Introduction

Has the entertainment industry ever fascinated you? Do you wonder about the behind-the-scenes drama of the rich and famous? Then you’ll want to get your hands on a copy of Valley of the Dolls by Jacqueline Susann.

Published in 1966, this novel gives readers a peek into the exhilarating but ultimately tragic lives of three young women trying to make it big in show business. Though it was critically panned at the time, Valley of the Dolls has since become a beloved cult classic.

So grab some popcorn, put on your most glamorous outfit, and get ready for a wild ride. Here is my review of this juicy page-turner.

You can find Valley of the Dolls by author Jacqueline Susann on your favorite bookstore, including Amazon.com and Amazon UK.

If you have loved Valley of the Dolls, please also check our review of “The Name of the Rose” by author Umberto Eco.

About author Jacqueline Susann

Jacqueline Susann was an American author best known for her 1966 novel Valley of the Dolls, which broke sales records and became one of the best-selling novels of all time. Though criticized by literary critics, Susann’s work touched on provocative themes like sex, drugs, and show business, capturing the cultural zeitgeist of 1960s America.

Born Jacqueline Lee Susann in Philadelphia in 1918, Susann pursued acting as a young woman but found little success. She met her husband Irving Mansfield in 1939, marrying him the next year. Though she continued pursuing acting, Susann was increasingly drawn to writing. She published her first novel Every Night, Josephine! in 1963, though it failed to make much of an impact.

Her 1966 novel Valley of the Dolls was a different story. A melodramatic tale following three young women trying to navigate careers and relationships in the entertainment industry, Valley of the Dolls resonated with readers fascinated by the triumphs and tragedies of fame. With its vivid depictions of sex and drug use, the novel pushed boundaries. It became the biggest selling novel of 1966, spending 65 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. While critics hated it, readers couldn’t get enough. It went on to sell over 31 million copies worldwide.

Susann published two more bestselling novels, The Love Machine in 1969 and Once Is Not Enough in 1973. Though dismissed by the literary establishment, Susann understood her audience. Her books unapologetically explored themes that fascinated the public – celebrity, ambition, addiction. She worked tirelessly doing publicity tours and interviews to connect with readers. Diagnosed with breast cancer in the 1960s, Susann battled the disease for years while continuing to write and publish bestsellers. She died in 1974 at age 56.

Though largely underappreciated in her time, Jacqueline Susann’s work stands as some of the most popular and iconic commercial fiction of the 20th century. She helped pioneer confessional women’s fiction and paved the way for authors like Jackie Collins. Her passionate, gutsy writing style connected with millions of readers worldwide. Susann’s remarkable life and career show that compelling, groundbreaking fiction can come from the most unexpected places.

A Compelling Character Study

One of the biggest strengths of Valley of the Dolls is its in-depth character development. The story follows three ambitious young women – Anne Welles, Neely O’Hara, and Jennifer North – as they try to navigate love, career, and the fickle nature of fame.

Anne’s Journey from Ingenue to Independent Woman

In the beginning, Anne seems like the most wholesome of the trio. A naive small-town girl, she comes to New York with dreams of becoming a successful actress. At first, I found Anne’s wide-eyed innocence to be charming. But as time goes on, she grows into an independent and savvy career woman who learns how to stand up for herself.

Anne’s character arc is a relatable one for many young women trying to determine their own path in life. Her evolution demonstrates that personal growth often comes from overcoming life’s hard knocks.

Neely’s Tragic Spiral Into Drug Abuse

Of the three main characters, Neely is the most ambitious, talented, and tortured. Hailing from a poor background, she will do whatever it takes to become a huge star. But the pressures of fame soon wear heavily on her, and she becomes reliant on pills and booze to cope.

Neely’s downward spiral is difficult to witness. I couldn’t help but feel sympathetic as her addiction continually destroys her relationships and career prospects. Her character highlights the dark side of the entertainment business and the damage it can do to vulnerable individuals.

Jennifer’s Desperate Fight Against Fading Beauty

Gorgeous blonde Jennifer seems to have it all – a lucrative modeling career, a handsome husband, and a glitzy mansion. But inside, she’s crippled by the fear of losing her looks and fame. As she ages, Jennifer goes to extreme and damaging lengths to cling to her youth and beauty.

Jennifer represents the incredible pressure on women in entertainment to always look young and flawless. Her battles with body image, invasive procedures, and eating disorders are still all too relevant for actresses and models today.

A Fictionalized Exposé of the Entertainment Industry

Beyond just the main characters, Susann uses the novel to reveal the highs and lows of the entire entertainment business. With intimate portrayals of backstage Broadway, modeling agencies, television studios, and more, readers get an insider’s perspective of these dazzling worlds.

The Thrills of Broadway Stardom

For ambitious Anne and Neely, starring in a Broadway show is the pinnacle of success. Susann vividly captures the nonstop excitement of life on the Great White Way – the grueling rehearsals, opening night jitters, rave reviews, autograph seekers, and post-show parties.

Both women are heavily impacted by the intense pressures and demands of Broadway. This behind-the-curtain glimpse shows both the intoxicating highs and destructive lows of this prestigious career.

The Modeling World’s Dark Obsession With Youth

As an in-demand fashion model, Jennifer experiences the glitz and perks that come with being a blonde bombshell. But she also feels tremendous anxiety about getting older in an industry obsessed with youth and beauty.

Through Jennifer’s struggles, Susann paints a critical portrait of a modeling world that discards women the minute they show signs of aging. The unrealistic beauty standards fill Jennifer with self-loathing and the desperation to halt time.

Hollywood’s Fake Façade vs. Disturbing Reality

For a short time, Neely achieves her ultimate dream – becoming a huge movie star in Hollywood. But behind the fake smiles and photo ops, Neely descends into full-blown addiction, propped up by managers who enable her worst behavior.

Susann uses Neely’s time in Hollywood to reveal the sinister machinations that allow stars’ lives to spiral out of control. It’s a cautionary tale about the dirty inner workings of the movie business.

Complex Interpersonal Relationships

Beyond the entertainment industry itself, Valley of the Dolls also delves deep into the complicated relationships among the three women and the people around them.

The Intense Bond Between Rivals Neely & Helen

Though they start out as friends, Neely and Broadway star Helen Lawson become bitter rivals competing for the limelight. Their vitriolic hatred for one another seems to mask an obsessive jealousy and grudging respect.

Susann crafts these two larger-than-life characters whose connection is complex – both seem to fuel each other’s professional drive and egotism. Their explosive relationship resulted in one of the book’s most iconic scenes.

Anne & Lyon – From Fairytale Romance to Disillusionment

At first, Anne is utterly enchanted by dapper Broadway agent Lyon Burke. Though others warn her about his wandering eye, Anne believes their love will endure. Over time, however, the ugly reality of Lyon’s unfaithful nature becomes impossible to ignore.

This fairytale romance turned sour is a common storyline, but Susann makes it feel raw and resonant. In nuanced fashion, she traces the painful process of infatuation fading into bitterness and disappointment.

Jennifer’s Lonely Marriage of Convenience

Jennifer marries nightclub singer Tony Polar in the hopes it will help both of their careers. Though they care for one another, Tony is closeted and battling his own demons.

The facade of Jennifer and Tony’s marriage speaks volumes about the false relationships that can emerge in worlds obsessed with status and image. I ached for Jennifer’s loneliness in a marriage that wasn’t built on true intimacy.

Bold Stance on Taboo Topics

One reason Susann’s novel was so scandalous in its time was its willingness to tackle subject matter considered taboo. The book frankly discusses abortion, homosexuality, drug abuse, and even masturbation.

Graphic Depictions of Drug Addiction

Susann doesn’t hold back in depicting Neely’s harrowing descent into pill and alcohol addiction. Readers witness her horrifying benders, suicide attempts, and dehumanizing stints in sanitariums. These gritty scenes pack an emotional gut-punch.

Blunt Portrayal of Abortion

When Anne becomes pregnant by Lyon, she reluctantly terminates the pregnancy, fearing it will ruin her budding career. Susann depicts the abortion process bluntly and unflinchingly.

For the 1960s, this matter-of-fact depiction was extremely controversial. But it also shed light on the agonizing choice many women faced long before Roe v. Wade.

Homosexuality Hinted At

Though nowhere explicitly stated, it is implied that Tony Polar is a closeted gay man struggling to hide his sexuality. Brief hints at Tony’s undisclosed “secret life” were incredibly groundbreaking at the time.

Masturbation as Self-Care

In the book, Jennifer discovers the stress-relieving benefits of masturbation and even recommends it to Anne during a low moment. This sentiment was practically heretical in 1960s society.

By weaving in these taboo topics, Susann gave an unfiltered look at real issues facing women that expanded social consciousness.

An Addictive, Juicy Page-Turner

Whatever your final verdict on the literary merit of Valley of the Dolls, it’s impossible to deny that the book itself is compulsively engrossing.

Biting Dialogue and Zingers

The dialogue absolutely crackles with energy. Susann has a knack for witty banter and hilarious one-liners. The arguments between Neely and Helen resulted in some of the greatest zingers and insults I’ve ever read.

Propulsive Pacing That Grabs You

Valley of the Dolls rockets along at a speedy clip, seamlessly transitioning between the different women’s stories. Short punchy chapters end on cliffhangers that make it impossible to put the book down. This is not a novel that drags.

Deliciously Addictive Melodrama

This book is melodrama at its absolute finest. The engrossing plot is jam-packed with family drama, torrid love affairs, bitter feuds, drug addictions, mental health crises, and even a homicide trial. It’s soapy, over-the-top, and I loved every second of it.

Like as lythe leven as ony ladi on live. Whan knihthood was in flowre. There is rarely a dull moment in Valley of the Dolls!

Timeless Themes Still Relevant Today

While Valley of the Dolls has no shortage of deliciously absurd and soapy moments, at its core the novel explores issues and themes that still resonate strongly for modern women.

The Perils of Fame at a Young Age

Child stars and teenage internet influencers now face the intense pressures and fickle nature of fame once reserved for Hollywood starlets. Valley of the Dolls shows the psychological toll this instant celebrity can take.

scrutinized Beauty Standards for Women

From model Jennifer to aging actresses, the book’s female characters are constantly judged and valued primarily for their physical beauty. Sadly, today’s world is still obsessed with women’s appearance.

Balancing Independence and Romance

Like many young women today, Anne wants both an exciting career and true love. The book traces her ongoing struggle to have both without sacrificing her newfound independence and self-respect.

Cutthroat Competition Between Women

The story explores the complex relationships between ambitious women vying for the same coveted roles and acclaim. Unfortunately, this fierce competition remains a major issue in fields still dominated by men.

These timeless themes help explain why Valley of the Dolls continues to captivate female readers, even those born decades after its publication.

Final Verdict: A Compelling, Addicting Read

Valley of the Dolls is a compulsively readable, deliciously dramatic journey into the alternating glamour and seediness of show business. Some may be put off by its liberal use of melodrama and soap opera plot twists. But for me, that’s a huge part of its charm and appeal.

Blunt yet sympathetic, shocking yet humane, Valley of the Dolls broke ground in its frank portrayal of ambitious women and continues to resonate strongly today. Grab your copy, settle in, and get ready for a wild, poignant, and highly entertaining ride.

What shocking behind-the-scenes Hollywood or Broadway stories would you love to read? Let me know in the comments below! For my next scandalous read, I’m planning to dive into Susann’s follow-up novel The Love Machine. Stay tuned for that review!

FAQs

Q: What inspired Jacqueline Susann to write Valley of the Dolls?

A: Susann was inspired to write the book based on her own experiences witnessing the highs and lows of fame while accompanying her husband Irving Mansfield, who was a Broadway producer and talent manager. She wanted to pull back the curtain on the entertainment industry’s glamorous façade to show the grimmer realities lurking beneath. Susann got the title from the slang term “dolls” used to refer to barbiturates and amphetamines, which she saw many show business personalities abuse to cope with pressures.

Q: How autobiographical is the story and characters?

A: Though Valley of the Dolls is fictional, Susann drew heavily from the real personalities and scandals she encountered over her decades immersed in Broadway and Hollywood. Neely’s character was likely modeled on troubled Judy Garland. Helen Lawson embodied the larger-than-life persona of Ethel Merman. Events in Jennifer North’s life mirrored Marilyn Monroe’s. Anne Welles represented the newcomer persona Susann herself once had. But ultimately, all the characters were unique creations.

Q: What was the reaction to the book when it was first published?

A: When it debuted in 1966, literary critics almost unanimously panned Valley of the Dolls, attacking it for tawdry subject matter and melodramatic plot. But despite bad reviews, the scandalous book became a blockbuster bestseller. It spoke to millions of female readers thrilled to get a glimpse behind fame’s façade. Its success made Susann one of the most widely read authors of the 1960s.

Q: How important was Sharon Tate to the book’s overall legacy?

A: Sharon Tate rocketed Valley of the Dolls back into the spotlight when she portrayed Jennifer North in the 1967 film adaptation. Tate’s own tragic murder by Charles Manson’s cult just two years later contributed to the public’s morbid fascination with her role in the film and its eerie parallels to the novel.

Q: Did Jacqueline Susann ever publicly respond to the negative reviews?

A: Susann didn’t let the scathing reviews affect her pride in her work. She dismissed highbrow critics who looked down on fiction spotlighting women’s stories. When intellectual author George Plimpton criticized Dolls on television, Susann responded, “Oh hell, George, it does not pretend to be quality literature. It’s just a damn good story.”

Q: How did the book influence popular culture?

A: Valley of the Dolls left a lasting mark on popular culture through its unvarnished depiction of stardom’s highs and lows. It tapped into public fascination with fame’s dark side that remains today. The book introduced concepts like the “casting couch” that are now familiar. Its title became shorthand for abusing stimulants to cope with pressure.

Q: Were there any controversial parts of the book at the time?

A: Susann ruffled feathers by tackling then-taboo topics like abortion, suicide, domestic violence, and homosexuality. Neely’s back-alley abortion while Anne’s procedure goes smoothly highlighted class disparities in access. Discussing Jennifer’s breast cancer battle made public a previously private ordeal. The book’s frank tone was unprecedented.

Q: How did fellow authors like Gore Vidal react to the book?

A: Literary authors expressed disgust at Dolls’ commercial success and dismissed it as trashy sensationalism. When Gore Vidal was asked if he was jealous of Susann outselling him, he replied, “Jealous of what? I wouldn’t be caught dead writing such a book!” Readers, nevertheless, disagreed with such elitist positions.

Q: Did Susann consider the book a work of feminism?

A: Susann believed she was empowering women by candidly addressing issues they faced. But she didn’t identify as a feminist or political activist. “I’m no crusader,” she said. “I’m just a storyteller.” However, establishing women’s stories as valid entertainment was itself a feminist statement.

Q: What is Susann’s literary legacy today?

A: While the book world rejected Susann in the 60s, Vallely of the Dolls now holds cult classic status. Susann is viewed as a trailblazer who revolutionized popular fiction’s subject matter, gave women’s stories validity, and engrossed readers shunned by literary elite. Without her risk-taking, today’s candid chick-lit may not exist.