Continuing through my summer reading list, I truly enjoyed The Subway Girls: A Novel
This charming book is partly historical fiction about two ambitious women in New York City. It is a perfect summer (or anytime) read.
The 1949 character is Charlotte who longs to work in advertising but is constrained by society’s and her family’s expectations for a women’s place in society. When the glamourous opportunity of the Miss Subways beauty contest (a real historical advertising campaign) presents itself, she has tough decisions to make.
The present day character is Olivia who has achieved success in advertising but still faces some misogyny and discrimination in the workforce. While pitching a new strategy to the NYC subway account, she uncovers the Miss Subways campaign and finds that she has a personal connection to a former Miss Subways.
From the author of The Balance Project comes a dual-timeline narrative featuring a 1949 Miss Subways contestant and a modern-day advertising executive whose careers and lives intersect.
While ultimately a light-hearted read (though some tough decisions are addressed), this book effectively addresses the eternal struggles of women as they balance personal lives, careers, and the expectations of others.
I did not want to put this book down and looked forward to it every evening, which is always a standard I want to meet for the books I recommend.
Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to download a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.