In her debut novel 'Workhorse', Caroline Palmer delivers a Devil Wears Prada-style tale of ambition set in the dying days of a golden age of women's glossies. The story revolves around Clodagh, or Clo, a suburban twentysomething who becomes embroiled in the cutthroat world of magazine publishing.
Clo is a complex and highly unlikable protagonist, embodying class envy and internalised misogyny. Her observations on the fashion industry are razor-sharp, but her own personal demons are equally relatable. Despite her unpleasantness, Palmer skillfully crafts a narrative that draws you in, making it impossible not to root for Clo as she navigates her rise through the ranks.
Palmer's talent for wit shines throughout the novel, particularly in her portrayal of characters like Harry and Davis Lawrence, who embody charisma and poise. However, the prolonged exposure to Clo's inner workings often becomes overwhelming, and the 500-page page count may deter some readers.
The fashion industry remains a shallow and ruthless world, with Palmer expertly capturing its essence. Yet, 'Workhorse' transcends its central theme by delving deeper into the emotional burden carried by those on the periphery. The weight of perpetual outsiderdom is palpable, and Palmer poignantly explores how one's ambition can become a waste when it consumes you.
Ultimately, while some readers may find Clo's unlikability off-putting, Palmer's masterful storytelling keeps them invested in her journey. With its blend of wit, charm, and poignant character studies, 'Workhorse' is a must-read for fans of literary fiction and the world of magazine publishing.
Clo is a complex and highly unlikable protagonist, embodying class envy and internalised misogyny. Her observations on the fashion industry are razor-sharp, but her own personal demons are equally relatable. Despite her unpleasantness, Palmer skillfully crafts a narrative that draws you in, making it impossible not to root for Clo as she navigates her rise through the ranks.
Palmer's talent for wit shines throughout the novel, particularly in her portrayal of characters like Harry and Davis Lawrence, who embody charisma and poise. However, the prolonged exposure to Clo's inner workings often becomes overwhelming, and the 500-page page count may deter some readers.
The fashion industry remains a shallow and ruthless world, with Palmer expertly capturing its essence. Yet, 'Workhorse' transcends its central theme by delving deeper into the emotional burden carried by those on the periphery. The weight of perpetual outsiderdom is palpable, and Palmer poignantly explores how one's ambition can become a waste when it consumes you.
Ultimately, while some readers may find Clo's unlikability off-putting, Palmer's masterful storytelling keeps them invested in her journey. With its blend of wit, charm, and poignant character studies, 'Workhorse' is a must-read for fans of literary fiction and the world of magazine publishing.
it's like you're right there with Clo, navigating the cutthroat world of mag pub. her writin is sharp as knives & i love how she tackles the fashion industry's shallow side - it's so true! but at the same time, clo's inner demons are soooo relatable i was invested in her story from start to finish 
it's like we're stuck in a never-ending cycle of entitled millennial protagonists 
and Palmer's Clodagh is just another example of that 
. Like, Clo's inner demons are real but her constant whining about being a suburban twentysomething feels super relatable to me 
at least she's honest about her flaws, but what really gets me is how she still manages to win people over despite all her BS 
it just doesn't sit right with me 
and I gotta say, it's been giving me some real food for thought. The way Clo, the main character, navigates her rise through the ranks of a dying women's glossie is like a twisted fairy tale... where do we draw the line between ambition and obsessions? 
I mean, who are we really rooting for in this cutthroat world: Clo or ourselves? 
do u guys think its worth it tho?
. The characters she created are so vivid, especially the ones around Clo who try to help her out but also get dragged down by her toxic energy 
.
. The only thing that kept me from devouring this entire book in one sitting was maybe, just maybe, the 500-page count 
... still, I'd highly recommend it to anyone looking for a gripping read! 
, and those secondary characters like Harry and Davis Lawrence? Forget about it, they're total scene-stealers 
500 pages is a lot to ask, you know? Still, 'Workhorse' gets some serious points for its portrayal of the fashion industry's cutthroat side 
and the emotional toll it takes on those who can't quite fit in 
. Great read, but maybe bring the tissues next time? 
Clo is literally so frustrating to read but at the same time you can't help but be drawn into her world. The fashion industry portrayal is spot on, I mean who hasn't felt like they don't measure up in some way? But what really got me was how Palmer explores the emotional toll of being an outsider in that world. It's so true when you're constantly observing from the sidelines and feeling like you're not a part of the inner circle 
what really resonated with me was clo's struggle to find her place and purpose outside of her ambition. it's like, we're all trying to climb the corporate ladder, but sometimes it feels like we're losing ourselves in the process 
. anyway, if you're into literary fiction and magazine publishing, you gotta check out "workhorse" - it's a wild ride! 
so yeah, add 'workhorse' to your to-read list ASAP 
. 500 pages might be a bit steep for some, but trust me, it's worth it 
. Overall, I think 'Workhorse' is a must-read for anyone who loves literary fiction and the world of publishing - just be prepared to dive into some dark, relatable stuff 
The only thing that would've made the 500 pages more palatable was if I could've taken a break from Clo's inner monologue every now and then 
, i'd love to see some credible sources backing up these 'inspirations'. also, why are magazine publishing and fashion industries always portrayed as this cutthroat, shallow world? didn't the 90s and early 2000s have their own set of problems that weren't just about looks and status? 
. It's like, I'm rooting for Clo even though she's a bit of a trainwreck 
, but trust me, it's worth it!
.