The Dollhouse

The Foreword establishes the Barbizon Hotel for Women’s historical significance as a residence for ambitious young women in mid-20th century New York City. While some residents, like Grace Kelly, achieved fame, most lived ordinary lives. The author reflects on a brief visit to the building after its conversion into condos, noting the lingering presence of a few original residents. This encounter sparked the author’s curiosity about the lives lived within the hotel’s walls, setting the stage for the narrative.

In September 1952, a young woman arrives at the Barbizon Hotel. A hotel maid observes her unfashionable clothes and nervous demeanor, predicting that she will not last long. The maid reflects on her own ambitions and the distinct social worlds coexisting inside the hotel.

In 2016, Rose Lewin cooks for her boyfriend, Griff Van Doren, while reflecting on their relationship and speaking with his hostile teen daughter. On her way to the store, Rose shares an elevator with a mysterious, veiled elderly woman. The doorman, Patrick, identifies the woman as Miss McLaughlin, one of the original tenants.