Everything is being flooded with this “old money aesthetic”, and I want to read books about young women who come from a poor background who find ways of climbing the ranks to an upper class lifestyle – as in, she was an au paire for a rich family and then met a rich man who fell in love with her, or she got into college and fell in with the right crowd, or she got an internship as a secretary for some wealthy old rando and made friends with people who came into the office.
A story about a clever young woman who somehow broke into quiet luxury, be it accident, fortune, or plotting.
I would also prefer it to be set in more modern times – like, 1950’s to now. And no royalty, please. 🙂 And no, “oops, I found out I’m related to this person and it changed my life!” stories.
Suggest me a book, please!
by 1701-DoNE
4 Comments
Richard Condon’s _Whisper of the Axe_. This is a zany, whirlwind political thriller from the 70s that involves your scenario at its core.
Condon is famous for _The Manchurian Candidate_ but the above is perhaps my very favorite book by him. I squeaked at the ending, and maybe jumped a little. Will never forget it.
Stone Cold Fox is kind of like this and a fun read
Lots of Louise Bagshawe’s have a character like this. Venus Envy, The Devil You Know, When She Was Bad, Destiny
Vanity Fair? Protagonist may be a bit more shady than you’d like.
Also, Washington Square features a resourceful woman, though not a cute city-girl type.