Just Jennifer

Farewell, Dorothy Parker by Ellen Meister (Putnam, February 2013)

Violet Epps holds nothing back when it comes to her movie reviews, but in her personal life she tends to be a, well, shrinking Violet.  Violet, after a traumatic incident as a child with her now deceased older sister Ivy has a had a social anxiety and is afraid to speak up in her personal and professional life.  Writing allows Violet to channel her hero, early twentieth century wit, Dorothy Parker, but she is unable to capture the woman’s sharp tongue without pen and paper (or computer monitor and keyboard) in hand.  Needing a little extra courage when it comes time to dump her clingy boyfriend Carl, Violet plans to do it in the dining room of Parker’s hallowed Algonquin Hotel.  Something strange happens in the dining room and violet is certain Mrs. Parker’s spirit has appeared to give her an added push, but when the cantankerous, no-nonsense spirit follows Violet home and pushes Violet to face her fears and foes, Violet finds her life turned upside down, but ultimately finds a way to let her inner voice shine and thinks that Mrs. Parker’s spirit may just need Violet as much as Violet needs her.

Ellen Meister has captured both Dorothy’s Parker spirit and voice, brining the legend to life, in a manner of speaking, and has reimagined her wonderfully, acerbic, charming and oddly human all at once.  It is a treat to witness Violet’s metamorphosis, cheering her on when she makes progress and being frustrated, angry and sad for her when she holds back, possibly missing the chance at something wonderful.  Though parts of the plot are predictable, this book is full of warmth and wit.  Dorothy Parker’s resurrection is done with authenticity and feeling making this book hard to put down.