Elizabeth Gilbert's City of Girls captivates with its vibrant 1940s New York setting and colorful characters, wrapping readers in an engaging tale of love and self-discovery. Though some critics argue the novel's pace can be uneven, most agree it’s a well-crafted, immersive read. The protagonist's dynamic arc is especially praised, adding depth to Gilbert’s signature storytelling.

Readers who would enjoy Elizabeth Gilbert's City of Girls are likely fans of rich historical fiction and coming-of-age tales. If you appreciated The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald for its Jazz Age exuberance or The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern for its vibrant, character-driven storytelling, this book is a perfect fit.

City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert follows the life of Vivian Morris, who, after being expelled from Vassar College in 1940, moves to New York City to live with her aunt and work in her theater. The story, recounted by Vivian in 2010, traces her adventures in costume design, her complex relationships, and her deep, platonic friendship with war veteran Frank Grecco, exploring themes of love, redemption, and societal norms. The book includes themes related to war trauma.

Nostalgic / Romantic / Bittersweet / Humorous / Emotional

- City of Girls is set in the vibrant, historic theater scene of 1940s New York City, capturing the flamboyant performance world with rich detail and authenticity.
- Elizabeth Gilbert, the author, is also known for her best-selling memoir Eat, Pray, Love, which was adapted into a successful film starring Julia Roberts.
- The novel explores themes of female empowerment and societal norms, echoing Gilbert's ongoing interest in strong, independent women throughout her works.

**Vivian Morris**  
A nineteen-year-old college dropout from a wealthy family who finds her passion in costume design while living with her Aunt Peg in New York City.

**Angela Grecco**  
An independent woman with a doctorate in psychology who seeks to understand Vivian's connection to her late father.

**Frank Grecco**  
A high-strung war veteran with PTSD who develops a meaningful friendship with Vivian in New York.

**Grandmother Morris**  
Vivian’s eccentric grandmother who nurtures her interest in sewing and drama.

**Mr. Morris**  
Vivian's father, an industrialist with a mining operation, who struggles to understand his daughter.

**Mrs. Morris**  
Vivian's mother, a horsewoman who favors her son and has little interest in Vivian.

**Walter Morris**  
Vivian's competent and authoritarian older brother serving in World War II.

**Jim Larsen**  
Vivian's former fiancé, who uses his military enlistment to escape their engagement.

**Peg Buell**  
Vivian’s free-spirited aunt who owns the Lily Theater and produces plays for the immigrant community.

**Billy Buell**  
Peg's charming yet unreliable husband, a brilliant writer who pens the hit play City of Girls.

**Olive Thompson**  
Peg’s pragmatic British office manager, devoted to Peg and protective of Vivian.

**Celia Ray**  
A glamorous showgirl who befriends Vivian and embarks on nightly adventures in New York.

**Mr. Herbert**  
The uninspired playwright who finds relief in relinquishing his duties for City of Girls to Billy.

**Benjamin Wilson**  
The theater’s black composer from a prominent Harlem family who relocates to France after the war.

**Anthony Roccella**  
A young actor and Vivian’s first significant love interest who plays a lead role in City of Girls.

**Edna Parker Watson**  
A celebrated British actress who finds success in New York and becomes the star of City of Girls.

**Arthur Watson**  
Edna's husband and an inept actor whose actions lead to a scandal involving Vivian.

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