A Devil Wears Prada-style tale of ambition: Caroline Palmer's "Workhorse" is a complex, sometimes challenging read.
The novel follows Clo, a young woman from the suburbs who lands a job at a prestigious women's magazine in New York City. The story takes her on a journey from an underling to an editor, navigating the cutthroat world of fashion and publishing. Palmer's writing is sharp and witty, with Clo's observations on the industry's foibles being particularly biting.
However, Clo herself is not an easy protagonist to root for. Her class envy, misogyny, and drinking problem make her a complicated and often unlikeable character. As the novel progresses, she becomes increasingly desperate and grasping, which can be off-putting at times.
While Palmer's writing is undeniably brilliant, particularly in its depiction of the fashion industry and its dark underbelly, the novel's length may prove a barrier for some readers. At over 500 pages, it's a significant commitment to spend time with Clo and her inner world.
Ultimately, "Workhorse" is a nuanced exploration of ambition, identity, and the emotional burden that comes with being an outsider in a competitive industry. It's a story that lingers long after finishing the book, with themes that will resonate with anyone who has ever struggled to find their place in the world.
Despite some minor reservations about Clo's character, Palmer's writing shines through, making this a compelling and engaging read for fans of literary fiction. If you're willing to invest the time, "Workhorse" is sure to deliver a memorable and thought-provoking experience.
The novel follows Clo, a young woman from the suburbs who lands a job at a prestigious women's magazine in New York City. The story takes her on a journey from an underling to an editor, navigating the cutthroat world of fashion and publishing. Palmer's writing is sharp and witty, with Clo's observations on the industry's foibles being particularly biting.
However, Clo herself is not an easy protagonist to root for. Her class envy, misogyny, and drinking problem make her a complicated and often unlikeable character. As the novel progresses, she becomes increasingly desperate and grasping, which can be off-putting at times.
While Palmer's writing is undeniably brilliant, particularly in its depiction of the fashion industry and its dark underbelly, the novel's length may prove a barrier for some readers. At over 500 pages, it's a significant commitment to spend time with Clo and her inner world.
Ultimately, "Workhorse" is a nuanced exploration of ambition, identity, and the emotional burden that comes with being an outsider in a competitive industry. It's a story that lingers long after finishing the book, with themes that will resonate with anyone who has ever struggled to find their place in the world.
Despite some minor reservations about Clo's character, Palmer's writing shines through, making this a compelling and engaging read for fans of literary fiction. If you're willing to invest the time, "Workhorse" is sure to deliver a memorable and thought-provoking experience.
] [A girl with a frustrated expression, sitting at a desk surrounded by books and papers, with a clock in the background ticking away] [
]
, and I gotta say, it's like, super intense 
. The writing is so sharp and witty, but Clo, the main character, is kinda hard to love 
. She's got some serious class envy and misogyny going on, which makes me go "nope, not my girl" 
. But, I mean, Palmer does an amazing job of exploring the darker side of ambition and identity 
. And the fashion industry depiction? Spot on 
. 500 pages might be a stretch for some, but trust me, it's worth the investment 
. It'll leave you thinking long after you finish reading 
. CLO, THE PROTAGONIST, IS SUCH A COMPLEX CHARACTER - I FEEL SORRY FOR HER AT TIMES, BUT ALSO WANT TO PULL MY HAIR OUT WHEN SHE'S BEING SO SELFISH 
. THE FASHION INDUSTRY PART OF THE BOOK WAS ABSOLUTELY FASCINATING - IT REMINDS ME OF ALL THOSE HORRIBLE OFFICE POLICIES I'VE SEEN ONLINE 
. ANYWAY, IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR A BOOK THAT'LL MAKE YOU FEEL ALL THE EMOTIONS AND LEAVE YOU THINKING ABOUT IT LONG AFTER FINISHING, THEN "WORKHORSE" IS THE BOOK FOR YOU 
. JUST BE PREPARED TO COMMIT TO OVER 500 PAGES - WORTH IT, TRUST ME 
. yeah, 500 pages might seem daunting, but trust me, it's worth the investment. palmer's prose is like butter for your brain - smooth, witty, and utterly addictive 
I just finished reading this novel and I'm still trying to process it... I mean, Caroline Palmer's writing is insane, like she's poking fun at the fashion industry without even realizing it 
. The book is a total commitment tho, 500 pages ain't no joke 
. But trust me when I say it's worth it - Palmer hits all the right notes with her exploration of ambition and identity 
. If you're a fan of literary fiction, this one's for you! 
. I mean, 500 pages is a commitment! But if you're into literary fiction, I think it's worth checking out. It's definitely a thought-provoking read that'll stay with you long after finishing the book 
.
its like the ultimate satire of the fashion world!!! i loved how clo's character evolved throughout the novel, it was so complex and relatable at the same time... i mean who hasn't felt like a total outsider trying to make it in the industry? 
And honestly, it's a tough cookie of a novel – 500 pages is no joke 
But if you're down for that kind of investment, trust me, it's worth it. I mean, we've all been there - trying to find our place in the world & dealing with our own demons 
Worth a read, imo! 