Judith Krantz

Judith Krantz (1928-2019) was an influential American novelist who helped establish the "sex-and-shopping" genre of commercial fiction. After working as a magazine writer and fashion editor, she published her first novel "Scruples" at age 50, which became an international bestseller translated into 50 languages. Known for writing sprawling tales of wealth, fashion, and romance, Krantz produced multiple bestselling novels including "Princess Daisy," "Mistral's Daughter," and "Till We Meet Again." Her works consistently featured strong female protagonists navigating glamorous settings, particularly in the fashion and entertainment industries of Beverly Hills and Europe. The commercial success of Krantz's novels led to several television adaptations, with "Scruples," "Princess Daisy," and "Mistral's Daughter" becoming popular miniseries. Her writing style combined detailed fashion knowledge with elaborate plotting and romantic elements, establishing a template that influenced commercial fiction for decades. Before her death in 2019, Krantz published her autobiography "Sex and Shopping: The Confessions of a Nice Jewish Girl," reflecting on her transition from journalist to novelist and her impact on popular fiction. Her ten novels have sold more than 85 million copies worldwide, cementing her position as a significant figure in late 20th-century commercial fiction.

Readers describe Krantz's novels as entertaining escape fiction with detailed fashion descriptions and romantic storylines. Many mention reading and re-reading her books multiple times since the 1980s. Readers appreciate: - Rich descriptions of clothing, jewelry, and luxury settings - Strong female characters who build successful careers - Complex plots spanning multiple decades - Historical details woven into storylines - Fast-paced narratives that maintain interest Common criticisms: - Repetitive plot formulas across different books - Unrealistic accumulation of wealth by characters - Excessive fashion detail that slows the story - Dated attitudes about relationships and gender roles On Goodreads, Krantz's novels average 3.8-4.2 out of 5 stars. "Scruples" maintains 4.0/5 from 23,000+ ratings. Amazon reviews are similar, with most books at 4+ stars. One reader noted: "Pure entertainment with enough substance to keep you invested." Another said: "The fashion details are both the best and worst part - fascinating but sometimes overwhelming."

Scruples (1978) A woman builds a luxury boutique in Beverly Hills while navigating romance and the high-fashion world of the 1970s.

Princess Daisy (1980) The daughter of a Russian prince overcomes tragedy to become a successful advertising executive in New York.

Mistral's Daughter (1982) Three generations of women connect to a famous painter in a story spanning from 1920s Paris to modern Manhattan.

Till We Meet Again (1988) The saga of three women whose lives intersect through Hollywood, Europe, and the aviation industry from the 1920s through World War II.

I'll Take Manhattan (1986) A young woman fights to save her family's magazine empire while dealing with betrayal and romance in New York's publishing world.

Scruples Two (1992) A continuation of the original Scruples story, following the boutique owner's new challenges in the fashion industry.

Dazzle (1990) A photojournalist builds her career while uncovering family secrets in California's wine country.

Spring Collection (1996) A story of rivalry and ambition in New York's fashion industry, centered on a talented designer.

The Jewels of Tessa Kent (1998) An actress must confront her past when her daughter discovers the truth about valuable jewels and family secrets.

Jackie Collins wrote similarly glamorous novels set in Hollywood and among the wealthy elite, featuring strong female characters and intricate plots about power and romance. Her "Lucky Santangelo" series and standalone novels share Krantz's focus on fashion, wealth, and behind-the-scenes drama in the entertainment industry.

Danielle Steel creates multi-generational sagas centered on successful women in high-powered careers and luxurious settings. Her novels cover similar territory to Krantz's work, with plots involving fashion, business empires, and family dynamics across international locations.

Barbara Taylor Bradford specializes in rags-to-riches stories about determined women who build business empires, particularly in fashion and media. Her "Woman of Substance" series and other works mirror Krantz's interest in ambitious female protagonists and detailed descriptions of the fashion world.

Sidney Sheldon crafted international bestsellers featuring strong female leads who navigate wealth, power, and intrigue. His novels share Krantz's mix of glamorous settings, complex relationships, and corporate drama, often incorporating elements of suspense and revenge.

Harold Robbins wrote sweeping commercial novels about wealth, power, and sexuality in various industries including entertainment and fashion. His work contains similar elements to Krantz's novels: multi-generational stories, detailed industry knowledge, and characters moving through high-society circles.