I asked around for a read that was entertaining and not at all intellectually challenging and Pineapple Street delivered, certainly on the second point. I’m not convinced that it is “wryly funny” or “acutely observed” as billed, or why it is recommended by the New York Times, except for the fact that it is very New York, but there are plenty of those books about. Some women in a super rich family have angst, worry about money and class and are fearful of the domineering matriarch.
But if you need escapism (and are not already a beautiful trust-fund child with first-world issues) this book will keep you entertained for a bit. Lots of drinkies, ridiculous themed parties and table arrangements and then a couple of the rich kids decide to give their money away to good causes. Nothing that they’d miss, just a few million here and there.
That’s all. There’s no social message, except that rich New York social life is pretty weird. Not a book to bring out at book club because there’s nothing really to discuss – not sure why I’m even reviewing it except I did ask for advice for some non-taxing reads for a holiday and this is the first. And I kind of enjoyed it.
Cristina Sanders' blog 