Gina Rae Mitchell

Society Girl by Robert Gomez |  Book Review | Society Girl by Robert Gomez is a historical fiction novel pulled straight from the Chicago headlines of yesteryear. It may be a fictional account but the core of the story is factual.

Society Girl by Robert Gomez
Published by Independent on November 13, 2019
Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction
Format: eBook, Paperback
Pages: 445

Inspired by the "Alphabet Soup" divorce trial that competed with World War II for Chicago newspaper headlines in the Fall of 1941, Society Girl is a melancholic tale of power, loyalty, and survival.

Follow Eric as he guides us through what should have been his love story-maybe it still can be-and explore how gender and social class shape our response to desperation. Eric Mihlfried knows he owes everything to family friend Philo Olin for keeping him off the streets during the Great Depression. When he was unemployed and alone, the elderly millionaire put a roof over Eric's head and granted him access to the Havens, the most exclusive gentlemen's club in Chicago. That's why Eric goes to great lengths to cover up Philo's near-affair with the charming, though troubled sales girl named Annabelle. Although Eric willingly pretends to be Annabelle's lover to protect the Olins' 35-year marriage, he is silently frustrated by Philo's insistence that their relationship never becomes a reality.

A blindsiding betrayal nearly pushes him over the edge until an unlikely ally reveals a scandalous truth about Eric's past that has him questioning everyone. Mysterious letters, secret codes, and the male libido drive Eric to choose between love, sanity, and revenge-but is it his to make?

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Source: Kindle Unlimited

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Society GirlShop on Amazon eBook    Society GirlShop on Amazon Paperback

This book is also available at  The Book Depository

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My thoughts on Society Girl by Robert Gomez :

Society Girl by Robert Gomez is a historical fiction novel pulled straight from the Chicago headlines of yesteryear. We start in the Great Depression with our young hero nearly destitute. After being “rescued” by a friend of his late father, Eric ascends into a world of money, intrigue, adultery, and more.

We follow the trials and tribulations of a man with a conscience in a time of wide-open hedonistic lifestyles. Will his experiences ruin him, or can he build a life suited to his personality. A large amount of time is covered from start to finish in the book. It includes events of the time, such as the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair and WW2.

The story touches on early suffragette themes such as equality in relationships and the workplace. The inequalities are glaring after the war years when men return to the workforce, and women once again are expected to take on second class citizenship.

Society Girl ultimately revolves around divorce and its effects on society. I found the theme enlightening. Annabelle is a strong character that dominates much of the story. Is she taken advantage of or using the opportunities presented to protect herself and her future?

The pacing was excellent throughout the book, and it did hold my attention. Occasionally, I was irritated by the pompous behavior of several male characters. I had to remind myself that the story takes place in a bygone era. At least, I hope we have moved past that attitude.

As the book began to wind down, I was feeling a bit let-down at what I thought was setting up for a sad ending for an older Eric. He seemed destined to be a man out of place. But then, the author dropped a bomb that pulled me back into speculating about Eric’s chances at happiness.

I certainly recommend this story to fans of historical fiction with deeper underlying themes. Society Girl is not a fluff story. There is plenty to ruminate on after you finish the book. It would make a great book club selection as readers discuss the mores of the time and the choices made by the characters.

The author reached out to request an honest review. I obtained the book through Kindle Unlimited, and this is my unbiased opinion.

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Society Girl by Robert Gomez

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Society Girl by Robert Gomez

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Society GirlShop on Amazon eBook    Society GirlShop on Amazon Paperback

This book is also available at  The Book Depository

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More historical fiction reviews:

A Sparrow Alone by Mim Eichmann

The Pearl of York: Treason and Plot by Tony Morgan

 

I also share many of my reviews on the following websites:

Lovely Audiobook’s Monthly Link-up (Not limited to audiobooks)

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Inspire Me Monday with Anita Ojeda

Grammy’s Grid Unlimited Monthly Link Party