Farewell, Dorothy Parker
What if inspiration came to visit ... and wouldn't leave?
When it comes to movie reviews, critic Violet Epps is a powerhouse voice. But that’s only because she’s learned to channel her literary hero, Dorothy Parker, the most celebrated and scathing wit of the 20th century.
If only Violet could summon that kind of courage in her personal life.
Determined to defeat her social anxiety, Violet visits the Algonquin Hotel to pull strength from the hallowed dining room, where Dorothy Parker and so many other famous writers of the 1920s traded barbs. But she gets more than she bargained for when Dorothy Parker’s feisty spirit rematerializes from an ancient guestbook and hitches a ride onto her life.
Violet is shocked and thrilled to be face-to-face with her idol. But when the gin-swilling writer takes up residence in her home and grows pricklier and more outspoken by the day, the timid movie critic is pushed to her limit. With her job threatened, her new relationship in tatters, and the custody fight for her orphaned niece in jeopardy, Violet is forced to face her fears … and she makes sure Mrs. Parker does the same.
Wickedly funny and surprisingly poignant, Farewell, Dorothy Parker perfectly re-imagines one of America’s most iconic voices in a captivating and unforgettable tale.
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Reviews
"Meister skillfully translates the rapier-like wit of the Algonquin Round Table to modern-day New York ... [with] pathos, nuanced characters, plenty of rapid-fire one-liners, and a heart-rending denouement."
—Publishers Weekly
"Magical fun."
—Booklist
"Meister honors Dorothy Parker, her still-fresh political convictions, and her body of witty, insightful work in this very nice literary romp ... I loved it ... Meister has caught the nuance and language of what I imagine to be the consummate Dorothy Parker."
—BookReporter.com
“[Meister] reveals the pathos behind the pith, and she instructs readers about the enduring legacy of a writer who produced not just ‘scathing reviews, clever jokes, quotable poetry, and insightful short stories’ but also championed social causes. Classic Parker zingers sprinkled throughout the novel add sparkle.”
—Washington Post
"In this funny yet tender homage to Dorothy Parker, [Meister] resurrects the iconic wit of the literary legend."
—Library Journal
"Hooray for Ellen Meister! In a miracle of fine writing with Farewell, Dorothy Parker, a novel of infinite charm, she has brought the inimitable, witty and acerbic Dorothy Parker back to gin swilling life."
—BookTrib
"Delicious entertainment."
—Cleveland Plain Dealer
“Farewell, Dorothy Parker is not only delightful and fun, it also captures the heart and soul of one of America’s most beloved writers … Ellen Meister has precisely recreated Parker’s sharp tongue and witty observations … this is a book not to be missed!”
—Long Island Woman Magazine
"A fun, spunky, tension-ridden but endearing tale ... absolutely delightful!"
—The Best Reviews
"Meister weaves an amusing story of pathos and growth as Violet develops self-esteem and tries to make a better life for herself and her niece. And with lines such as 'The space between romance and pragmatism is exactly where a girl can get herself in trouble,' Meister makes Mrs. Parker as sharp-tongued in the afterlife as she was in her 1920s heyday."
—Minneapolis Star Tribune
"Funny, tender and nicely-paced."
—Sun News
"The plot was so swift and the prose so clean and clear, I had the book done in the space of an afternoon. I'd highly recommend this novel to those who enjoy stories of the Algonquin Round Table and Dorothy Parker's legendary wit ... Solid A."
—Butterfly Books
"The writer's famous wit is on full display."
—Miami Herald
"The plot is tightly constructed and just when we are settling in for a predictable turn, it weaves left or right, giving the story yet one more twist .... The result is a charming book, especially for lovers of Ms. Parker, who get to spend some quality time with her."
—Neworld Review
"Meister captured Parker’s sarcasm, wit, and self deprecating voice extremely well. The book is well-written ... a fast-moving story."
—Westchester Guardian
"You don't have to know who Dorothy Parker was to truly appreciate this wonderful novel ... an enjoyable fun read with depth to the characters and a lovely portrayal of the wit of Dorothy Parker herself."
—Luxury Reading
"Meister does such a good job staying true to who Parker really was. Parker’s fans will enjoy hearing her speak, and those who don’t know who she was will have the great opportunity of finding out!"
—Sound Commentary
"Farewell, Dorothy Parker is a delightful haunting. How wonderful to have the renowned wit—America's wisegirl—as resident ghost and adviser.... Ellen Meister's new novel is smart and fun."
—Susan Isaacs, New York Times bestselling author of As Husbands Go
"Gone four decades and still missed, Dorothy Parker now has a starring role in Ellen Meister’s delicious new novel. No doubt Mrs. Parker, wherever she is, must be smiling."
—Marion Meade, author of Dorothy Parker: What Fresh Hell Is This?
"In Farewell, Dorothy Parker, Ellen Meister provides refreshing insight into Mrs. Parker as a wit, civil rights advocate, and writer. Both of this bitchin' novel's main characters—Violet and Dorothy—can visit me any time."
—Mark Ebner, New York Times bestselling author of Hollywood, Interrupted
"What bliss to be in the company of a reimagined Dorothy Parker! Ellen Meister's wonderful novel delivers the wit, ingenuity and elegiac sass worthy of the Algonquin Round Table's most quoted member. Long live Dorothy Parker and her zingers, resurrected so winningly in these pages."
—Elinor Lipman author of The Family Man