The Beautiful People

I enjoyed this one because I was very interested in the subject matter (Slim Aarons + Lilly Pulitzer in sixties Palm Beach!) but if I hadn’t been so interested in the historical elements, I think the writing would have dragged. Gogo Hightower is a failed debutante. Her fiance has just broken up with her, her family is embroiled in scandal, she is broke without anywhere to live. When her friend Dolly sets her up with (famous photographer) Slim Aarons, her whole world opens up. Aarons is the go-to photographer to the jet set: high society, royalty, Hollywood stars… even the president. Margo finds herself thrown headfirst into a world of glamour, glitz, and travel. Beautiful people, beautiful places. What could be better? But as Margo becomes more wrapped up in this world, the lines between work and play blur. Her friendship with Lilly Pulitzer seems like a promising one — until something tests her loyalty and threatens to unravel everything. This is juicy and fun, a perfect beach read. I definitely enjoyed it but felt like the writing was a little bit underwhelming. Maybe the third person perspective? I’m not sure. It’s still a fun read especially if you loved Palm Royale or are a big Slim Aarons fan (I fall into both categories!).