The Harvey Girls by Juliette Fay Review
(5)⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Desperate, both women join the ranks of the Harvey Girls, waitresses who serve in America’s first hospitality chain on the Santa Fe railroad. Hired on the same day, they share three things: a room, a heartfelt dislike of each other…and each has a secret that will certainly get them fired.
Through twelve-hour days of training in Topeka, Kansas, they learn the fine art of service, perfecting their skills despite bouts of homesickness, fear of being discovered, and a run-in with the KKK. When they’re sent to work at the luxurious El Tovar hotel at the Grand Canyon, the challenges only grow, as Billie struggles to hide her young age from would-be suitors, and Charlotte discovers the little-known dark side of the national park’s history.
My Take
The Harvey Girls by Juliette Fay is a captivating novel that transports readers to the early 20th century, exploring the lives of a group of women who worked as waitresses at the Harvey Houses along the Santa Fe Railway. These women, known as the "Harvey Girls," were part of an innovative program that offered work and independence to women in a time when such opportunities were scarce. Fay’s novel highlights their bravery, resilience, and the impact they had on shaping the American West.
The story centers around the character of Charlotte, a young woman who heads out to New Mexico to take a position at the Harvey House. As she adapts to her new life, she is forced to confront her past while finding a sense of belonging in a community of other Harvey Girls, especially Billie, Charlotte's best friend. Fay’s writing is rich and evocative, capturing the beauty and harshness of the desert landscape while delving deep into the emotional lives of the characters.
One of the novel's strongest aspects is its portrayal of the camaraderie among the Harvey Girls. These women form lasting bonds and friendships as they navigate the challenges of their work and personal lives. The historical context is seamlessly woven into the narrative, making it not only a story of personal growth and connection but also a look at the larger cultural shifts of the era.
I’d wholeheartedly recommend this novel to fans of historical fiction, especially those interested in strong female characters and the American West. It’s a wonderful mix of history, romance, and character-driven storytelling. Definitely a five-star read!
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