Customer Reviews

The Devil in the Junior League

5 star:		(31)
4 star:		(14)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

The Devil in the Junior League is a wickedly delicious romp in the lives of Texas society women. The Willow Creek Junior League has only the most refined, St. John's knit-wearing members. This is a club full of unspoken rules--diamonds should never be worn before dinner, and a lady should never wear a watch after 6 PM, lest people think she is worried about time.

So, when our narrator, Frede Hildebrand, gets caught up in circumstances which require her to mentor an unlikely white trash Junior League candidate, the unfortunate subject of an overpriced and excessively extravagant diamond watch comes into play. No diamonds before six, and no watches after six? Well, yes. There is no place for diamond encrusted timepieces for the ladies of the Willow Creek Junior League.

Linda Francis Lee's latest novel is an unapologetic romp through obnoxious Southern society life. Don't dismiss this as mere chick lit--we've got a modern gal entrenched in Southern life, not looking for Mr. Right, and with no Boss to report to. Of course, a token gay friend does enter her realm and disrupt life as we know it, but the outcome is fairly unexpected. Lee has crafted a purely escapist novel about society politics, politics, and romance, with a twist of mystery and a sufficient number of double crosses.

Many well-written books these days are such downers, so full of angst and "writer's craft" that they are a chore to get through. "Devil in the Junior League" is a well-written, smart and FUN to read. Tres chic Junior League Texas high-society is not my world, but no matter -- every woman will recognize the ups and downs of female friendship, the phony "friends" who aren't really, the cattiness, insecurities, and one-upsmanship that starts in elementary school and lasts for a lifetime, if you let it. I hope they make a movie out of this!

It was very upsetting to me when Olivia Goldsmith passed away several years ago as I had loved her wry sense of humor so. I do believe Linda Francis Lee must be channeling Olivia Goldsmith in this wonderful book, The Devil in the Junior League. She has the same fast pace and quick wit that were the hallmarks of so many of Goldsmith's bestsellers. I just loved this book from beginning to end and could hardly stand to put it down once I started it. It was just too much fun to see Gordon get what he justly deserved. I hope we see more of Frede Ware (and Sawyer!) in upcoming books by Ms. Lee. I will be chomping at the bit until I can get my hands on another Frede Ware book!

Frede (pronounced "Freddy") Ware is a Texas socialite comfortable in her role as a member of the Junior League of Willow Creek. To join the JLWC's ranks, a woman must be beaucoup rich and très magnifique. A spattering of French expressions never hurts a prospective member's chances, either.

As an upstanding member of the JLWC, Frede is in the running for the position of president-elect. Of course, this just has to be the time for her husband to betray her with an affair--and by stealing all of her money. A sponge from the beginning, Gordon has taken Frede's trust in him and broken it worse than a poorly manicured fingernail.

Now Frede's NC ("No Class," pronounced "Nancy") neighbor, attorney Howard Grout, is her only hope for getting her m-o-n-e-y back, with a side dish of revenge. If she can get his très tacky wife into the posh JLWC, he'll help find Gordon. Although Frede cringes at the deal, she agrees. All she can do is hope that none of her debutante friends find out that she's alone and almost penniless. After all, one must keep up appearances.

For anyone familiar with Junior League society, this book is a laugh-out-loud riot. For anyone who ever made fun of or looked down on the über-elite, this book is a laugh-out-loud riot. Frede's arrogant attitude might make some readers despise her, but the defining events in this book open her eyes to appearances other than those appreciated by the crème-de-la-crème of Willow Creek.

The writing in this novel is fantastic. The only drawback is that many readers will have a hard time sympathizing with Frede. Not only is she an upper-class snob, but for a seemingly intelligent woman, she proves she can make some seriously stupid moves. As readers learn early on, it really is a bad idea to sign whatever your husband sticks under your nose without reading it first. And that's just scratching the surface of Frede's mistakes. It is the resolution of her mistakes, and the resulting growth, that make this novel fly. If you can get past the extreme arrogance of the first half of the book, you'll find the end takes you on a fun ride that hints at more to come from this talented author.

Reviewed by Christina Wantz Fixemer
8/27/2006

Linda Francis Lee's insider knowledge of the Junior League really made her main character come alive. Frede (pronounced "Freddy") is trapped in a lifestyle of privilege and wealth, forced to live according to others' expectations. She doesn't realize it, though, until her husband deceives her and steals all her money. Once she's free from the cumbersome burden of propriety, she finds her true self in the love of her friends. This is not only a fun read, it's a warning to women everywhere--don't trust anyone to run your life except you.

As I read this book, I kept laughing or groaning out loud in front of my husband. So of course he wanted to know why. Funny thing is, he didn't like Frede Ware that much. I did, but that's because I can see her as a woman. While my husband didn't like her, he DID want to see how the book ended. By the time I was 3/4 of the way through the book, I was reading whole passages aloud to him. :D It was a great read. My sister-in-law likes it so much that she is making this a part of her permanent library (which she doesn't do verra often).

This book is Superb. Its very diffrtent to Linda Francis Lee's usual work but gripping at the same time. Its just like a Rich,
American Bridget Jones diary. It took me a while to get into it but once
I did I couldnt put it down. Highly recomended!

Having grown up in a Junior League family, this book is so true and funny! I absolutely loved it!!!!

An Spirit-lifting Story That Pokes Humor Well!
Although the characters seem a bit stereotypical, it allows readers from other regions of America to understand the ways of a southerner by the over-emphasized personalities. I am from New England and trust me, the image the author paints about us isn't too flattering (thick eyebrows, dark clothes and mostly cerebral) and I only had to laugh at the how the Texans (big hats, long cars and loud JRs.) think we are.

Her characters are written with the intention to not insult (certainement pas) but to help emphasize how non-static the main character really is. It is also the only way to convey the character's transition from selfish and unaware to enlightening and understanding Trust me, there's a transformation and it's fun to read as it happens!!!

Starting from the "right side of the tracks" and being sent to the "wrong side" only to find it more liberating and satisfying, makes the book a good example for any teenager or young adult. Having followed a very similar path, I know how life can roughen even the most polished edges, strengthening a person and making them much wiser. Life isn't about "m-o-n-e-y". Both Frede and I are vera vera sure!!! Having the silver spoon replaced by a plastic one can be very LIBERATING!!! (ALTHOUGH I still refuse wear an anklet or pierce more than an ear -- LOL!).

After reading the author's "mini autobiography" in the book, I realize she is having a great time poking fun at her own upbringing. Comme exemple: competing in a beauty contest and "thinking it was a good idea at the time". I am sure her days associatited with the Junior League are some of her most favorite memories. Being a Debutant is also something of which to be proud, for is it a tradition, very similar to other age-related celebrations in other cultures.

Bravo to Fred's husband for it was his nasty affair with Miss Mouse which propelled her into becoming a new and better person.

I loved this book! Although it did have some mild sexual content I let me 15 year old daughter read it because it has such great lessons about life. Besides, it's very funny