PositiveThe Guardian (UK)While the startup journey may seem a well-trodden path, Anam is no novice when it comes to raising the emotional stakes ... her experience shows in this deftly crafted tale ... Anam knows of what she writes and is unafraid to call out the misogyny that dominates our so-called brave new world, often deploying biting wit to devastating effect ... Like all good startup propositions, The Startup Wife is glossy and readable and looks more obvious than it is, but unlike most of them it’s not dependent on smoke and mirrors to keep you invested.
Elizabeth Gilbert
RaveThe GuardianThis is a work of historical fiction, and Gilbert’s prose, while not immaculate, zings with the mood of the era. In fact, like Gilbert’s previous novel...it’s so true to life in places – including real historical figures in the story – that it occasionally feels like pastiche. But Gilbert is nothing if not emotionally intuitive, and while City of Girls is unquestionably a sexy, glamorous romp, its similarities with vaudeville end there. The plot bristles with moral intent ... Gilbert has long since severed her bond with shame – and thank goodness. In other hands, this novel could have had all the adventure and enjoyment, but none of the depth; instead she makes it into a glorious, multilayered, emotionally astute celebration of womanhood. It would be easy to dismiss City of Girls as joyous escapism, and God knows there’s little enough of that around right now. But look more closely and what you’ll see is an eloquently persuasive treatise on the judgment and punishment of women, and a heartfelt call to reclaim female sexual agency.
