Butterfield 8

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On June 8, 1931, the body of young Starr Faithfull was found in Long Island. She had led a loose life and experienced abuse as a child. This unsolved case inspired John O'Hara to write his most significant novel, published in 1935. The main characters are Gloria Wandrous, a talented and kind woman, and Weston Liggett, a wealthy married businessman who begins an affair with her. Eddie Brunner, Gloria's friend and advisor, also plays a central role, exploiting her just as Liggett does. Gloria's promiscuity leads her into the depths of early 1930s New York, a time when the economic depression has just passed, but the moral fabric of America, especially the middle class, is severely shaken. O'Hara paints a vivid picture of New York through newspaper headlines, songs, and references to celebrities, capturing the tension between urban flair and gangsterism, businesspeople and criminals. The title refers to Gloria's phone number and reflects the story of a young woman living in a society that has lost its footing. The novel is a compelling portrait, distinguished by its engaging characters and concise narrative style.