Published March 10, 2026
It is no secret that beauty, extraordinary beauty, can, with luck and circumstance, transcend class and status. So is the case of Evelyn Talbot, the main character in Allison Pateki’s new novel It Girl. Born into comfortable circumstances, Evelyn, along with her mother and brother, is thrown into poverty after the sudden death of their father. Money is scarce and food even dearer. On the edge of starvation, Evelyn is spotted by a local artist and hired to become an artist’s model. At 14 years of age, she experiences a meteoric rise to fame, and Evelyn is launched into the spotlight from Philadelphia to New York.
Quickly becoming the most recognized face in America, from Coca Cola calendars to the Gibson Girl, Evelyn becomes the face of a new century. As her star rises in the lights of Broadway, she catches the eye of rich and powerful men. Completely at the mercy of the desires of others, she finds her life shaped by those who wish to profit from or possess her. The story veers away from the Cinderella fantasy of happily ever after, as powerful, wealthy men rob her of her autonomy. Their power and wealth allow them to do with Evelyn as they please.
Based on the story of Evelyn Nesbit, the novel closely follows her life. Pateki does an admirable job of giving her a voice as she transforms from a hungry young girl into a strong young woman who wishes to break free from authority. It is also a fascinating look into the workings and mindset of American society in the early 20th century.
Nesbit enjoyed a very successful career, quickly becoming what is now recognized as the world’s first supermodel. She caught the eye of the famed architect who created Madison Square Garden in New York, Stanford White. However, it was Pittsburgh businessman and heir Harry Thaw whom Evelyn eventually married.
Harry Thaw (L) and Stanford White, Image from Wikipedia.
Thaw would go on to shoot and kill Stanford White on the rooftop of Madison Square Garden, resulting in what was called the Trial of the Century. The winding road that this story takes to reach this moment, as well as the creative license that Pateki takes with the facts, makes for a riveting read. In this version of the story, Evelyn is given a voice, direction, and a strong character that resonates with today’s post #MeToo world. As to why the main players’ names are changed from Evelyn Nesbit to Evelyn Talbot, Stanford White to Stanley Pierce, and Harry Thaw to Hal Thorne, it is important to read the author’s note at the end. In it, Pateki makes an eloquent argument for the creative liberties she took.
This is not an easy read. Parts of the first half are deeply uncomfortable, and there should probably be trigger warnings in the description summary for sexual assault and sex with a minor. However, I do highly recommend this book. It is an immersive experience from start to finish.
