Rona Jaffe – författare

Rona Jaffe's frank, scandalous and thrilling 1958 novel, The Best of Everything follows a group of young women as they negotiate office romances, workplace politics, broken engagements, tiny apartments, lecherous bosses, heartbreak and lasting friendship, published in Penguin Modern Classics.New York, 1952: Four young women have come to the city: to find love, to build their careers and to savour the indefinable optimism of the times. Caroline is the college graduate, determined to escape the typing pool and become an editor. April is the beautiful country girl with a penchant for disastrous romances. Aspiring actress Gregg is tangled in a dangerous love affair with a playwright; and divorcée Barbara writes about lipsticks by day and cares alone for her daughter by night. Famously bedtime reading for Mad Men's Don Draper, The Best of Everything portrays the lives and passions of these ambitious young women with intelligence, affection, and prose as sharp as a paper cut.Rona Jaffe (1931-2005) was born in Brooklyn, New York, and grew up in the affluent Upper East Side of Manhattan. Jaffe wrote her first book, The Best of Everything, while working as an associate editor at Fawcett Publications in the 1950s. Published in 1958, it was later made into a movie, starring Joan Crawford. During the 1960s she wrote cultural pieces for Cosmopolitan magazine. Jaffe wrote sixteen novels during her career, including the controversial Mazes and Monsters (1981), adapted into a film starring Tom Hanks.If you enjoyed The Best of Everything, you might like John Dos Passos' Manhattan Transfer, also available in Penguin Modern Classics.'It harks back to a saner time when choosing progress and modernity was as straightforward as ordering dinner - "Two Scotches with water on the side, and two steaks"' Julie Burchill, author of Ambition'Decades before Sex and the City, Jaffe recorded the minutiae of women's lives and broke powerful taboos'Joan Smith, Independent

When it first published in 1958, Rona Jaffe's debut novel electrified readers who saw themselves reflected in its story of five young employees of a New York publishing company. There's Ivy League Caroline, who dreams of graduating from the typing pool to an editor's office; naive country girl April, who within months of hitting town reinvents herself as the woman every man wants on his arm; Gregg, the free-spirited actress with a secret yearning for domesticity. Now a classic, and as page-turning as when it first came out, The Best of Everything portrays their lives and passions with intelligence, affection, and prose as sharp as a paper cut.Includes a foreword by the author.

Five stories from five unforgettable characters, brought to life by an author the Washington Post hailed as “contemporary…rewarding…masterful.”  Five friends meet weekly at a restaurant called Yellowbird on New York’s Upper East Side, revealing the long-hidden secrets of their pasts and how each, in her fashion, has become a survivor beyond all expectations. The women are Gara, a divorced psychologist and cancer survivor; Felicity, a beautiful attorney married to a rich but controlling man; Kathryn, who is haunted by the brutality of her parents’ marriage; Eve, an unabashedly narcissistic actress; and Billie, a former rock star, now owner of Yellowbird. Told with Jaffe’s signature liveliness and uncanny understanding of female friendship, Five Women invites us to the table to hear stories both familiar and unthinkable, stories of struggle, heartbreak, survival and redemption. PRAISE FOR RONA JAFFE “Reading Rona Jaffe is like being presented with a Cartier watch: you know exactly what you’re getting and it’s exactly what you want.”—Cosmopolitan “Vivid and trenchant…Wry and very readable…A minor genius.”—New York Times Book Review “Jaffe has not lost her wit, her keen eye for human frailties and her ear for the small but telling remark.”—Publishers Weekly

From the “master storyteller”* of The Best of Everything comes a wise and wonderful novel of family loyalties (and disloyalties).  Olivia is a twice-divorced New Yorker from a large extended family who grew up together on a magnificent summer estate, Mandelay. Although the cousins have scattered across the country, following sharply divergent paths, memories of their shared childhood continue to resonate, shaping their lives and decisions. When they’re together, they long for a vanished past, but alone Olivia must face a family legacy of lies, infidelity and tragedy. The Cousins is a sweeping saga that richly portrays the secrets we keep from family and from ourselves, from an author who voiced the experience of a generation. PRAISE FOR RONA JAFFE “Reading Rona Jaffe is like being presented with a Cartier watch: you know exactly what you’re getting and it’s exactly what you want.”—*Cosmopolitan “Vivid and trenchant… Wry and very readable… A minor genius.”—New York Times Book Review “Jaffe has not lost her wit, her keen eye for human frailties and her ear for the small but telling remark.”—Publishers Weekly

The masterful author of Class Reunion offers this ambitious story of choices, chances and fate, spanning four generations of an unforgettable American family.  Rose Smith is born in the very beginning of 1900, the year that ushered in the most rapidly changing century in history. At the age of ten, Rose loses her mother and must learn to become independent and adaptable. As she grows up and begins a family of her own, she and her three daughters are a vital part of the country’s rapid growth during a turbulent era. These women—all different, all fiercely-willed—will make courageous, sometimes reckless choices in their lives as they move boldly through a new world. Yet they will be united by an inner strength that will withstand life’s most chaotic demands, helping each to accept tragedy, embrace joy and, ultimately, find redemption. PRAISE FOR RONA JAFFE “Reading Rona Jaffe is like being presented with a Cartier watch: you know exactly what you’re getting and it’s exactly what you want.”—Cosmopolitan “Vivid and trenchant…Wry and very readable…A minor genius.”—New York Times Book Review “Jaffe has not lost her wit, her keen eye for human frailties and her ear for the small but telling remark.”—Publishers Weekly

The masterful author of The Best of Everything takes us through a season of friendship, discovery, betrayal, and love to tell a story of four friends and the events that shaped their futures.New York in 1963 is a place of infinite possibilities, especially when you’re young and eager for the adventure a big city offers. Leigh, Cady, Vanessa, and Susan meet when they become roommates on the Upper East Side. Nothing can diminish the exhilaration of their newfound freedom and independence—even being crammed together in a single bedroom with a kitchen too small for a table and chairs.A casting assistant at a talent agency, Leigh is the level-headed one. Cady is a prep school teacher, emotional, passionate, and ready for love. Vanessa, a stewardess, craves her independence above all else. Susan is the mercurial, difficult one, and after one confrontation too many, makes a choice that will change the course of all their lives…PRAISE FOR RONA JAFFE“Reading Rona Jaffe is like being presented with a Cartier watch: you know exactly what you’re getting and it’s exactly what you want.”—Cosmopolitan“Vivid and trenchant…Wry and very readable…A minor genius.”—New York Times Book Review“Jaffe has not lost her wit, her keen eye for human frailties and her ear for the small but telling remark.”—Publishers Weekly

Four smart women . . . and their foolish choice. In love with the same man. The wrong man.   Women found him so easy to love. Clay Bowen had it all—charisma, good looks, and power in the glamorous world of television. Laura, the delicate dancer, gave up her dazzling career to marry him and have his child. Nina excelled at everything—except capturing her father’s complete attention. Bambi, his ruthless young “assistant,” thought she was using him. And Susan, a brilliant writer, couldn’t bear to think their twenty-year bicoastal romance was too good to be true.   In her most riveting novel since The Best of Everything, Rona Jaffe weaves a compelling story of passion and obsession. Moving from the glittering capitals of the world and the epicenter of the TV and movie industries to the darkest depths of the human heart, she holds her readers captive to the very last page.   Praise for An American Love Story   “Jaffe comprehends the ambivalence of women in love like few other contemporary novelists.”—New Woman   “Compelling . . . a novel of growth, despair, destruction and realization—a novel to read and have a daughter read.”—UPI   “Savvy and sharp.”—St. Petersburg Times   “Thoughtful, provocative.”—San Antonio Express-News

Rona Jaffe: die große Wiederentdeckung1) Was waren Ihre Hoffnungen, Träume und Erwartungen in Bezug auf Beruf, Liebe und Familie, als Sie das College beendet hatten?2) Haben sie sich erfüllt?3) Gab es einen Moment in Ihrem Leben, an dem sich Ihre Werte, Träume und/oder Erwartungen verändert haben? Bitte erläutern Sie. Fünf Jahre sind vergangen seit jenem Klassentreffen, das so viel bewegt hat im Leben von Annabel, Daphne, Emily und Chris. Der Fragebogen, der ihnen allen kurz vor dem 25. Klassentreffen zugeschickt wird, erinnert sie noch einmal daran, wer sie einst waren und was aus ihnen geworden ist. Nicht jede füllt den Bogen aus, aber alle stellen sich seinen Fragen. Und wieder löst der Blick auf die Schlüsselmomente des Lebens Dinge aus, mit denen keine vorher gerechnet hat…

Rona Jaffe: die große Wiederentdeckung Sie waren völlig verschieden, aber das Abenteuer Erwachsenwerden schweißte sie auf dem College zusammen: die bildhübsche Daphne, die schüchterne Emily, die selbstbewusste Chris und die lebenslustige Annabel. Es ist das Jahr 1957, als ihre Reise ins richtige Leben beginnt, und zwanzig Jahre später, zum Klassentreffen 1977, ist die Welt eine andere. Und auch im Kleinen, Persönlichen hat sich viel geändert, Ehen wurden geschlossen und geschieden, Kinder geboren, Träume gelebt und Alpträume durchlitten. Das Wiedersehen weckt bittersüße Erinnerungen an die Wünsche von einst. Und die Frage, ob man nicht noch einmal ganz von vorne anfangen soll…

Four women reflect on the past at their college reunion in this "absorbing" novel of love, friendship, and secrets by a New York Times–bestselling author (The Washington Post)."In Class Reunion, Rona Jaffe does what she does best. . . . A literary ''dessert,'' with the unmistakable touch of a master chef." —Associated PressTwenty years after their college graduation, four Radcliffe girls return to their Harvard class reunion with mixed emotions and curiosity. It is the first time they have met since their hopeful student years, when each of them had wonderful dreams of becoming wives, mothers, and successful career women. But much has changed since the fifties, and the former classmates'' lives have been altered by events none of them could have foreseen. Humorous, heartwarming, often poignant and nostalgic, Class Reunion captures the spirit of the fifties brilliantly in contrast to the changing world the four girls have embraced, often with straightforward and pithy commentary on the social conventions of the past."It''s the kind of book multitudes of people will read avidly. . . . It''s difficult to put her novel down." —New York Daily News"Ms. Jaffe''s fans will love it. . . . Fast-paced and sympathetic. . . . Well-crafted. . . . Sensitive." —Houston ChronicleOriginally published in 1979.

Four women pursue love and freedom in 1970s New York in this "e;page-turner . . . made to be gobbled up in a sitting"e; by a New York Times-bestselling author (Cosmopolitan). "e;You won't be able to stop till it's done."e; The New York Times Book ReviewSuspenseful, captivating, and ultimately moving, The Last Chance is about four female friends in their late thirties trying to survive the dangerous and fast-paced world of New York City while also battling the subtle violence in their private lives. Each of them has dreams of finding love, success, and adventure in the big city. Each is desperately searching for a last chance. They will make difficult choices and face unbearable consequences, and by the end of the year, one of the women will die an unnatural and uncanny death . . . The Last Chance is a tense and unexpected story about what it takes to survive and find control over your fate when everything seems to be working against you. "e;Her biggest success. . . . Rona Jaffe vividly portrays the four women's feelings, their relationships with each other, and their wide variety of men as The Last Chance moves with speed and suspense toward its shocking climax."e; Literary GuildOriginally published in 1976.

The New York Times–bestselling author chronicles the highs and lows of a Jewish-American family in this "rich, complex . . . juicy family saga" (The Washington Post)."A very good book." —The New York TimesAdam Saffron—builder, patriarch, and autocrat—has built a family empire. The Saffron family is successful, prestigious, and closely knit, and their great Windflower estate has kept them safe from the dangerous and enticing world beyond its gates for many years. The Windflower is superior and all-inclusive—much like the Saffrons themselves—but how long can their dynasty last? Family Secrets is an epic three-generational saga that follows the fascinating Saffron family as they strive to keep their legacy alive, despite the separate paths each family member will inevitably take."As far as family sagas go, this is one of the best examples I have read in recent years." —John BarkhamOriginally published in 1974.

The New York Times–bestselling author of The Best of Everything charts her emotional development from awkward youth to cynical adulthood in this memoir.The Cherry in the Martini is abundant with personal insights on the joys and challenges of childhood and youth. In short autobiographical essays, Jaffe shares vivid memories of her first experiences of love and loss in her search to find her voice as both a woman and writer. Straightforward and unsentimental, Rona Jaffe''s memoir explores the complex emotions of adolescence into adulthood with an honesty that all readers will find welcoming and relatable.Praise for the writing of Rona Jaffe"Reading Rona Jaffe is like being presented with a Cartier watch: you know exactly what you''re getting and it''s just what you want. Put your feet up, take the phone off the hook, and enjoy." —Cosmopolitan"Vivid and trenchant. . . . Wry and very readable. . . . A minor genius." —The New York Times Book Review"Jaffe has not lost her wit, her keen eye for human frailties and her ear for the small but telling remark." —Publishers Weekly

From the New York Times–bestselling author, this enthralling sequel tells "a wonderful story of women who are ready to take a chance on life" (The Charlotte Observer)."Rona Jaffe''s storytelling is irresistible." —Los Angeles TimesThe popular sequel to Class Reunion, Rona Jaffe''s After the Reunion continues the heartwarming story of Daphne, Emily, Chris, and Annabel five years after their class reunion. The affluent quartet, now in their mid-forties, is each coping with romantic and domestic problems at home while trying to outgrow the social and moral codes that controlled them during their Harvard years. After the Reunion is a return to some of Jaffe''s most beloved characters, and readers will undoubtedly embrace their own reunion with these characters on the page."Rejoice, Rona Jaffe fans!" —The Atlanta Journal-Constitution"Hypnotic narrative . . . artfully crafted dialogue. . . . We are subtly drawn into the careers of these four women, their men, and their children, until we genuinely come to know them. . . .  After the Reunion demands to be read at a single sitting, and in many cases probably will be." —John Barkham"After the Reunion satisfies the urge of every panting reader who wants to know, as I do, ''And then what happened?''" —The Washington TimesOriginally published in 1985.

From the New York Times-bestselling author of The Best of Everything, a female assistant to a Hollywood agent navigates celebrity lifestyles and romance. Geraldine Thompson returns to New York City to what should have been a dream job: personal assistant to Sam Leo Libra, publicity agent to some of the biggest names in film, television, music and fashion. Only Gerry quickly discovers that being Mr. Libra's assistant means keeping herself from getting caught in the puppet strings he keeps on anyone in his employment. Turns out Gerry's up to the task of managing Libra's machinations as well as helping the legendary publicist nurture the eccentric personalities that make up his elite clientele celebrities so hungry for fame they will do almost anything to achieve it. But when Gerry falls for one of Libra's high-profile clients, she wonders if she'll be lost in the undertow of Dick Devere's celebrity lifestyle, or if she'll be the one who will finally get the elusive bachelor to finally settle down. A seductive look at the world of Hollywood and fashion through the eyes of a spirited, down-to-earth assistant to the stars, The Fame Game is bestselling author Rona Jaffe at her finest. Praise for the writing of Rona Jaffe:"e;Vivid and trenchant . . . Wry and very readable . . . A minor genius."e; The New York TimesBook Review"e;Jaffe has not lost her wit, her keen eye for human frailties and her ear for the small but telling remark."e; Publishers Weekly"e;Reading Rona Jaffe is like being presented with a Cartier watch: you know exactly what you're getting and it's just what you want. Put your feet up, take the phone off the hook, and enjoy."e; Cosmopolitan

Life in Brazil brings passion and marital strife to three American couples in a novel from the New York Times-bestselling author of The Best of Everything. For three hopeful American couples, 1950s Brazil is a land of opportunity. A paradise to build a fortune, find new pleasures and escape the stresses of life in the United States. For Helen and Bert Sinclair, it's a chance to make a better life for themselves and their two children. But with Bert spending long hours at the office, Helen is filled with a restlessness a loneliness she has never felt before in her marriage. Margie and Neil Davidow appear to have it all. With no children to encumber their exotic lifestyle, they can enjoy a fashionable and fantastic life together. So why have they moved into separate bedrooms?Mildred Burns simply cannot acclimate to Brazilian society, no matter how many dinner parties she throws. The problem is, her husband Phil adores Brazil and doesn't plan on leaving any time soon. But as the annual Carnival festival begins and the country is fueled by parties and passion and spectacle, Helen, Margie and Mildred can become anyone they wish behind their festival masks and alluring costumes. But will their lives and their love for the men they married be the same once the party is over? Sophisticated and expertly crafted, Away from Home is an engrossing novel about rediscovering one's identity in an unfamiliar yet captivating country. Praise for the writing of Rona Jaffe:"e;Vivid and trenchant . . . Wry and very readable . . . A minor genius."e; The New York TimesBook Review"e;Jaffe has not lost her wit, her keen eye for human frailties and her ear for the small but telling remark."e; Publishers Weekly"e;Reading Rona Jaffe is like being presented with a Cartier watch: you know exactly what you're getting and it's just what you want. Put your feet up, take the phone off the hook, and enjoy."e; Cosmopolitan

From the New York Times-bestselling author of The Best of Everything, a witty, cynical short story collection about the modern woman's search for love. In this satirical collection of short fiction, the sharp, social observations that readers have come to love Rona Jaffe for in her classic novels The Best of Everything and Class Reunion shine in this novella and five short stories featuring the hopefulness and disappointments of the quest for love. In the title novella, a call girl is admired for her resilience in the face of life's difficulties as she acquires lovers and money with a kind of innocence. In "e;Rima the Bird Girl"e;, a woman takes on a new identity with every new romantic entanglement. Exploring themes of female identity, societal expectations and the disillusionment of romance, Mr. Right is Dead is Rona's Jaffe's finest and most literary work.