It's time again for the official Paperback Book Club selection, this time I've chosen a pulpy little cult classic. Valley of the Dolls by Jacqueline Susann is still somewhat of a powerhouse publishing enigma. Susann's novel, by popular critique, is considered a "shlock" novel, a book intended only to scandalize its readers. Looking at Valley of the Dolls in this century, it's easy to see why this book was such a hot seller, but in it also is Susann's surprisingly modern storytelling ability. Valley of the Dolls captures something timeless about the desire to be famous and the downfalls of glamour, it remains fascinating in Susann's well developed female leads. Susann's personal story relating to the international success of this novel is enough to seduce even the most artistic writer into prostitution.
We sat down with Cat Degan, Chicago feminist and baby store manager to talk V o' the Ds. Cat read this novel in middle school and re-read for Paperback Book Club. Ms Degen holds a degree in Women's Studies from St. Edward's University and is currently managing a children's boutique in Wicker Park. She is also a freelance fancy cheese expert. The following photo was inspired by Gloria Steinem, who would probably be horrified to see her named used alongside of Jacqueline Susann's.
Paperback Book Club: As a feminist, do you think Susann was a pioneer, or is her novel a set-back for the women's movement of the 1960s?
Cat Degen: I'm not sure that I would call Susann a "feminist pioneer," but any woman writer of that time who achieved the success that she did deserves to be noted, as it was a man's world back then in many ways. Her book is not about women who claim the feminist title, or are interested in women's rights in general. Susann herself was an interesting person, challenging the prescribed roles of women in show business and becoming a bestselling author, despite harsh critiques from male peers.
I think, that despite the atrocious messages in Valley of the Dolls regarding the roles of women and the way society perceives mental illness, this is an important book. It was read by millions, and revealed a way of life that was not often acknowledged for women. Women suffered a great deal from the pressure to succeed, and often battled addiction and depression while maintaining a career and family. Obviously, the majority of people battling these things are not famous actresses or models, like the characters in the book, but this book talked about such issues openly, which was ground-breaking for the time.
I find it to be similar to Fifty Shades of Grey, not a literary feat by any means, but an important book for the women's movement because it brings up a topic of discussion that was unmentionable before. I am not in any way calling Fifty Shades feminist, but that series has reached women who would never discuss, let alone practice, BDSM. It may be horrific writing, and carry all sorts of horrible messages, but it has women talking about their sexual fantasies and perhaps in some cases exploring a arena that they were afraid to before. I wasn't alive when Valley of the Dolls came out, but I imagine that women reading it on the bus put it inside another book, just as I see women doing with Fifty Shades. I love a book that causes a stir.
PBBC: Who was your favorite doll? Why?
CD: Oh boy, well, in the end I guess maybe Jennifer because I found her story of living two different lives very intriguing. And she puts us, as well as herself, out of misery with her suicide. But, I really did not like any of the women in this book. They were completely obsessed with pleasing men and being skinny, which is just annoying. Also, they don't seem to have any sort of sisterhood, they flit in and out of each other's lives when it is convenient. The only one who is genuine is Anne, who is just such a goody-two-shoes she makes you want to barf. In the end, I can certainly say that I would never want to be friends with any of them, but I would probably watch a movie about their lives. It's like a train wreck, you can't help but watch and be entertained.
PBBC: What did you notice about the actual writing? Does it hold up?
CD: She will not be winning any prizes for her literary feats. I was entertained and never had to look up any words on my phone.
PBBC: Susann uses "fag" a lot in the book. What do you suppose her feelings were of homosexuality?
CD: From what little I know about Susann, it sounds as if she was a bit conflicted when it came to sexuality. There are many rumors of her having had sexual relationships with women, but who knows how much truth there is to those. I tried to read her homophobic language as more of a sign of the times and what was being said in show business at the time, instead of her personal feelings about homosexuality. That being said, I don't like the F-word, it makes me uncomfortable just like the N-word.
PBBC: Has the drug-infiltrated industry changed since the 60's, or has it just become more normal?
CD: I'm not really sure I know enough about the industry or the drug use that goes on, although I can certainly imagine, to comment on this in a tangible way. However, the thing I was most struck by when reading this for the second time was the self-medication happening with prescription drugs and alcohol, yeesh did those ladies drink! I found myself frequently thinking that if they had been alive in current times they hopefully could have connected with a good therapist and gotten help instead of drinking and drugging up all the dang time. Although, there are many people today who self-medicate in the same way, which is why we need universal health care! Sorry, I always find a way to inject my political feelings into the conversation.
Ever read Valley of the Dolls? What do you think?
