Goodbye, Janette

Goodbye, Janette is a 1981 bestselling novel by Harold Robbins that takes place in the world of high-end fashion. Set in post-World War II Europe, the story follows a woman and her daughters who survive a concentration camp and attempt to rebuild their lives. The novel tracks their path through the glamorous but cutthroat fashion industry of Paris while exploring themes of survival, ambition, and power. Sexual content and relationships feature prominently in the narrative, which was characteristic of Robbins' commercially successful writing style. Despite mixed critical reception upon release, the book achieved significant commercial success with an initial print run of 3.75 million copies and reached #7 on the Publishers Weekly bestseller list for 1981. The book sold over 77,000 copies in just ten days in the UK market alone. The work stands as an examination of how trauma and survival instincts can shape human behavior and relationships, particularly in environments where power dynamics and exploitation are prevalent.

Most readers consider this one of Harold Robbins' worst books. Reader reviews frequently mention disgust with the graphic sexual content and violence, calling it "exploitative" and "disturbing." Liked: - Fast-paced narrative - Behind-the-scenes look at fashion industry - Complex female protagonists Disliked: - Excessive sexual violence - One-dimensional male characters - Implausible plot developments - Poor character development - "Gratuitous" and "vulgar" content Review Scores: Goodreads: 3.2/5 (200+ ratings) Amazon: 2.8/5 (30+ reviews) Multiple reviewers on Goodreads state they could not finish the book due to its content. One Amazon reviewer notes: "This reads more like exploitation than literature." Another calls it "trash masquerading as a fashion industry exposé." The book's reception marks a low point in Robbins' career, with readers expressing disappointment compared to his other works.

Valley of the Dolls by Jacqueline Susann Chronicles three women's rise through the entertainment industry while dealing with addiction, fame, and exploitation in post-war America.

The Sins of the Mother by Danielle Steel Follows generations of women in the fashion industry as they navigate business empires and family trauma in Paris and New York.

Scruples by Judith Krantz Traces a woman's transformation from Holocaust survivor to fashion empire builder in Beverly Hills.

Models Don't Eat Chocolate Cookies by Erin Dionne Chronicles the rise of a fashion model through the dark underbelly of the European modeling world in the 1970s.

The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger Details the inner workings of the high-fashion magazine industry through the experiences of an assistant to a powerful editor.

🔷 Harold Robbins was one of the best-selling authors of all time, with over 750 million copies of his books sold in 32 different languages. 🔷 The book's setting in post-war Paris fashion aligns with the real historical emergence of Paris as a global fashion capital, particularly with Christian Dior's "New Look" revolution in 1947. 🔷 The author conducted extensive research into concentration camp survivors' experiences to authentically portray the protagonist's background, drawing from numerous personal interviews. 🔷 The novel's exploration of the fashion industry was influenced by Robbins' own experiences in Paris during the 1950s, where he witnessed firsthand the transformation of haute couture. 🔷 "Goodbye, Janette" marked a departure from Robbins' usual male-centered narratives, featuring one of his most complex female protagonists and receiving praise for its portrayal of women in business.