Caroline Palmer's novel "Workhorse" is a scathing, Devil Wears Prada-esque tale of ambition and the cutthroat world of magazine publishing in the dying days of the golden age of women's glossies. The story follows Clodagh, or Clo, a suburban twentysomething who will stop at nothing to make it big in the fashion industry.
Palmer's writing is razor-sharp, with a wit that cuts deep into the foibles of the fashion world. Her protagonist, Clo, is a complex and often unlikeable character, prone to class envy and internalised misogyny. Despite her unpleasantness, however, you can't help but root for her as she navigates the treacherous waters of her job.
At its heart, "Workhorse" is a novel about the emotional burden carried by those on the outside looking in. Palmer explores with remarkable insight the weight of ambition and the waste it entails. Her characters are multidimensional and richly drawn, from Clo's charismatic friends Harry and the enigmatic Davis Lawrence to the awful mothers who spawned them.
The problem lies not in Palmer's portrayal of the fashion industry or her well-intentioned but flawed protagonist, but rather in the novel's length. At over 500 pages, "Workhorse" feels overwhelming at times, with too much repetition and not enough editing to trim its bulk. A more judicious approach would have allowed some of Palmer's truly brilliant writing – such as her stunning descriptions of New York's power cuts – to shine through.
Despite this, "Workhorse" is a compelling read that offers a fascinating glimpse into the glamorous world of magazine publishing. It's a post-Wintour era story that asks questions about identity, class, and the emotional toll of ambition. In short, it's a novel that will resonate with anyone who's ever felt like an outsider looking in.
While the novel may not break new ground, it's a masterful tale of excess and desire, told with wit and style by a talented writer who is unafraid to push her protagonist to the limits of human endurance. If you're willing to invest the time, "Workhorse" is a rewarding read that will leave you questioning your own desires and motivations long after you finish reading it.
Rating: 4/5 stars
Recommendation: For fans of "The Devil Wears Prada", "The Girls' Guide to Hunting and Fishing", and "Rules of Civility".
Palmer's writing is razor-sharp, with a wit that cuts deep into the foibles of the fashion world. Her protagonist, Clo, is a complex and often unlikeable character, prone to class envy and internalised misogyny. Despite her unpleasantness, however, you can't help but root for her as she navigates the treacherous waters of her job.
At its heart, "Workhorse" is a novel about the emotional burden carried by those on the outside looking in. Palmer explores with remarkable insight the weight of ambition and the waste it entails. Her characters are multidimensional and richly drawn, from Clo's charismatic friends Harry and the enigmatic Davis Lawrence to the awful mothers who spawned them.
The problem lies not in Palmer's portrayal of the fashion industry or her well-intentioned but flawed protagonist, but rather in the novel's length. At over 500 pages, "Workhorse" feels overwhelming at times, with too much repetition and not enough editing to trim its bulk. A more judicious approach would have allowed some of Palmer's truly brilliant writing – such as her stunning descriptions of New York's power cuts – to shine through.
Despite this, "Workhorse" is a compelling read that offers a fascinating glimpse into the glamorous world of magazine publishing. It's a post-Wintour era story that asks questions about identity, class, and the emotional toll of ambition. In short, it's a novel that will resonate with anyone who's ever felt like an outsider looking in.
While the novel may not break new ground, it's a masterful tale of excess and desire, told with wit and style by a talented writer who is unafraid to push her protagonist to the limits of human endurance. If you're willing to invest the time, "Workhorse" is a rewarding read that will leave you questioning your own desires and motivations long after you finish reading it.
Rating: 4/5 stars
Recommendation: For fans of "The Devil Wears Prada", "The Girls' Guide to Hunting and Fishing", and "Rules of Civility".
, I mean, the author totally nailed the flaws in Palmer's writing style 
. Like, yeah, Clo is super annoying at times, but you can't help but root for her, you know? 
And I'm all about that post-Wintour era vibe too 
, it's like, so relevant to our times.
I feel like the author was saying Palmer could have cut some of that repetition and made the book way more concise 
. Like, I get what she's trying to say about ambition and identity, but sometimes it feels like it's beating you over the head 
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. It's got all that same sass and style, and Palmer's writing is just so sharp 
. So yeah, 4/5 stars from me 
.
. I mean, who hasn't felt like they don't quite fit in or that they're stuck on the outside looking in? And Palmer's writing is just 
. But honestly, I was a bit disappointed with how long the book was... 500 pages is like, a whole lotta read 
. Still, if you're into that sorta thing, it's def worth checking out 
. My only gripe is with the page count - I mean, 500 pages?! That's a commitment 
️. She has this way of capturing the glamour and excess of the fashion world that just feels so... real 
. And I love how she explores themes of identity and desire - it's like she's holding up a mirror to our own insecurities and flaws 
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.
. My only issue with the book was how long it was... 500 pages is a lot to get through 
. If you're into that kinda thing, I'd def give it a shot 
️
. Definitely recommend it to anyone who loves a good behind-the-scenes look at the fashion industry 
pure perfection
. I mean, a 500-page novel? That's just too long for my taste 
.
.
The fashion industry is everything and more, but it's also soooo cutthroat 
. I mean, who hasn't felt like an outsider looking in at some point? 
Palmer's writing is EVERYTHING - razor-sharp wit, complex characters, and stunning descriptions of NYC 
. I mean, I love a good long read as much as the next person, but some parts felt like info dump 
Mind blown! The only thing that kept me from giving it a full 5 stars is that it feels a bit long-winded at times. But honestly, it's still worth the investment - Palmer's writing is just too good. Have you guys read it yet?!