, company, and entertainment.
A blistering, dark social satire, The Pink Hotel exposes a tenuous class system within its walls, full of insurmountable expectations and unspoken resentments, which deteriorate as the city burns. In her barbed, provocative new novel, Liska Jacobs explores the corrosive nature of greed and interrogates the notion of true love, while hurtling readers toward certain disaster.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published July 19, 2022
154 people are currently reading
9299 people want to read
About the author
Liska Jacobs
4 books167 followersLiska Jacobs is the author of two acclaimed novels, Catalina and The Worst Kind of Want both published by MCD | FSG. To quote a review in The Believer: "The Worst Kind of Want presents Jacobs at her best: thinking through the fraught ethical problems and pitfalls of desire... Jacobs is establishing herself as a novelist who can probe what it means to be both selfish and vulnerable, asking with bald-faced earnestness: What, in 2019, are adult women allowed to want—and at what cost?" Her essays and short fiction have appeared in The Rumpus, Los Angeles Review of Books, Literary Hub, The Millions and The Hairpin among others. She has an MFA from the University of California, Riverside.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 436 reviews
July 18, 2022
Close encounters to filthy rich people’s lives at an eccentric pink hotel located in Beverly Hills as the fires, riots occur outside of the surroundings which is so similar with political and logistical dynamics of today’s California.
Happy couple couldn’t be so wrong to choose this place to spend their romantic honeymoon vacation!
This book pushed me a little harder to get into it. I was hesitant to continue after the very slow beginning and the narration style disturbed my attention. I couldn’t connect with husband- wife so easily.
I still kept reading and thankfully in the middle I found some characters more likable. The book’s pace picked up and the direction of the story slowly hooked me up. I also easily connect with the sarcastic and smart tone of author’s story telling. I wanted to see how the author would wrap up the entire execution. Thankfully she did an impressive job. I liked the ending more than the entire development.
This was promising, interesting plot with less likable characterization ( at least I got most of them’s motives) overall: definitely worth your time! Especially good choice for slow burn dark social satire lovers!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Farrar, Straus and Giroux, MCD for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
Happy couple couldn’t be so wrong to choose this place to spend their romantic honeymoon vacation!
This book pushed me a little harder to get into it. I was hesitant to continue after the very slow beginning and the narration style disturbed my attention. I couldn’t connect with husband- wife so easily.
I still kept reading and thankfully in the middle I found some characters more likable. The book’s pace picked up and the direction of the story slowly hooked me up. I also easily connect with the sarcastic and smart tone of author’s story telling. I wanted to see how the author would wrap up the entire execution. Thankfully she did an impressive job. I liked the ending more than the entire development.
This was promising, interesting plot with less likable characterization ( at least I got most of them’s motives) overall: definitely worth your time! Especially good choice for slow burn dark social satire lovers!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Farrar, Straus and Giroux, MCD for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
January 2, 2022
First DNF at 56% of 2022! The premise sounded so good but I am so bored and nothing is happening! I find myself not caring about the bland characters or anything else that is happening in this shady hotel.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this arc
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this arc
July 18, 2022
"Abandon all hope, ye who enter here."
Keith Collins will do anything to improve his lot in life. Just married, he and his wife Kit are invited to spend their honeymoon in the ritziest hotel in Beverly Hills, The Pink Hotel. What Kit does not know is that Keith is using this trip as his interview to become the assistant manager there.
The couple come from a small town and are a little out of their league socially with the powers that be at the hotel. The rich and posh laugh at their lack of finesse, but will toy with the attractive couple to their amusement. Keith redoubles his efforts to impress, making excuses for his wife’s lack of sophistication, all the while letting them see him sweat and seemingly sabotaging his brand new marriage.
Apocalyptic brush fires are torching Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, and most of the surrounding area. Riots and lootings are breaking out while the upper echelon of society flock to the hotel for entertainment and distraction. They are appalled that members of their staff, their maids, gardeners, and cooks have the audacity to not show up for work while the city burns.
The decadence is laid on pretty thick and it is a little hard to root for anyone involved. There are more demons registered here than in Dante’s Inferno. There is too much time spent in this suffocating environment while waiting for the outside world to make its presence felt. I finished the book but nearly took the fire escape. Apologies to #TheRealHousewivesOfHell
Take Their Money Take Their Power, the graffiti says.
Thank you to Farrar, Straus and Giroux, MCD, and NetGalley for providing the advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Keith Collins will do anything to improve his lot in life. Just married, he and his wife Kit are invited to spend their honeymoon in the ritziest hotel in Beverly Hills, The Pink Hotel. What Kit does not know is that Keith is using this trip as his interview to become the assistant manager there.
The couple come from a small town and are a little out of their league socially with the powers that be at the hotel. The rich and posh laugh at their lack of finesse, but will toy with the attractive couple to their amusement. Keith redoubles his efforts to impress, making excuses for his wife’s lack of sophistication, all the while letting them see him sweat and seemingly sabotaging his brand new marriage.
Apocalyptic brush fires are torching Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, and most of the surrounding area. Riots and lootings are breaking out while the upper echelon of society flock to the hotel for entertainment and distraction. They are appalled that members of their staff, their maids, gardeners, and cooks have the audacity to not show up for work while the city burns.
The decadence is laid on pretty thick and it is a little hard to root for anyone involved. There are more demons registered here than in Dante’s Inferno. There is too much time spent in this suffocating environment while waiting for the outside world to make its presence felt. I finished the book but nearly took the fire escape. Apologies to #TheRealHousewivesOfHell
Take Their Money Take Their Power, the graffiti says.
Thank you to Farrar, Straus and Giroux, MCD, and NetGalley for providing the advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 31, 2025
I don't know if it's a me situation again but I didn't connect nor like the characters in this book but I guess if you enjoy slow burn, dark social satire lovers and ritch people themes/vibes give this a go
January 13, 2022
I wrote The Pink Hotel from 2019-2021. It's the product of a world that seemed to be in free fall. The excess, the disparity, the sense that everything would never be the same again and yet I wanted very badly to hold onto something. How else would any of this work?
One night in Los Angeles, after the national guard declared curfew, and while flash bangs ricocheted in the distance, I looked at my partner, who has been by my side for twenty years, and I thought that's it. We endure for love. It's a choice, it's a hope. It's really the only thing that matters.
So I hope when you read this wild, unpredictable novel, you reflect on what keeps you going. Because I can bet it isn't the promise of wealth, or fancy clothes, or fame and fortune. It's the hope that someone out there chooses you and you choose them.
One night in Los Angeles, after the national guard declared curfew, and while flash bangs ricocheted in the distance, I looked at my partner, who has been by my side for twenty years, and I thought that's it. We endure for love. It's a choice, it's a hope. It's really the only thing that matters.
So I hope when you read this wild, unpredictable novel, you reflect on what keeps you going. Because I can bet it isn't the promise of wealth, or fancy clothes, or fame and fortune. It's the hope that someone out there chooses you and you choose them.
June 8, 2022
Rating: ⭐⭐ ½
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Keith and Kit are a newly married couple. They are invited to spend their honeymoon at a very lavish hotel called The Pink Hotel where Keith will be working soon. However, upon their arrival, the situation takes a different turn as wildfires spread through all the surrounding mountains. This will cause big chaos in the city from riots to a complete blackout due to electricity loss. The Pink Hotel becomes a sanctuary for the rich and important persons only.
The premise of the story is amazing. The cover art is gorgeous. I thought with such an excellent premise and synopsis nothing could go wrong. I expected a lot from such a great idea. Unfortunately, this did not deliver. The starting point was strong though. I felt the author did a great job with the two main characters and their relationship. After the reader gets familiar with the MCs the story hardly moves on. The plot stops there and becomes stagnant. It becomes more about the different classes.
Yes, there are some crazy moments in the story, especially with the way the super-rich guests behave like in that dogs’ party and how all that affects the relationship between Keith and Kit but I feel all that was not enough to keep my interest. These satirical moments were the main highlights of this book. I’m not sure how I feel about the ending. It felt somehow vague and confusing to me. I like open endings where the reader can draw his own conclusion but it didn’t work for me in this case. I really had high hopes for The Pink Hotel. It just didn’t work for me. But that doesn’t mean that it wont work for you too.
Many thanks to the publisher Farrar, Straus and Giroux, MCD, and NetGalley for providing me with an advance reader copy of this book.
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Keith and Kit are a newly married couple. They are invited to spend their honeymoon at a very lavish hotel called The Pink Hotel where Keith will be working soon. However, upon their arrival, the situation takes a different turn as wildfires spread through all the surrounding mountains. This will cause big chaos in the city from riots to a complete blackout due to electricity loss. The Pink Hotel becomes a sanctuary for the rich and important persons only.
The premise of the story is amazing. The cover art is gorgeous. I thought with such an excellent premise and synopsis nothing could go wrong. I expected a lot from such a great idea. Unfortunately, this did not deliver. The starting point was strong though. I felt the author did a great job with the two main characters and their relationship. After the reader gets familiar with the MCs the story hardly moves on. The plot stops there and becomes stagnant. It becomes more about the different classes.
Yes, there are some crazy moments in the story, especially with the way the super-rich guests behave like in that dogs’ party and how all that affects the relationship between Keith and Kit but I feel all that was not enough to keep my interest. These satirical moments were the main highlights of this book. I’m not sure how I feel about the ending. It felt somehow vague and confusing to me. I like open endings where the reader can draw his own conclusion but it didn’t work for me in this case. I really had high hopes for The Pink Hotel. It just didn’t work for me. But that doesn’t mean that it wont work for you too.
Many thanks to the publisher Farrar, Straus and Giroux, MCD, and NetGalley for providing me with an advance reader copy of this book.
July 18, 2022
This was a Goodreads giveaway win, but it felt more like a punishment.
October 8, 2022
Set in a very sophisticated and luxurious accommodation, the Pink Hotel, where Kit and Keith Collins, the newlyweds with a modest spending power, landed in to enjoy their honeymoon.
The plot is developed through extended descriptions that shape the emotions and behaviors of the guests and hotel staff submitted to a stressful environment, questioning the interactions and relationships between the residents of the hotel from all walks of life. The harder are the situations, the deeper and more intense are the reactions and reflections of the different characters.
This is a well-written and slow paced novel. I must recognize that in the opening chapters I felt the urge to skim over several paragraphs expecting to get more dynamism. Not only that, I needed a few additional pages to get used to the style, and understand that this is not really a typical thriller (my fault, I jumped at the chance of getting the book without any prior info).
Somehow, the story wants to be thought-provoking. And in my view, it generates debatable ideas, creates some debate. In fact, 'The Pink Hotel' can be considered a satire novel. At times it trespasses the clichés to reach the fringe of the excess and even the absurd that made me feel a bit confused. In some way, it reminds me to 'Fight Club' where I liked the book, although I couldn't stand for violence.
This is a good book to discuss in a book club with ethical and socioeconomic interests.
Thank you to Liska Jacobs, NetGalley and Farrar, Straus and Giroux, MCD for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
8ctober-2022.
Recently I have discussed this book with a few friends, and even though there was a diversity of opinions in general terms, we all agree that the ending was uneven, confusing, that it seems to belong to another book.
The plot is developed through extended descriptions that shape the emotions and behaviors of the guests and hotel staff submitted to a stressful environment, questioning the interactions and relationships between the residents of the hotel from all walks of life. The harder are the situations, the deeper and more intense are the reactions and reflections of the different characters.
This is a well-written and slow paced novel. I must recognize that in the opening chapters I felt the urge to skim over several paragraphs expecting to get more dynamism. Not only that, I needed a few additional pages to get used to the style, and understand that this is not really a typical thriller (my fault, I jumped at the chance of getting the book without any prior info).
Somehow, the story wants to be thought-provoking. And in my view, it generates debatable ideas, creates some debate. In fact, 'The Pink Hotel' can be considered a satire novel. At times it trespasses the clichés to reach the fringe of the excess and even the absurd that made me feel a bit confused. In some way, it reminds me to 'Fight Club' where I liked the book, although I couldn't stand for violence.
This is a good book to discuss in a book club with ethical and socioeconomic interests.
Thank you to Liska Jacobs, NetGalley and Farrar, Straus and Giroux, MCD for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
8ctober-2022.
Recently I have discussed this book with a few friends, and even though there was a diversity of opinions in general terms, we all agree that the ending was uneven, confusing, that it seems to belong to another book.
June 16, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of
The Pink Hotel.
This was ICK to read.
** A few gross spoilers ahead **
It's one of those books where nothing happens, but stuff does happen but there's no theme.
At first, it looks like it's about a young newlywed couple celebrating their honeymoon at a fancy schmancy hotel in LA.
The husband is ambitious and looking forward to charming the proprietor of the hotel, hoping to score a job and leave his country bumpkin life behind.
His wife is quiet, beautiful, and demure; she's under the impression that their visit to the hotel is to celebrate their honeymoon, not for her husband to schmooze.
Soon, both husband and wife are swept up in the hedonism and decadence of the rich and powerful; there's booze, drugs, exotic animals walking around, and more booze and drugs.
At the same time, wildfires are raging in the nearby countryside, wiping out homes and wildlife, as the privileged and elite party is up in the Pink Hotel.
I'm not a fan of narratives featuring unlikable people with no redeeming qualities; even worse when they're rich and do nothing.
The writing veered between strange and uncomfortable; I still have no idea why the newlyweds got married, the husband is a bit of a creep, especially that part where he admires his wife's body, and how childlike it is.
Ummm...WTF?
Is he a freaking pedophile? I mean, what's the point of that comment? What's going on here?
I almost stopped reading right there.
I'm not sure what the author is trying to say: that everyone in the Pink Hotel are nuts and not in a I've-been-possessed-by-a-ghost-kind-of-way, they're just naturally despicable people, except for the wife? Sort of like The Shining?
That the world is going to end if we don't take care of it? That's for dang sure.
The cast of characters was unpleasant, and the story equally so, of which I'm still not sure what it's about.
Is this one of those narratives were the main character is the hotel?
Sorry, not sorry, but The Shining is way better.
This was ICK to read.
** A few gross spoilers ahead **
It's one of those books where nothing happens, but stuff does happen but there's no theme.
At first, it looks like it's about a young newlywed couple celebrating their honeymoon at a fancy schmancy hotel in LA.
The husband is ambitious and looking forward to charming the proprietor of the hotel, hoping to score a job and leave his country bumpkin life behind.
His wife is quiet, beautiful, and demure; she's under the impression that their visit to the hotel is to celebrate their honeymoon, not for her husband to schmooze.
Soon, both husband and wife are swept up in the hedonism and decadence of the rich and powerful; there's booze, drugs, exotic animals walking around, and more booze and drugs.
At the same time, wildfires are raging in the nearby countryside, wiping out homes and wildlife, as the privileged and elite party is up in the Pink Hotel.
I'm not a fan of narratives featuring unlikable people with no redeeming qualities; even worse when they're rich and do nothing.
The writing veered between strange and uncomfortable; I still have no idea why the newlyweds got married, the husband is a bit of a creep, especially that part where he admires his wife's body, and how childlike it is.
Ummm...WTF?
Is he a freaking pedophile? I mean, what's the point of that comment? What's going on here?
I almost stopped reading right there.
I'm not sure what the author is trying to say: that everyone in the Pink Hotel are nuts and not in a I've-been-possessed-by-a-ghost-kind-of-way, they're just naturally despicable people, except for the wife? Sort of like The Shining?
That the world is going to end if we don't take care of it? That's for dang sure.
The cast of characters was unpleasant, and the story equally so, of which I'm still not sure what it's about.
Is this one of those narratives were the main character is the hotel?
Sorry, not sorry, but The Shining is way better.
June 25, 2022
Oh my goodness... What on Earth did I just put myself through reading this for?
The synopsis sounded quite intriguing. However, this was difficult to read. The constant shift of POV made my head hurt. There were absolutely no characters with any redeeming qualities. The only part I actually enjoyed was the last few pages.
Having said this, I didn't hate it altogether (thus the 3 star rating). But... Even though it wasn't my cup of tea, it could be a great read for somebody else.
Thank you to Farrar, Straus and Giroux, MCD for this Advanced Readers Copy via Goodreads Giveaways for my honest review.
The synopsis sounded quite intriguing. However, this was difficult to read. The constant shift of POV made my head hurt. There were absolutely no characters with any redeeming qualities. The only part I actually enjoyed was the last few pages.
Having said this, I didn't hate it altogether (thus the 3 star rating). But... Even though it wasn't my cup of tea, it could be a great read for somebody else.
Thank you to Farrar, Straus and Giroux, MCD for this Advanced Readers Copy via Goodreads Giveaways for my honest review.
June 24, 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐ -- LOVE the cover on this one!
This seems to be a book with a lot of mixed reviews. People either loved it or didn't. Myself, I enjoyed it quite a lot and finished it in two days. The writing was fantastic. It was well paced. The author did an amazing job with the setting. It was very atmospheric with the wild fires raging. The descriptions of the hotel and the characters made it very easy to picture everything in your mind. The plot itself was engaging, thought provoking, and intelligent. The characters were many and well developed. That said, I had a slight issue with how it ended. I wish it had been less vague and included an epilogue set in the future. Overall though, this was a thoroughly enjoyable read and gets two thumbs up from yours truly.
**ARC Via NetGalley**
This seems to be a book with a lot of mixed reviews. People either loved it or didn't. Myself, I enjoyed it quite a lot and finished it in two days. The writing was fantastic. It was well paced. The author did an amazing job with the setting. It was very atmospheric with the wild fires raging. The descriptions of the hotel and the characters made it very easy to picture everything in your mind. The plot itself was engaging, thought provoking, and intelligent. The characters were many and well developed. That said, I had a slight issue with how it ended. I wish it had been less vague and included an epilogue set in the future. Overall though, this was a thoroughly enjoyable read and gets two thumbs up from yours truly.
**ARC Via NetGalley**
shelf-of-dnf
March 16, 2022Did I just create a shelf for my DNF'd books because I have started DNFing so much this year? Yes, yes I did. I have so many books on my TBR that forcing myself to finish books is not a question anymore (what a character arc huh).
Back to The Pink Hotel: I saw a few reviews that finished the book and really liked it, but many did not finish the book. I requested it mainly because of the cover (it is pretty, do not judge me) and thinking I might be special and finish it. And yet, here we are... I made it to 19% mark before I gave up. And to be fair, I might have pushed through but INCEST????
"She reminds him of his only cousin. She was tense too. With the same thick black hair and soft brown eyes. She taught him how to count to ten in Spanish. Also the words for belly, nipple, and foot. He taught her how to say please, thank you, and tongue in Latin. They took turns being teacher and student depending on which part of their bodies they wanted to explore."
You as an author have the choice to completely avoid incest. It literally could be switched to neighbour!! But no. Also, the protagonists' names are Kit and Keith. I had the hardest time keeping up with who I was reading about. I get that I am not even a fifth into the story, but it could not pull me in: they are just walking around, meeting pretentious rich people, having sex, Keith telling Kit how she is embarrassing him in front of said rich people, repeat. I guess I was also not a fan of the writing style because the dialogue is either written as thoughts or is barely there. I am also a girl who loves short chapters...this book has hour-long chapters. A full hour.
I guess I chose my sanity and other books over this one.
~Thank you to NetGalley and Farrar, Straus and Giroux for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.~
Back to The Pink Hotel: I saw a few reviews that finished the book and really liked it, but many did not finish the book. I requested it mainly because of the cover (it is pretty, do not judge me) and thinking I might be special and finish it. And yet, here we are... I made it to 19% mark before I gave up. And to be fair, I might have pushed through but INCEST????
"She reminds him of his only cousin. She was tense too. With the same thick black hair and soft brown eyes. She taught him how to count to ten in Spanish. Also the words for belly, nipple, and foot. He taught her how to say please, thank you, and tongue in Latin. They took turns being teacher and student depending on which part of their bodies they wanted to explore."
You as an author have the choice to completely avoid incest. It literally could be switched to neighbour!! But no. Also, the protagonists' names are Kit and Keith. I had the hardest time keeping up with who I was reading about. I get that I am not even a fifth into the story, but it could not pull me in: they are just walking around, meeting pretentious rich people, having sex, Keith telling Kit how she is embarrassing him in front of said rich people, repeat. I guess I was also not a fan of the writing style because the dialogue is either written as thoughts or is barely there. I am also a girl who loves short chapters...this book has hour-long chapters. A full hour.
I guess I chose my sanity and other books over this one.
~Thank you to NetGalley and Farrar, Straus and Giroux for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.~
June 10, 2022
The Pink Hotel by Liska Jacobs was one of my most anticipated books of the year. As soon as I saw the book cover and read the blurb, I was smitten. As a result I find it difficult to admit I did not totally dislike the book, but I had to push myself through it.
What I enjoyed:
Liska Jacobs did a wonderful job creating a mental image of The Pink Hotel including luxurious swimming pools, facinating bar atmosphere, gorgeous rooms/suites and a "lily scented lobby". As I read the beautiful description I wished I could visit such an amazing place. The cast includes unique characters that bring humor to the book. There were several moments I laughed out loud at the humorous situations portrayed in the book.
What I like less:
I was never sure where the plot was going and had trouble holding my interest while reading due to the slow pace. Despite Jacob's positive goal of exposing greed (without spoilers) the methods of expression the author chose at times felt a bit repetitive.
Closing thoughts:
I love and appreciate the dedication and time Liska Jacob's puts into each of her books. I also understand that every book has an audience, so I encourage you to read The Pink Hotel by Liska Jacobs. I remain a devoted fan of her work and will definitely read her next novel.
The Pink Hotel by Liska Jacobs is available on July 19th. (2.5 stars bumped up to 3 ⭐⭐⭐ for the humor.)
Thank you, NetGalley and Farrar, Straus, and Giroux, MCD for allowing me to review this book by the very talented Liska Jacobs. I look forward to reading more.
What I enjoyed:
Liska Jacobs did a wonderful job creating a mental image of The Pink Hotel including luxurious swimming pools, facinating bar atmosphere, gorgeous rooms/suites and a "lily scented lobby". As I read the beautiful description I wished I could visit such an amazing place. The cast includes unique characters that bring humor to the book. There were several moments I laughed out loud at the humorous situations portrayed in the book.
What I like less:
I was never sure where the plot was going and had trouble holding my interest while reading due to the slow pace. Despite Jacob's positive goal of exposing greed (without spoilers) the methods of expression the author chose at times felt a bit repetitive.
Closing thoughts:
I love and appreciate the dedication and time Liska Jacob's puts into each of her books. I also understand that every book has an audience, so I encourage you to read The Pink Hotel by Liska Jacobs. I remain a devoted fan of her work and will definitely read her next novel.
The Pink Hotel by Liska Jacobs is available on July 19th. (2.5 stars bumped up to 3 ⭐⭐⭐ for the humor.)
Thank you, NetGalley and Farrar, Straus, and Giroux, MCD for allowing me to review this book by the very talented Liska Jacobs. I look forward to reading more.
December 24, 2021
Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book in exchange for an honest review.
Honestly, I think that The Pink Hotel wasn’t for me. I just found the book, specifically the plot, very lacking. To me, I just felt that there was no plot at all which really disappointed me.
I also found that I did not like or dislike the characters. I just found it really confusing h0w one second it’s this characters POV then the POV changes completely and I know that’s how it usually is in a 3rd perspective story but the way that the author laid it out was overly complicated which I will mention later on.
Kit and Keith are a married couple, and I honestly don’t have any problem with them, I just found that they were very plain and boring and just needed more depth for me to like them.
One thing that I also disliked about the Pink Hotel was the writing and the plot layout. It just felt like the ending and cliffhangers weren’t planned out, and I am one that honestly dislikes slow stories that do not get to the point and it just felt too long which eventually made me bored.
It was really hard to find something good about The Pink Hotel which really disappointed me because the synopsis sounded really nice to be honest.
Honestly, I think that The Pink Hotel wasn’t for me. I just found the book, specifically the plot, very lacking. To me, I just felt that there was no plot at all which really disappointed me.
I also found that I did not like or dislike the characters. I just found it really confusing h0w one second it’s this characters POV then the POV changes completely and I know that’s how it usually is in a 3rd perspective story but the way that the author laid it out was overly complicated which I will mention later on.
Kit and Keith are a married couple, and I honestly don’t have any problem with them, I just found that they were very plain and boring and just needed more depth for me to like them.
One thing that I also disliked about the Pink Hotel was the writing and the plot layout. It just felt like the ending and cliffhangers weren’t planned out, and I am one that honestly dislikes slow stories that do not get to the point and it just felt too long which eventually made me bored.
It was really hard to find something good about The Pink Hotel which really disappointed me because the synopsis sounded really nice to be honest.
July 13, 2022
From the opening epigraph, in which Gwyneth Paltrow refuses to eat cheese from a tin can, to the final sentence, The Pink Hotel ushers us through a universe where the idle rich play on as the world, literally, burns around them. Jacobs’ immense talents include an ability to make her characters’ most cringe-worthy actions riveting to read. At the book’s center is a young newlywed couple who try desperately to stay in love despite the many temptations hurled at them from the hotel’s patrons, a circumstance that exposes the perils of greed and excess. This is one of those page-turners you could read in a weekend, but will probably choose to take your time with so you can savor every moment.
September 3, 2022
*Soft spoilers*
Very mixed feelings on this one.
An amazing, slow-burn style. Like a frog in a boiling pot, (puns not intended), the reader looks back and asks, "How did we get here?", but then sees that's where this was headed all along.
Almost gothic, in that the Hotel is like a character itself. The descriptions of the Beverly Hills Hotel (Oh, sorry, the Pink Hotel) are beautifully rendered. I especially loved the gorgeous, tropical foliage that pervades the space. The scenes play out against a tapestry of raging California fires and lush, fragrant greenery. It's like stepping back into a more elegant time.
As to the synopsis, greed is not the corrosive nature of the wealthy characters in the novel, but the ennui of those who have seen it all and can have it all, so nothing impresses them.
The protests in the tale are not explained at all. Are the protesters in a mob mentality since the city is burning? Or are they just jealous of those with money so want to punish them and take it for themselves?
Conclusion: Recommended for the lush setting and excellent story-building craft. But take it with a grain of salt.
Deducting stars for the forced-in-"diversity" gay character at 98%. Also due the decadence of the hotel guests being off the charts and making me a bit uncomfortable at times. I suppose that is the point, but, hey, it's my relaxing time when I read. I don't need to be cringing. And thirdly for the protesting propaganda in the Author's Note at the end. The swearing there is also very unnecessary, but points (more in) the right direction as to where the author's enmity should lie.
Very mixed feelings on this one.
An amazing, slow-burn style. Like a frog in a boiling pot, (puns not intended), the reader looks back and asks, "How did we get here?", but then sees that's where this was headed all along.
Almost gothic, in that the Hotel is like a character itself. The descriptions of the Beverly Hills Hotel (Oh, sorry, the Pink Hotel) are beautifully rendered. I especially loved the gorgeous, tropical foliage that pervades the space. The scenes play out against a tapestry of raging California fires and lush, fragrant greenery. It's like stepping back into a more elegant time.
As to the synopsis, greed is not the corrosive nature of the wealthy characters in the novel, but the ennui of those who have seen it all and can have it all, so nothing impresses them.
The protests in the tale are not explained at all. Are the protesters in a mob mentality since the city is burning? Or are they just jealous of those with money so want to punish them and take it for themselves?
Conclusion: Recommended for the lush setting and excellent story-building craft. But take it with a grain of salt.
Deducting stars for the forced-in-"diversity" gay character at 98%. Also due the decadence of the hotel guests being off the charts and making me a bit uncomfortable at times. I suppose that is the point, but, hey, it's my relaxing time when I read. I don't need to be cringing. And thirdly for the protesting propaganda in the Author's Note at the end. The swearing there is also very unnecessary, but points (more in) the right direction as to where the author's enmity should lie.
December 4, 2022
I won't lie - it took everything in me not to quit this book.
It was endlessly boring. I understood what the author was trying to portray, the dichotomy of living in shallow opulence vs the destruction and chaos, and the depth of reality. But, much of the book was just descriptions of everything, while also telling us there were wildfires happening. As the wildfires grew nearer, so did the outright silliness grow inside the hotel.
I felt like I was searching for a real plot through most of the book. It didn't pick up my interest until about 65-70% into the book. And even after that, I was just looking forward to it ending. But then even the ending was disappointing.
For all that - I would not recommend this book. It just wasn't one that I enjoyed.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book before it's published.
It was endlessly boring. I understood what the author was trying to portray, the dichotomy of living in shallow opulence vs the destruction and chaos, and the depth of reality. But, much of the book was just descriptions of everything, while also telling us there were wildfires happening. As the wildfires grew nearer, so did the outright silliness grow inside the hotel.
I felt like I was searching for a real plot through most of the book. It didn't pick up my interest until about 65-70% into the book. And even after that, I was just looking forward to it ending. But then even the ending was disappointing.
For all that - I would not recommend this book. It just wasn't one that I enjoyed.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book before it's published.
July 22, 2022
Not a terrible a book but I couldn't get into it at all. A swanky hotel in Los Angeles serves as the setting for this book about a newlywed couple and the rich guests they mingle with while the city burns and riots rage outside the walls. Uninteresting characters and very little plot/action just made me bored. Sadly this wasn't for me. LOVED the gorgeous cover though. DNF @ 55%.
Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for early digital copies in exchange for my honest review.
Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for early digital copies in exchange for my honest review.
September 24, 2022
Read this one for book club which is the only reason I finished it. From the beginning I was trying to understand what the purpose and storyline of the book was. Even at the end I couldn't figure it out.
I think ultimately it was a play on classism? But how it was laid out was very confusing and made you feel like the reader or writer had been on something because it tended to jump scenes or end a scene in the middle of a page but then move to a different scene.
I really didn't like the newlywed couple either. The story essentially starts out with them on their honeymoon and she is unhappy about their marriage and unsure if she made the right decision. Immediately through their interactions you can start to see their marriage breakdown and from there they both basically have affairs within a few days.
All the while a bunch of rich people are flocking to this hotel because LA is on fire. So then they start to go out of control, drinking, drugs and partying which only gets more insane each night (also no one was ever hungover...bull shit in my book). To the point that they had tigers and other animals bought in, this was also a point of being so far fetched, if they were running out of food during a fire evacuation, there is no way they would be able to get a tiger.
Overall, the book fell short and I wasn't a fan. At the end, there is a fight, some people die and the main chick seems to have picked her husband instead of the construction man but the story never actually tells you...also a point of contention. If you are going to have a confusing story with no arc at least give it an ending. Oy.
I think ultimately it was a play on classism? But how it was laid out was very confusing and made you feel like the reader or writer had been on something because it tended to jump scenes or end a scene in the middle of a page but then move to a different scene.
I really didn't like the newlywed couple either. The story essentially starts out with them on their honeymoon and she is unhappy about their marriage and unsure if she made the right decision. Immediately through their interactions you can start to see their marriage breakdown and from there they both basically have affairs within a few days.
All the while a bunch of rich people are flocking to this hotel because LA is on fire. So then they start to go out of control, drinking, drugs and partying which only gets more insane each night (also no one was ever hungover...bull shit in my book). To the point that they had tigers and other animals bought in, this was also a point of being so far fetched, if they were running out of food during a fire evacuation, there is no way they would be able to get a tiger.
Overall, the book fell short and I wasn't a fan. At the end, there is a fight, some people die and the main chick seems to have picked her husband instead of the construction man but the story never actually tells you...also a point of contention. If you are going to have a confusing story with no arc at least give it an ending. Oy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 17, 2022
I was initially drawn to this book because the premise sounded interesting: a newlywed couple honeymooning in an extravagant hotel while wildfires (literally and metaphorically) rage on outside). But unfortunately this one was a total miss for me. Although the novel does delve into weighty topics like classism, greed, ambition, and love, I found the writing style to be very difficult to get into. It has a very distinct literary tone, and while that is fine, the pacing is very slow and the plot just meanders along without getting into any real substance. I didn’t care about any of the characters and the climax was just meh at best. Overall, it was just a disappointing read.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan for the e-ARC.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan for the e-ARC.
July 22, 2022
Exuberantly lively and amusing, Liska Jacob's latest— THE PINK HOTEL is a satire of the überwealthy and an inside look at the haves and the have-nots.
Keith and Kit Collins work in California managing Keith's uncle's small town restaurant and inn. At a hotel conference, the couple, the Belmonts, invite them to honeymoon at their renowned Beverly Hills' The Pink Hotel.
They, of course, are out of their element at the opulent hotel with guests rich and famous.
Keith is enamored with the hotel and the lifestyle and desperately wants to be a part of the finer things of life. His wife is happy with what she has. Keith decides to extend the honeymoon to try and snag an assistant manager job at the hotel.
Not much of a honeymoon for Kit with Keith working and sucking up, she spends time with a partying young socialite who's also staying at the hotel. Keith wants to break through his middle-class title and jump into the elite, and Kit is happy to return home and stop pretending.
Keith is a jerk and develops a crush on Richard's mistress, Coco. Sean, a construction worker, helping with the hotel expansion at the hotel, likes Kit after she faints and lands in his arms.
Meanwhile, outside the hotel gates, wildfires have taken over California. The hills are burning, riots are breaking out, and gas masks and lockdown are mandated.
The hotel closes its doors to outside guests, and everyone is stuck inside. The staff must work harder to contend with all the wealthy clients and cater to their every extravagant wish and demand.
As the fear and anxieties heighten, the hotel, guests, and staff are pushed to their breaking point, and tensions run high. Outside, the world is aflame.
Like The Great Gatsby, a close look at class, privilege, class disparity, greed, social status, money, love, and relationships. As in F. Scott Fitzgerald's Gatsby, an outsider looking in to attain status no matter the cost.
From eccentric characters to the wealthy, sarcastic, wit, and snarkiness—an entertaining romp.
There are also parallels between what is happening inside the celebrity hotel and the outside world with climate destruction, much like our world today. A story of socio-economic divisions and environmental impacts.
I listened to the audiobook, which was somewhat nerve-wracking with the grinding, high-pitched, drama-filled voice to match the character's storylines. I did not find the audio enjoyable. I would recommend the reading copy versus the audio. The audio was narrated by Tavia Gilbert—I usually enjoy her narrations; however, in this case, not so much.
The novel would be for those who enjoy satire (humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people's stupidity or vices, particularly in contemporary politics and other topical issues) and Hollywood hotel drama-filled stories. #CoverCrush
I also enjoyed the author's note regarding the social movements which inspired the book. Look forward to reading more from this author.
Thank you to #MacmillanAudio and #NetGalley for an ALC to listen to, enjoy, and review and a digital ARC #FarrarStrausandGiroux
I preferred the e-book.
4 Stars: e-book
3 Stars: audiobook
Blog Review Posted @
www.JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 3.5 Stars ✨✨✨ 💫
Pub Dat: July 19, 2022
Keith and Kit Collins work in California managing Keith's uncle's small town restaurant and inn. At a hotel conference, the couple, the Belmonts, invite them to honeymoon at their renowned Beverly Hills' The Pink Hotel.
They, of course, are out of their element at the opulent hotel with guests rich and famous.
Keith is enamored with the hotel and the lifestyle and desperately wants to be a part of the finer things of life. His wife is happy with what she has. Keith decides to extend the honeymoon to try and snag an assistant manager job at the hotel.
Not much of a honeymoon for Kit with Keith working and sucking up, she spends time with a partying young socialite who's also staying at the hotel. Keith wants to break through his middle-class title and jump into the elite, and Kit is happy to return home and stop pretending.
Keith is a jerk and develops a crush on Richard's mistress, Coco. Sean, a construction worker, helping with the hotel expansion at the hotel, likes Kit after she faints and lands in his arms.
Meanwhile, outside the hotel gates, wildfires have taken over California. The hills are burning, riots are breaking out, and gas masks and lockdown are mandated.
The hotel closes its doors to outside guests, and everyone is stuck inside. The staff must work harder to contend with all the wealthy clients and cater to their every extravagant wish and demand.
As the fear and anxieties heighten, the hotel, guests, and staff are pushed to their breaking point, and tensions run high. Outside, the world is aflame.
Like The Great Gatsby, a close look at class, privilege, class disparity, greed, social status, money, love, and relationships. As in F. Scott Fitzgerald's Gatsby, an outsider looking in to attain status no matter the cost.
From eccentric characters to the wealthy, sarcastic, wit, and snarkiness—an entertaining romp.
There are also parallels between what is happening inside the celebrity hotel and the outside world with climate destruction, much like our world today. A story of socio-economic divisions and environmental impacts.
I listened to the audiobook, which was somewhat nerve-wracking with the grinding, high-pitched, drama-filled voice to match the character's storylines. I did not find the audio enjoyable. I would recommend the reading copy versus the audio. The audio was narrated by Tavia Gilbert—I usually enjoy her narrations; however, in this case, not so much.
The novel would be for those who enjoy satire (humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people's stupidity or vices, particularly in contemporary politics and other topical issues) and Hollywood hotel drama-filled stories. #CoverCrush
I also enjoyed the author's note regarding the social movements which inspired the book. Look forward to reading more from this author.
Thank you to #MacmillanAudio and #NetGalley for an ALC to listen to, enjoy, and review and a digital ARC #FarrarStrausandGiroux
I preferred the e-book.
4 Stars: e-book
3 Stars: audiobook
Blog Review Posted @
www.JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 3.5 Stars ✨✨✨ 💫
Pub Dat: July 19, 2022
December 27, 2021
“How fast it happened. The world turning from calm to calamity. That fissure that existed at the centre of life cracking open. You are always, always on the brink.”
The Pink Hotel follows Kit and Keith Collins as they spend their honeymoon at an upscale, Beverly Hills hotel. Soon after their arrival, wildfires begin to break out across the area and the entire city of Los Angeles becomes enveloped in flames, riots, and blackouts. Meanwhile, The Pink Hotel closes its doors to ‘outsiders’ and Kit and Keith find themselves confined with the anxious and unhappy staff, as well as a growing number of ultra-rich guests who come to the hotel looking for sanctuary, comfort, and entertainment.
What a breathtaking, phenomenal read this was. Much like the fires within the story, the story began slowly, taking its time, making intimate introductions to every character, describing the hotel in elaborate detail. Then the wind fanned the flames, and surely, the story became all encompassing, devastating, overwhelming, all-consuming. The Pink Hotel does an incredible job illustrating the class divide. With the ultra-wealthy safe, confined, immune from curfews and emergency laws, throwing balls, parties, and feasts. While everyone else is depicted evacuating, suffering from blackouts, forced into curfews, rioting for equality. The portrayal of the ultra-rich is similar to Nero fiddling while Rome burns or Marie Antoinette exclaiming “let them eat cake.” Although a work of fiction, The Pink Hotel provides a relatively true depiction of modern day America.
The style of narration really set this book apart, the book was written in the present tense. Although Kit and Keith are clearly intended to be the main focus, the narration follows multiple characters, storylines, conversations. It felt like watching a movie and having the camera get all the pieces of the story, including everything that might not be seen if the story simply followed one character’s point of view. This style of narration took some time to get used to, but the story was so much better for it. Every aspect of the story was captured, little quotes and reactions, different points of view, it felt like getting every piece of a really large story, it felt sweeping and all-encompassing.
The Pink Hotel was a magnificent, awe-inspiring dark social satire.
“Best to enjoy yourself before the apocalypse. Haven’t you heard, the whole world is burning.”
The Pink Hotel follows Kit and Keith Collins as they spend their honeymoon at an upscale, Beverly Hills hotel. Soon after their arrival, wildfires begin to break out across the area and the entire city of Los Angeles becomes enveloped in flames, riots, and blackouts. Meanwhile, The Pink Hotel closes its doors to ‘outsiders’ and Kit and Keith find themselves confined with the anxious and unhappy staff, as well as a growing number of ultra-rich guests who come to the hotel looking for sanctuary, comfort, and entertainment.
What a breathtaking, phenomenal read this was. Much like the fires within the story, the story began slowly, taking its time, making intimate introductions to every character, describing the hotel in elaborate detail. Then the wind fanned the flames, and surely, the story became all encompassing, devastating, overwhelming, all-consuming. The Pink Hotel does an incredible job illustrating the class divide. With the ultra-wealthy safe, confined, immune from curfews and emergency laws, throwing balls, parties, and feasts. While everyone else is depicted evacuating, suffering from blackouts, forced into curfews, rioting for equality. The portrayal of the ultra-rich is similar to Nero fiddling while Rome burns or Marie Antoinette exclaiming “let them eat cake.” Although a work of fiction, The Pink Hotel provides a relatively true depiction of modern day America.
The style of narration really set this book apart, the book was written in the present tense. Although Kit and Keith are clearly intended to be the main focus, the narration follows multiple characters, storylines, conversations. It felt like watching a movie and having the camera get all the pieces of the story, including everything that might not be seen if the story simply followed one character’s point of view. This style of narration took some time to get used to, but the story was so much better for it. Every aspect of the story was captured, little quotes and reactions, different points of view, it felt like getting every piece of a really large story, it felt sweeping and all-encompassing.
The Pink Hotel was a magnificent, awe-inspiring dark social satire.
“Best to enjoy yourself before the apocalypse. Haven’t you heard, the whole world is burning.”
February 4, 2022
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this arc!
i’m a bit disappointed in this because the premise was so good and it had so much potential to be so juicy and fun and just such a good summer read, but unfortunately it fell flat. it felt like there was so much description of all these boring mundane things and then something truly wild would happen but it would get brushed over or not even fully explained in the first place, and none of the fallout of these events was ever really explored. i think too much time was spent on the wrong aspects of the book, which made it a very frustrating read, and i was tempted to dnf multiple times. the end definitely served some ~drama~ (although it still felt super rushed and like it only scratched the surface in terms of really going into what was happening) but not sure that it was really worth my time.
i’m a bit disappointed in this because the premise was so good and it had so much potential to be so juicy and fun and just such a good summer read, but unfortunately it fell flat. it felt like there was so much description of all these boring mundane things and then something truly wild would happen but it would get brushed over or not even fully explained in the first place, and none of the fallout of these events was ever really explored. i think too much time was spent on the wrong aspects of the book, which made it a very frustrating read, and i was tempted to dnf multiple times. the end definitely served some ~drama~ (although it still felt super rushed and like it only scratched the surface in terms of really going into what was happening) but not sure that it was really worth my time.
April 29, 2022
I thought the premise of the Pink Hotel sounded great and was intrigued to give an ARC via NetGalley a try, even though the early reviews were mixed.
Out of sheer determination to avoid a DNF I slogged through, but it was for me a pretty detestable story. I believe it was intended to read as social satire - Rome (aka LA) is burning, or think the First Class revelers on the Titanic as the ship is going down. However it didn’t feel like satire, it just felt hollow, and ugly. For a book without much plot, it could have been a good character study but even the central characters, newlyweds Kit and Keith, feel unknowable and unlikable. Nothing made sense. Including the ending.
Not a hotel I’d care to visit again.
Out of sheer determination to avoid a DNF I slogged through, but it was for me a pretty detestable story. I believe it was intended to read as social satire - Rome (aka LA) is burning, or think the First Class revelers on the Titanic as the ship is going down. However it didn’t feel like satire, it just felt hollow, and ugly. For a book without much plot, it could have been a good character study but even the central characters, newlyweds Kit and Keith, feel unknowable and unlikable. Nothing made sense. Including the ending.
Not a hotel I’d care to visit again.
February 7, 2022
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this arc!
I won't lie but the cover is what attracted my attention. However, reading this was a bit difficult for me as I couldn't get into it at first because it was slow but I kept on reading and was not disappointed. It eventually picked up and I gotta say it was interesting. If you want something that's slow burn then this for you.
I won't lie but the cover is what attracted my attention. However, reading this was a bit difficult for me as I couldn't get into it at first because it was slow but I kept on reading and was not disappointed. It eventually picked up and I gotta say it was interesting. If you want something that's slow burn then this for you.
February 23, 2023
My lone, single star rated book. The plot rambled to no where, zero character development. If there was a point to this novel, it was completely lost to me.
Pro: pretty cover. That was the 1 star.
Con: the actual writing.
Do not get sucked into the “I really do not want to DNF” mindset. Your time is too precious.
Pro: pretty cover. That was the 1 star.
Con: the actual writing.
Do not get sucked into the “I really do not want to DNF” mindset. Your time is too precious.
November 7, 2023
felt like i was on drugs reading this. interesting concept - rich people staying in the fictional equivalent of the beverly hills hotel while a fire rages through california and the kind of class war that happens between staff and rich guests, but i simply cannot explain what happens in the last like 20% of the book
did-not-finish
August 2, 2022I found myself very bored; I love the literary style of writing and the satirical prose is excellent, but it's far too slow moving.
October 4, 2022
Right from the beginning we learn 23-year old Kit will struggle with her identity. Somehow, changing her name from Kit Simpkins to Kit Collins, her new husband Keith’s last name, is just not sitting right with her. Keith is moving up in his uncle’s one star Michelin restaurant. Kit is signed up for a sommelier class while she does her waitressing job. Then Keith is offered a free stay at a five-star hotel near Los Angeles while the proprietor sizes him up to see if he’s a good prospect for a job there. Only, Keith doesn’t tell Kit part of their honeymoon will be spent with Keith proving his worth to the exacting proprietor.
Shortly after they arrive, LA and surrounding areas break out in multiple wild fires. What ensues is the height of opulence and debauchery. The one percent evacuate their Beverly Hills and LA homes to come stay at the Pink Hotel to evade the chaos and the riots as the cities burn. Protestors rail against the rich who can evade the fires. In spite of the fact the city is burning down, every day and night at the Pink Hotel is a party complete with lots of drugs and expensive champagne and hookups, even between married people. The scene ensuing at the Pink Hotel borders on satire when wealthy women bring their costumed dogs to a meal at a dining table with bouquets and candles.
The proprietor leans on Keith to help cover the numerous parties and events at the Hotel to amuse the guests, keeping him away from Kit. Keith is delighted to help because he wants nothing more than to be invited into the ranks of the reigning elite. Kit is basically adopted by a group of billionaires who parade her around in expensive clothes like a child. She’s invited to all the exclusive parties, yet she never feels like she fits in. Trying to escape the decadence and ponder what happened to Keith, she meets a handsome construction worker who treats her like a normal person, who is not a social climber like Keith. In fact Keith meets him and feels like this man is beneath him in his soiled clothes and middle class job.
As the fires burn and ash rains down on the Pink Hotel, the revelry becomes unreal. No one seems to care about the burning planet and the partners get drunker and higher to perhaps quell their guilt or rather to prove they are the chosen ones and the fires can’t touch them. They’re all about showing off to each other.
When a horde of monarch butterflies migrate past the hotel, only Kit seems to notice. At once, the dichotomy between natural beauty and artificial beauty that money can buy becomes apparent. But the latter can’t last.
The ending is brilliant. I highly recommend this one.
Shortly after they arrive, LA and surrounding areas break out in multiple wild fires. What ensues is the height of opulence and debauchery. The one percent evacuate their Beverly Hills and LA homes to come stay at the Pink Hotel to evade the chaos and the riots as the cities burn. Protestors rail against the rich who can evade the fires. In spite of the fact the city is burning down, every day and night at the Pink Hotel is a party complete with lots of drugs and expensive champagne and hookups, even between married people. The scene ensuing at the Pink Hotel borders on satire when wealthy women bring their costumed dogs to a meal at a dining table with bouquets and candles.
The proprietor leans on Keith to help cover the numerous parties and events at the Hotel to amuse the guests, keeping him away from Kit. Keith is delighted to help because he wants nothing more than to be invited into the ranks of the reigning elite. Kit is basically adopted by a group of billionaires who parade her around in expensive clothes like a child. She’s invited to all the exclusive parties, yet she never feels like she fits in. Trying to escape the decadence and ponder what happened to Keith, she meets a handsome construction worker who treats her like a normal person, who is not a social climber like Keith. In fact Keith meets him and feels like this man is beneath him in his soiled clothes and middle class job.
As the fires burn and ash rains down on the Pink Hotel, the revelry becomes unreal. No one seems to care about the burning planet and the partners get drunker and higher to perhaps quell their guilt or rather to prove they are the chosen ones and the fires can’t touch them. They’re all about showing off to each other.
When a horde of monarch butterflies migrate past the hotel, only Kit seems to notice. At once, the dichotomy between natural beauty and artificial beauty that money can buy becomes apparent. But the latter can’t last.
The ending is brilliant. I highly recommend this one.
September 26, 2023
I stayed up later than I should to finish this one! That’s my first rec because it’s always good when a book can make you lose track of time.
According to Goodreads people really hate this book. 😂
I get it, I do, but I actually really loved it. Fucked up horrible rich people behaving badly is my 2023 vibe. I just enjoy it I don’t know why. And then an ambitious, beautiful and naive young middle class couple that gets caught up in it all….. yes yes yes.
The writing was vivid, the atmosphere was palpable, and the way the slow burn plot picked up as it went and ended in complete fireworks, disaster and disarray?? Slow clap.
I can understand why people hate this book but it really worked for me. A far-removed narration, looking down on these characters as they make terrible decisions, self-sabotage and question everything. How seductive the rich can be, even as classy submerges into hedonism and cruelty. What people won’t do for money and power, or already having those in excess, for a bit of fun. How boring life can be when you’re never met with resistance, what it might make you feel you can do next. Or what you might be owed. What happens if the world burns, but inside this luxury hotel everything is glossed over, faked, made to look fine? When the fires and the riots begin to bleed through but they’re throwing a whole ass BALL? When all the people that are relied on for business as usual finally refuse to appear and those that do? How their loyalty is repaid. Spoiler: not well. Just ahhhh, it was all speaking to me.
Liska Jacobs takes the tinder of modern-day America and lights a match—and the result is a story that feels set almost out of time—because what the rich get away with should be the stuff of history. It’s beyond time. They don’t care, will never care about anyone but the other one percent. It was a bitter diatribe about the state of it all but fun and darkly funny until it turned sick and washed out when the lights come on.
The Pink Hotel burns, and we all burn with it.
Such an inevitable pulsing end. Left open-ended in a way other people hated but I felt was fitting.
If any of this sounds good to you, I say give it a go.
According to Goodreads people really hate this book. 😂
I get it, I do, but I actually really loved it. Fucked up horrible rich people behaving badly is my 2023 vibe. I just enjoy it I don’t know why. And then an ambitious, beautiful and naive young middle class couple that gets caught up in it all….. yes yes yes.
The writing was vivid, the atmosphere was palpable, and the way the slow burn plot picked up as it went and ended in complete fireworks, disaster and disarray?? Slow clap.
I can understand why people hate this book but it really worked for me. A far-removed narration, looking down on these characters as they make terrible decisions, self-sabotage and question everything. How seductive the rich can be, even as classy submerges into hedonism and cruelty. What people won’t do for money and power, or already having those in excess, for a bit of fun. How boring life can be when you’re never met with resistance, what it might make you feel you can do next. Or what you might be owed. What happens if the world burns, but inside this luxury hotel everything is glossed over, faked, made to look fine? When the fires and the riots begin to bleed through but they’re throwing a whole ass BALL? When all the people that are relied on for business as usual finally refuse to appear and those that do? How their loyalty is repaid. Spoiler: not well. Just ahhhh, it was all speaking to me.
Liska Jacobs takes the tinder of modern-day America and lights a match—and the result is a story that feels set almost out of time—because what the rich get away with should be the stuff of history. It’s beyond time. They don’t care, will never care about anyone but the other one percent. It was a bitter diatribe about the state of it all but fun and darkly funny until it turned sick and washed out when the lights come on.
The Pink Hotel burns, and we all burn with it.
Such an inevitable pulsing end. Left open-ended in a way other people hated but I felt was fitting.
If any of this sounds good to you, I say give it a go.
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