Below is a summation of the members' reactions to this work.
The Other Typist is a work of historical fiction set in New York City in 1924-25 during Prohibition. The narrator, Rose, is one of three stenographers/typists in the N.Y.P.D. who are responsible for transcribing the confessions of suspects brought into the precinct by the detectives. According to Rose she is an orphan raised by nuns, plain in looks, who lives a law-abiding, unexciting life until a fourth typist, Odalie, is hired to help with the increased work that will commence as the N.Y.P.D. steps up its enforcement of the Prohibition laws. As described by Rose, Odalie is a stunning beauty of such charm, wit and cunning that Rose is pulled into her lavish and daring lifestyle. The style contains overtones of The Great Gatsby as well as other writers of The Lost Generation. Ultimately, the reader is left to untangle the threads of a narrative that begs for justice. But, justice for whom?
Although the group was small in number for this discussion, there was intense debate over the characters and the final outcome. Everyone liked the setting and each had differing interpretations of the narrator as well as the narrative. (WARNING: SPOILER ALERT!) Were Rose and Odalie the same person? Did the events Rose describes as the narrator actually happen? Is Rose, in fact, Ginevra Morris, a girl from a privileged home and loving parents? Was Rose actually even a typist for the N.Y.P.D.? For the answers to these and other questions, you must read this fascinating tale, sort through the events, and use your detection skills to arrive at your own conclusions. Be sure to come back here and leave your comments so you too can be part of the discussion of The Other Typist. We hope to hear from you soon!
