Scandalous Women: A Novel of Jackie Collins and Jacqueline Susann BY Gill Paul

In Gill Paul's new novel, set against the vibrant backdrop of 1960s New York City and London, readers are immersed in the high-stakes world of publishing and scandal. The Two Jackies explores the lives of Jacqueline Susann and Jackie Collins, two trailblazing authors who defy societal norms with their controversial, provocative novels.

In 1966, Jacqueline Susann is anxiously awaiting the success of her sensational book, Valley of the Dolls. Despite its steamy allure and promise of commercial success, she worries about achieving the big money she desperately needs. Meanwhile, in London, Jackie Collins's audacious debut, The World Is Full of Married Men, marks the beginning of her storied career. Both women face harsh criticism from the literary world, feminist groups, and a flood of hate mail. Though they project a brave front publicly, privately, they grapple with their vulnerabilities and personal secrets.

Enter Nancy White, a bright-eyed college graduate who lands a coveted job at a Manhattan publishing house in 1965. Eager to make her mark, Nancy befriends Jacqueline Susann while working on Valley of the Dolls and manages to connect with Jackie Collins about a potential U.S. deal. This pivotal introduction sets the stage for a dramatic clash between the two authors as they vie for literary dominance.

As Nancy navigates the pervasive sexism of the publishing industry, she strives to achieve her dream of becoming an editor while contending with the challenges of a male-dominated world. The Two Jackies weaves a compelling narrative of ambition, resilience, and the lengths to which women will go to protect their loved ones while breaking new ground in a restrictive industry.