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Book Reviews of Slaves of New York

Slaves of New York
Slaves of New York
Author: Tama Janowitz
ISBN-13: 9780671745240
ISBN-10: 0671745247
Publication Date: 5/31/1991
Pages: 288
Rating:
  • Currently 3.3/5 Stars.
 3

3.3 stars, based on 3 ratings
Publisher: Washington Square Press
Book Type: Paperback
Reviews: Amazon | Write a Review

2 Book Reviews submitted by our Members...sorted by voted most helpful

reviewed Slaves of New York on + 17 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Amazon.com
In Tama Janowitz's story collection of mid-1980s manners, it's all about real estate. Her coterie of New York artists and grad students, junkies and collectors dwells in walk-ups and covets lofts. The occasional socialite wafts through, characterized tersely by statements of fact; for example, "Millie owned her own co-op." But, for the most part, these are the also-rans of Manhattan life, literally looking for a toehold in the city. The main character who emerges is shabby Eleanor, an appealing heroine who appears in several linked stories. A jewelry maker, she lives with an artist named Stash and a treasure-trove of insecurities. Much is made of the squalor of their apartment. In Eleanor, Janowitz finds a channel for her vulnerability--a nice counterpoint to her affectless prose, which attempts and occasionally achieves a deadpan humor.
reviewed Slaves of New York on + 255 more book reviews
Hardcover missing its dustjacket. \'80s precursor of Candace Bushnell\'s Sex and the City. Life in New York hinges on becoming successful enough to have a nice apartment, and if you don\'t have one, you move in with someone who does and become that person\'s slave--kind of like Janey in Bushnell\'s 4 Blondes.

In Tama Janowitz\'s story collection of mid-1980s manners, it\'s all about real estate. Her coterie of New York artists and grad students, junkies and collectors dwells in walk-ups and covets lofts. The occasional socialite wafts through, characterized tersely by statements of fact; for example, \"Millie owned her own co-op.\" But, for the most part, these are the also-rans of Manhattan life, literally looking for a toehold in the city. The main character who emerges is shabby Eleanor, an appealing heroine who appears in several linked stories. A jewelry maker, she lives with an artist named Stash and a treasure-trove of insecurities. Much is made of the squalor of their apartment. In Eleanor, Janowitz finds a channel for her vulnerability--a nice counterpoint to her affectless prose, which attempts and occasionally achieves a deadpan humor. At its best, Slaves effervesces a bittersweet nostalgia for a time when artists could still afford to live in Manhattan.