Liska Jacobs

*Soft spoilers*

Very mixed feelings on this one.

An amazing, slow-burn style. Like a frog in a boiling pot, (puns not intended), the reader looks back and asks, "How did we get here?", but then sees that's where this was headed all along.

Almost gothic, in that the Hotel is like a character itself. The descriptions of the Beverly Hills Hotel (Oh, sorry, the Pink Hotel) are beautifully rendered. I especially loved the gorgeous, tropical foliage that pervades the space. The scenes play out against a tapestry of raging California fires and lush, fragrant greenery. It's like stepping back into a more elegant time.

As to the synopsis, greed is not the corrosive nature of the wealthy characters in the novel, but the ennui of those who have seen it all and can have it all, so nothing impresses them.

The protests in the tale are not explained at all. Are the protesters in a mob mentality since the city is burning? Or are they just jealous of those with money so want to punish them and take it for themselves?

Conclusion: Recommended for the lush setting and excellent story-building craft. But take it with a grain of salt.

Deducting stars for the forced-in-"diversity" gay character at 98%. Also due the decadence of the hotel guests being off the charts and making me a bit uncomfortable at times. I suppose that is the point, but, hey, it's my relaxing time when I read. I don't need to be cringing. And thirdly for the protesting propaganda in the Author's Note at the end. The swearing there is also very unnecessary, but points (more in) the right direction as to where the author's enmity should lie.… (more)

The Pink Hotel by Liska Jacobs is a so-so social satire.

After meeting Richard and Ilka Beaumont, Keith and Kit Collins have been invited by Richard to spend their honeymoon in the iconic Pink Hotel located in Beverly Hills. Richard, who is the general manager, hopes to hire Keith to work there for him. Kit is less sure that this is the life she wants. Then circumstances (riots, rolling blackouts, fires, sudden new wealthy guests) occur that have the hotel being a refuge for the wealthy only and Keith off helping Richard while Kit is left alone.

The actual descriptive writing is quite good, but the barely there plot and slow pace isn't good. If you can overcome the glacially slow start, no characters you remotely care about and rather predictable antagonism against the ultra-wealthy, then I'd recommend this novel. If that doesn't seem like something you'd enjoy, pass on it. Admittedly, after wondering what direction the novel was meandering toward for over half of it, beyond social class, things pick up but not enough to redeem it.
Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of Macmillan via NetGalley.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2022/07/the-pink-hotel.html… (more)

The young newlyweds Kit and Keith are spending their honeymoon at the Pink Hotel, courtesy of Mr. Beaumont, the owner of the hotel, who wants to hire Keith.

From the beginning, you can feel that tension is in the air, as can be seen by Kit repeatedly biting her nails. Employees and other guests are watching and judging the young couple and Keith seems to adjust to this more quickly than his wife does. Kit eventually gets whisked away by a rich French girl, Marguerite, to get a manicure and is consequently introduced to the lifestyle of the wealthy.

While the rest of California is being devastated by many deathly fires, the guests of The Pink Hotel barely register this tragedy. They feel safe, which according to Mr. Beaumont is the combination of anonymity and consistency.

The storytelling is very slow and it was hard for me to connect with the characters. Neither husband and wife, nor the other filthy rich guests of the Pink Hotel were particularly interesting characters to read about. While the premise of the story sounded really exciting, the actual execution didn't convince me. I kept waiting for something to happen but it never really did. I also think it's quite confusing that the point of view keeps changing from Kit to Keith to the hotel's employees and to the other guests

What I did like was that the uncomfortable feeling of the Pink Hotel came across very well, especially through Kit's character.

Overall, this book wasn't the one for me but I'm sure there are others out there who might enjoy it!… (more)