55 pages 1 hour read

Jacqueline Susann

Valley of the Dolls

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1966

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Chapters 3-7 Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapter 3 Summary: “Neely, January, 1946-March, 1946”

When Neely’s performance in Hit the Sky impresses critics and audiences, a talent agency contacts her, offering her the opportunity for her own show. The three protagonists move together into the apartment of Adele, Gino’s ex-girlfriend. Neely, now to be trained by Zeke Whyte, brings a huge piano into the apartment and trains tirelessly. Everyone is stunned by the excellence of Neely’s show. She receives a contract from Century Pictures in Hollywood. Only Mel, now her husband, is not enthusiastic, since he doesn’t know what he will do in California.

Chapter 4 Summary: “Jennifer, December, 1946”

Sharing a crowded apartment with Anne, Jennifer takes red dolls for the first time to help her sleep. She decides that her surest way to financial security is marrying Tony. She lures him to the apartment one night when they are supposed to go out clubbing and attempts to seduce him, saying they must go to Maryland that night and get married or she will never let him touch her. As she tempts him, a telegram arrives for Anne, saying Anne’s mother has died. While Jennifer tries to contact Anne on the phone, Tony rapes her and promptly drops the idea of going to Maryland.

Jennifer goes to Lawrenceville with Anne and stays with her until the funeral is over.