Fallen Beauty focuses on the relationship between the scandalous poet Edna St. Vincent Millay and a young seamstress whose reputation was ruined by a tryst that led to being an unwed mother.
The novel begins with Laura Kelley, a pretty, 18-year-old seamstress out for a (secret) night in the
1920s with a mysterious man simply called "My Lover." Within just a couple of weeks, her entire world is turned upside down as her sister gets engaged, her father passes away, and she discovers that her first and only sexual experience led to a pregnancy.
As her life unravels, the famous bohemian poet, Vinny, to her friends, lives in a large and secluded home just past the small town Laura inhabits. All townspeople are aware of her presence, as she and her husband are wealthy, throw extravagant parties, and of course do not fit into the structured lifestyles of the small-town people.
When the two outcasts meet, they build a roller coaster of a friendship that affects both of them.
Review
I bought this book at a garage sale, simply because I liked the cover. At just a few hundred pages, it's a very quick read and doesn't require much brain power.
All in all, Fallen Beauty is neither literary genius nor a huge bust. I read the book fairly quickly, as it was perfect for taking to the pool or lounging underneath a tree with. Quite befitting of the main character's poetry profession, the novel was written quite beautifully, with very engaging descriptions of costumes, people, houses, and parties.
One thing I was not a fan of was the secrecy of Laura's lover's identity. At one point, about 30 pages in, I thought the author had revealed that the father of her daughter was the local priest (which would have explained why Laura refused to reveal his identity to anyone.) Once the lover was revealed, it was quite underwhelming. Although I was grateful she stopped using the term "lover," because that word just makes me thing of this.
If you're looking for something to take on vacation with you to the beach, this is a good choice.
I'll rate it at 2.5 stars.
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