Boys and Girls Together

Boys and Girls Together follows five young people who move to New York City in the late 1950s to pursue their dreams. Each character arrives with distinct ambitions in the arts - writing, theater, music - while struggling to find their place in the competitive landscape of Manhattan. The characters' paths intersect and diverge as they navigate professional challenges, romantic entanglements, and the harsh realities of making it in New York. The story spans several years, tracking their evolution from hopeful newcomers to more seasoned city dwellers. Goldman captures the specific cultural moment of New York in the late '50s and early '60s, detailing the artistic scene, social dynamics, and urban landscape of the period. The narrative focuses on the characters' professional pursuits while exploring their personal transformations. The novel examines themes of ambition, authenticity, and the price of success in a city that often fails to deliver on its promises. It presents a clear-eyed view of young artists confronting their limitations and possibilities while searching for connection in an isolating environment.

Readers note this novel lacks the depth and impact of Goldman's other works like "The Princess Bride" and "Marathon Man." Many found the 700+ pages overlong and the multiple character storylines fragmented. Readers appreciated: - The exploration of young people finding their paths in 1950s New York - Goldman's talent for dialogue and scene-setting - The raw, honest portrayal of relationships Common criticisms: - Dated attitudes and language from the 1960s - Characters described as unlikeable and hard to connect with - Plot threads that don't come together satisfyingly From review sites: Goodreads: 3.5/5 (300+ ratings) Amazon: 3.7/5 (40+ ratings) One reader called it "a time capsule of attitudes and behaviors that haven't aged well." Another noted "the writing pulls you in, but the characters push you away." Several reviews mention abandoning the book partway through due to its length and slow pacing.

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★ William Goldman, best known for "The Princess Bride" and "Marathon Man," drew from his own experiences as a young playwright in New York City while writing this novel. ★ The book was published in 1964 during a pivotal time in New York's cultural history, as the city was becoming a major center for experimental theater and avant-garde art movements. ★ Each of the five main characters represents a different artistic discipline, reflecting the diverse creative community that flourished in Greenwich Village during the 1960s. ★ The novel's frank exploration of sexuality and psychological themes was considered controversial upon its release, but helped establish Goldman's reputation for bold, unflinching storytelling. ★ The book's portrayal of struggling artists in New York City influenced later works about creative ambition in the metropolis, including Patti Smith's memoir "Just Kids" and various films about the 1960s downtown art scene.