It Girl, Allison Pataki
It Girl, Allison Pataki
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It Girl

Author: Allison Pataki

Narrator: Barrie Kreinik

Unabridged: 13 hr 53 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 03/10/2026


Synopsis

NATIONAL BESTSELLER • A sweeping, sensational novel of America’s first “It Girl,” whose dramatic journey to center stage echoes through the decades—from the New York Times bestselling author of The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post

“As stunning as the incomparable leading lady who inspired it . . . unputdownable, with a twist that will leave you breathless.”—Emily Giffin

At the dawn of the twentieth century, New York’s streets teem with change: electricity, automobiles, the brash young President Teddy Roosevelt—and the It Girls. As artists’ muses and working models, these independent young women soar to stardom not because of their pedigrees or inherited wealth, but because of their talent, charisma, and irresistible beauty. Pop culture is born, and in a world alight with Mr. Edison’s new bulbs, no one shines brighter than America’s sweetheart, Evelyn Talbot.

But the journey to stardom is not simple or straight. While working as a shopgirl, the young Evelyn is recruited as a studio model and soon catches the eye of the preeminent artists of the age. When Broadway comes calling, Evelyn solidifies her status as the first self-made American female celebrity: the iconic Gibson Girl, the most sought-after figure and face of her time. Enter a parade of powerful and power-hungry men, from world-famous architect Stanley Pierce, the visionary behind Manhattan’s mansions and iconic landmarks, to Hal Thorne, the shockingly wealthy railroad heir and premier “playboy” of high society. Each man promises comfort, glamour, security—even love. But fame and fortune are cruel teachers, and Evelyn learns that the only person she can rely on is herself.

When Evelyn finds herself at the center of a murder of passion declared “the Crime of the Century,” she is blamed for the acts of the men in her life. In the media frenzy that spirals around her, Evelyn realizes that to survive, she will have to write her own ending. But can this artists’ muse turned showgirl pull off the greatest act of her life?

It Girl is a breathtaking ride inspired by a singular artist and icon who captured the collective imagination of American society. Allison Pataki has crafted yet another unforgettable leading lady, a heroine who must find the power to change not only the world around her but her own destiny.

About Allison Pataki

Allison Pataki is the New York Times bestselling author of five adult fiction novels, one nonfiction memoir, and two children’s books, Nelly Takes New York and Poppy Takes Paris. Allison’s books have been translated into more than twenty languages. A former news writer and producer, Allison graduated cum laude from Yale University with a major in English. An avid traveler and reader, Allison lives in New York with her husband, children, and rescue pup. To learn more and connect with Allison, please visit AllisonPataki.com.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Annette on November 04, 2025

It Girl brings to light the story based on real-life of Evelyn Nesbit - model, actress, and one of those first girls for whom beauty and talent allowed to become independent. They were one of those giving birth to the pop-culture. Evelyn’s story begins in 1897 Pittsburgh when she is an apple in her f......more

Goodreads review by Dustin on February 08, 2026

I really really really enjoyed this book, I've never read any of this authors work, but I feel I must find more from her. This was such an amazing story, at times tragic and sad, and other joyful and happy! When this book comes out, it is a must read!......more

Goodreads review by Stephanie on September 23, 2025

It Girl tells the story of Evelyn Talbot, a Gilded Age “It Girl” who rose from rags to riches as a model, actress, and star. Loosely based on Evelyn Nesbit, whose own life was full of scandal, the novel blends history and fiction in a way that immediately drew me in since I love reading about this e......more

Goodreads review by Monica on November 05, 2025

This was a fascinating look at the life of Evelyn Talbot, a girl who was raised in poverty to become a Broadway sen sensation in the early 1900s. Based on a real person, Evelyn has the look that draws everyone in. As a young girl, Evelyn is spotted and becomes an artist's muse. She works her way up......more

Goodreads review by Shantha (ShanthasBookEra) on March 06, 2026

A sweeping tale of America's first "It Girl", Evelyn Talbot, based on the true story of Evelyn Nesbit. Evelyn's journey begins in poverty following the death of her father, with her mother struggling to make ends meet. Evelyn sits for an artist in her hometown and quickly the family moves to New Yor......more


Quotes

“As stunning as the incomparable leading lady who inspired it, It Girl is a captivating story of resilience, splendor, and strength, at times dark, at times deliciously dishy. Allison Pataki pulls back the curtain on a real-life Cinderella story, bringing Evelyn’s glamour and grit vividly to life. It’s unputdownable, with a twist that will leave you breathless.”—Emily Giffin, New York Times bestselling author of The Summer Pact

“Captivating . . . Pataki expertly captures turn-of-the-twentieth-century New York City, where anything is possible, especially for the newly minted Gibson girl. Pataki has fashioned a soaring new tale—I adored it.”—Marie Benedict, New York Times bestselling author of The Personal Librarian

“A scintillating, fictionalized tale of one of America’s first models and superstars. Readers will cheer for Evelyn as she navigates the path from childhood hardship through rising stardom and the sexism and misogyny of the entertainment industry to standing on her own two feet. Inspired by true stories, It Girl is a powerful tale of female empowerment and friendship, immaculately researched and beautifully told. In crafting it, Pataki shines brighter than ever!”—Pam Jenoff, New York Times bestselling author of Last Twilight in Paris

It Girl is a rapid-fire and deliciously innovative period piece that shatters the mold and grabs our attention as we sit up and cheer for its indomitable heroine. I loved it!”—Deborah Goodrich Royce, nationally bestselling author of Reef Road

“Pataki [keeps] the reader intrigued by Evelyn’s slow awakening to reality and the enduring value of female friendship in a male-dominated world. Fans of Downton Abbey and The Gilded Age will enjoy another dip into that world of moneyed elegance.”Historical Novel Society

“Unforgettable characters and a page-turning story come to life in Allison Pataki’s latest historical fiction novel.”—Woman’s World

“[An] irresistible rags-to-riches-to-trauma tale . . . Pataki’s eventful, suspenseful, turn-of-the-twentieth-century novel is an entrancing progression of shocks and adaptations, suffering and liberation.”Booklist, starred review

“A somewhat fictionalized account of ‘Gibson Girl’ Evelyn Nesbit’s tumultuous fortunes, with a wholly invented ending worthy of the protagonist’s talents . . . Evelyn’s alternate fate might be a feminist sleight of hand, yet as an author’s note explains, ‘What if I give Evelyn the opportunity to reclaim her own agency, even to rewrite her own ending?’ It’s a worthy goal for a novel, and ultimately a very satisfying one. . . . Each character comes alive in this rich, dynamic novel.”—Kirkus Reviews

“A compelling fictionalized story based on the life of Gibson girl and Gilded Age ‘It Girl’ Evelyn Nesbit. The author writes masterful historical fiction that illuminates exceptional women: their lives, their hopes, their triumphs and downfalls. Highly recommended!”—Library Reads

“Pataki . . . reimagines the life of famed Gibson Girl Evelyn Nesbit . . . in this winning tale of how a woman’s beauty transforms her life. Pataki expertly highlights how Evelyn’s naivete is shattered, leading her to rely only on herself. . . . Historical fiction fans will be riveted.”—Publishers Weekly