The Dollhouse

A Novel

By: Fiona Davis

Narrated by: Tavia Gilbert

Enter the lush world of 1950s New York City, where a generation of aspiring models, secretaries, and editors live side by side in the glamorous Barbizon Hotel for Women while attempting to claw their way to fairy-tale success in this debut novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Lions of Fifth Avenue.

“Rich both in twists and period detail, this tale of big-city ambition is impossible to put down.”—People

When she arrives at the famed Barbizon Hotel in 1952, secretarial school enrollment in hand, Darby McLaughlin is everything her modeling agency hall mates aren't: plain, self-conscious, homesick, and utterly convinced she doesn't belong—a notion the models do nothing to disabuse. Yet when Darby befriends Esme, a Barbizon maid, she's introduced to an entirely new side of New York City: seedy downtown jazz clubs where the music is as addictive as the heroin that's used there, the startling sounds of bebop, and even the possibility of romance.

Over half a century later, the Barbizon's gone condo and most of its long-ago guests are forgotten. But rumors of Darby's involvement in a deadly skirmish with a hotel maid back in 1952 haunt the halls of the building as surely as the melancholy music that floats from the elderly woman's rent-controlled apartment. It's a combination too intoxicating for journalist Rose Lewin, Darby's upstairs neighbor, to resist—not to mention the perfect distraction from her own imploding personal life. Yet as Rose's obsession deepens, the ethics of her investigation become increasingly murky, and neither woman will remain unchanged when the shocking truth is finally revealed.

Stories from the Past Come Back to Haunt

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, I would and I have. I love the stories from the past and the lives of older people. The things they have seen and done. This is a very dramatic story from the 50s that was discovered by a young lady from 2016 living her own drama. Switching from 1950s to 2016 from Darby's life to Rose's life just added to the book.

What other book might you compare The Dollhouse to and why?

Cannot think of a book similar to this one.

What does Tavia Gilbert bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Really great accents.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes. But at the same time I wanted to linger and draw this out. Read and then think about it.

interesting story and great telling!

very interesting story and great storytelling. I love the two timelines, keeps things interesting and moving at a good pace. this is the second book that I have read by Fiona Davis and I have enjoyed both of them. highly recommend.

The twist.

Excellent narrator. Good story. End happened too quickly for the story length. Overall worth it and well enjoyed.

1950’s NYC lifestyle, scandal, jazz clubs, love.....

I love how this book looks at life in 1950’s New York City at the Barbizon Hotel for Women and the Gibbs Secretarial School as week as 2016 NYC where the hotel has been renovated and women are much more accepted and diversified in their careers. As we all know, it has been a major change! I enjoyed the author’s writing and vivid descriptions. She (and the narrator) made 1950’s NYC and the characters come alive in my mind! I’ll be checking out Fiona Davis’ other book.

A must read or listen to!

Once again Fiona Davis comes through with an amazing story. I love the story as much as I’ve loved all of her other books. The way she weaves recent history into her stories is amazing. You won’t be disappointed.