The most successful novel that critics absolutely loathed
In short: In 1966, a scandalous new novel took the world by storm, selling millions of copies despite scathing reviews. Critics called it trashy and poorly written, yet it became a global phenomenon, proving that commercial dominance and critical acclaim are often two very different things.
Published on February 10, 1966, by Bernard Geis Associates, Jacqueline Susann's Valley of the Dolls was a runaway commercial success. It reached number one on the New York Times Best Seller List by its ninth week, remaining there for 28 consecutive weeks. Before Susann passed away in 1974, the title achieved a Guinness Book of World Records milestone for being the highest-selling book ever, surpassing 17 million units. By 2016, that figure had climbed to more than 31 million copies.
The novel is a roman à clef, with characters inspired by real-life figures like Judy Garland and Dean Martin. The plot follows the turbulent lives of three women: Anne Welles, a secretary; Neely O'Hara, an aspiring actress; and Jennifer North, a famous figure known for her physique. The narrative explores themes of fame, addiction to 'dolls' (amphet/barbiturates), and the professional struggles of women in the entertainment industry.
Despite its massive sales, the literary establishment was unkind. Time magazine famously labeled it the 'Dirty Book of the Month,' and feminist Gloria Steinem offered sharp criticism in the New York Herald Tribune. However, the story's cultural impact extended far beyond the page. A 1967 film adaptation became a box-office hit, earning $44 million domestically, and later achieved cult status as a camp classic. The book's legacy even reached science fiction, appearing as the only English-language book available to the aliens in Kurt Vonnegut's Slaughterhouse-Five.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Valley of the Dolls (novel)
- Also: www.britannica.com — Valley of the Dolls | novel by Susann | Britannica
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