Plot Summary
Scandalous Summer in New York
New York City buzzes with scandal
In the summer of 2000, New York is abuzz with the scandal of Peter Cannon, a lawyer who defrauded celebrities, including Digger, a rock musician. Digger's wife, Patty, is more concerned than her husband, discussing the scandal with her sister, Janey Wilcox, a Victoria's Secret model. Janey is ambitious and self-absorbed, always seeking status and wealth. As the city thrives on scandal, Janey navigates her social circles, determined to climb higher.
Janey's Ambitions and Entanglements
Janey seeks wealth and status
Janey Wilcox is a model with dreams of grandeur, constantly seeking to elevate her social standing. Entangled with influential figures like Comstock Dibble, a powerful movie producer, Janey's ambition drives her to manipulate those around her, including her sister Patty. Her relentless pursuit of wealth and status often leads her into morally ambiguous situations, as she navigates the treacherous waters of New York's elite.
The Allure of Wealth and Power
Mimi Kilroy's glamorous world
Mimi Kilroy, a socialite and friend of Janey, epitomizes the allure of wealth and power. Married to billionaire George Paxton, Mimi's life is a whirlwind of parties and high society events. However, beneath the surface, Mimi grapples with dissatisfaction and the emptiness of her privileged life. Her affair with Zizi, a charming polo player, adds complexity to her seemingly perfect existence, highlighting the superficiality of her world.
Love, Lies, and Deception
Janey's marriage and secrets
Janey marries Selden Rose, a successful CEO, to secure her future. However, her past with Comstock Dibble threatens to unravel her new life. Comstock demands repayment for a failed screenplay deal, and Janey is caught in a web of lies and deception. She turns to George Paxton for help, manipulating him to intervene on her behalf. Janey's marriage is a facade, as she struggles to maintain her image while hiding her secrets from Selden.
The Price of Fame and Fortune
Patty's turmoil and Janey's envy
Patty, Janey's sister, faces a crisis when a tabloid exposes her husband Digger's alleged infidelity. The scandal threatens Patty's marriage, and she turns to Janey for support. Meanwhile, Janey grapples with envy of Patty's genuine love with Digger, despite the turmoil. Janey's pursuit of fame and fortune comes at a cost, as she realizes the emptiness of her achievements. The sisters' lives are intertwined with love, betrayal, and the relentless pursuit of success.
Ambitions and Parisian Reflections
Janey's Paris trip stirs memories
In Paris with Mimi, Janey reflects on her early modeling days and the compromises she made. Haunted by the feeling that she has taken a wrong turn in life, Janey is determined to regain control and respect. Her thoughts are clouded by tensions with her husband, Selden, and her ambitions to produce a film based on Craig Edgers' book. Despite the glamour of Paris, Janey is haunted by her past decisions.
Janey's Struggles and Manipulations
Janey's ambition meets resistance
Back in New York, Janey's relationship with Selden is strained. She feels disrespected, particularly after a public confrontation where Selden undermines her. Her ambition to produce a film is met with skepticism, and she struggles to assert her independence. Her interactions with George Paxton become more complex as she tries to secure his financial backing. Janey's manipulative tactics, including a brief affair with George, leave her questioning her morals.
Mimi's Heartbreak and Janey's Schemes
Mimi's affair ends, Janey plots
Mimi is reeling from the end of her affair with Zizi. Her heartbreak is palpable, and she turns to Janey for support. Meanwhile, Janey is focused on her own schemes, using her friendship with Mimi to further her ambitions. She plans to leverage George's influence to produce Craig's book, seeing it as a path to respect and success. Janey's actions are driven by envy and determination.
Confrontations and Revelations
Janey faces Selden's disapproval
Janey's marriage to Selden is on shaky ground. Selden is frustrated by Janey's relentless pursuit of her own goals, which he perceives as a threat to their relationship. A heated argument reveals deep-seated issues, with Selden accusing Janey of being self-centered. Janey, in turn, feels stifled and misunderstood. The confrontation forces Janey to confront her insecurities and the reality of her situation.
The Illusion of Control
Janey's plans unravel, seeks control
As Janey's plans begin to unravel, she grapples with the illusion of control she thought she had over her life. Her relationship with George becomes more complicated, and her ambitions seem increasingly out of reach. Janey's interactions with Mimi and Selden highlight the fragility of her world. Despite setbacks, Janey is determined to forge her own path, driven by a need for validation and respect.
Janey's Parisian Reflections and Realizations
Janey's past haunts her decisions
In Paris, Janey reflects on her life choices, feeling the weight of her past mistakes. She recalls her early modeling days and the allure of wealth and status that led her to questionable decisions. Despite her outward success, Janey is haunted by the fear that she has taken a wrong turn in life, and she is determined to regain control and respect.
The Illusion of Glamour and Control
Janey's facade begins to crumble
Back in New York, Janey's carefully constructed world starts to unravel. Her marriage to Selden is strained, and her ambitions are met with skepticism. Janey's manipulative tactics, including a brief affair with George Paxton, leave her questioning her own morals and the cost of her ambitions. As she navigates the complexities of her relationships, Janey is forced to confront the illusion of control she thought she had over her life.
Confrontations and Consequences Unfold
Janey faces the fallout of her actions
The consequences of Janey's past decisions come to a head as her secrets are exposed. Her relationship with Selden is on the brink of collapse, and she is forced to confront the reality of her situation. A scandal erupts, threatening to destroy her carefully curated image and her marriage. Janey's attempts to manipulate those around her backfire, leaving her isolated and vulnerable.
A New York Scandal Erupts
Janey's life is turned upside down
A scandal involving Janey and Comstock Dibble rocks New York's elite circles. The media frenzy exposes Janey's past and her manipulative nature, leaving her reputation in tatters. As the city buzzes with gossip, Janey is forced to confront the reality of her situation and the choices that led her there. Her marriage to Selden is in jeopardy, and she must decide whether to fight for her future or succumb to the pressures of her past.
Hollywood Dreams and New Beginnings
Janey seeks a fresh start in Hollywood
In the wake of the scandal, Janey heads to Hollywood in search of a new beginning. She is determined to reinvent herself and pursue her dreams of success in the film industry. Despite the challenges she faces, Janey remains resolute in her pursuit of success, driven by a deep-seated need for validation and respect. Her journey is marked by a relentless pursuit of her dreams, as she seeks to forge a new path and leave her past behind.
Characters
Janey Wilcox
Ambitious and conflicted protagonist
Janey is a model turned aspiring film producer, driven by a desire for respect and success. Her marriage to Selden is strained by her ambitions and his disapproval. Janey's manipulative nature is evident in her interactions with George and her attempts to secure financial backing for her film project. Her journey is marked by a struggle for control and validation, as she navigates the complexities of her relationships and the high-stakes world of New York's elite.
Patty Wilcox
Struggling with betrayal and love
Patty is Janey's sister, married to rock musician Digger. She faces a personal crisis when a tabloid exposes Digger's alleged infidelity. Despite the turmoil, Patty's love for Digger is genuine, and she struggles to reconcile her feelings with the scandal. Patty's relationship with Janey is complex, as she seeks support from her sister while grappling with her own insecurities and the challenges of her marriage.
Mimi Kilroy
Heartbroken and introspective socialite
Mimi is a wealthy socialite and Janey's friend, reeling from the end of her affair with Zizi. Her heartbreak is palpable, and she turns to Janey for support. Despite her glamorous lifestyle, Mimi grapples with feelings of dissatisfaction and the emptiness of her privileged existence. Her relationship with Janey is complex, marked by a mix of friendship and rivalry.
Selden Rose
Frustrated and traditional husband
Selden is Janey's husband, a successful CEO who struggles to understand Janey's ambitions. He is frustrated by her relentless pursuit of her own goals, which he perceives as a threat to their relationship. Selden's traditional views on marriage and gender roles clash with Janey's desire for independence, leading to tension and conflict in their marriage.
Comstock Dibble
Ruthless and manipulative producer
Comstock is a movie producer with a reputation for ruthlessness. His past affair with Janey complicates her life, as he demands repayment for a failed screenplay deal. Comstock's influence and power make him a formidable adversary, and his actions threaten to expose Janey's secrets. His relationship with Janey is marked by manipulation and deceit.
George Paxton
Influential and complex billionaire
George is Mimi's husband and a powerful figure in New York's elite circles. He becomes entangled in Janey's schemes as she seeks his financial backing for her film project. George's motivations are complex, as he balances his loyalty to Mimi with his interest in Janey. His interactions with Janey highlight the complexities of power and influence in their world.
Zizi
Charming and elusive polo player
Zizi is a polo player who becomes involved with Mimi Kilroy. His charm and charisma make him a desirable figure in New York's social scene. Zizi's relationship with Mimi adds complexity to her life, as he represents both an escape from her dissatisfaction and a potential threat to her marriage. His interactions with Janey are marked by flirtation and intrigue.
Craig Edgers
Intellectual and ambitious writer
Craig is a successful novelist whose book Janey wants to produce as a film. He is drawn to Janey's charm and ambition, and their relationship becomes increasingly complex as they navigate the challenges of the film project. Craig's intellectual pursuits and desire for recognition drive his interactions with Janey, as he seeks to balance his artistic integrity with the demands of the entertainment industry.
Plot Devices
Scandal and Gossip
Drives the narrative and character actions
Scandal and gossip are central to the story, influencing the characters' decisions and relationships. The Peter Cannon affair sets the stage for the novel, highlighting the city's obsession with scandal. Janey's life is shaped by her desire to avoid scandal while using it to her advantage. The exposure of Digger's alleged infidelity further complicates the narrative, as the characters navigate the consequences of public scrutiny.
Wealth and Power
Motivates characters and creates conflict
Wealth and power are key motivators for the characters, driving their ambitions and actions. Janey's pursuit of wealth and status leads her into complex relationships with influential figures like Comstock Dibble and George Paxton. Mimi's life is defined by her wealth, yet she grapples with the emptiness it brings. The allure of wealth and power creates conflict and tension, as characters navigate their desires and the consequences of their actions.
Deception and Manipulation
Creates tension and drives character interactions
Deception and manipulation are prevalent throughout the story, as characters use lies and deceit to achieve their goals. Janey's manipulation of those around her, including her husband Selden, highlights her ambition and cunning. Comstock Dibble's demands for repayment and Janey's efforts to conceal her past create tension and conflict. The characters' interactions are marked by hidden motives and secrets, driving the narrative forward.
Illusion of Control
Highlights character struggles and realizations
The illusion of control is a recurring theme, highlighting the characters' struggles and realizations. Janey's belief in her ability to control her life and achieve her ambitions is challenged by the realities of her situation. Her journey is marked by a struggle for control and validation, as she navigates the complexities of her relationships and the high-stakes world of New York's elite.
Analysis
Exploration of ambition and identity
"Trading Up" by Candace Bushnell delves into the complexities of ambition, identity, and the pursuit of success in a world driven by wealth and status. Through Janey Wilcox's journey, the novel explores the cost of ambition and the illusion of control, highlighting the tension between personal desires and societal expectations. The characters' interactions are marked by manipulation and deceit, reflecting the superficiality of their world. The novel serves as a critique of the relentless pursuit of success and the emptiness it can bring, offering a cautionary tale about the dangers of losing oneself in the quest for validation and respect.
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FAQ
Synopsis & Basic Details
What is Trading Up about?
- Ambitious model seeks status : Trading Up follows Janey Wilcox, a model, as she navigates the complex social circles of New York and the Hamptons, driven by her ambition for wealth, status, and recognition.
- Intertwined lives and scandals : The story explores the intertwined lives of Janey, her sister Patty, and socialite Mimi Kilroy, as they grapple with love, betrayal, and the consequences of their choices amidst a backdrop of scandals and social climbing.
- Exploration of ambition and identity : The novel delves into themes of ambition, identity, and the pursuit of success, highlighting the characters' struggles with their desires and the superficiality of their world.
Why should I read Trading Up?
- Sharp social commentary : Candace Bushnell offers a witty and insightful look into the lives of the wealthy and ambitious, exposing the superficiality and ruthlessness of high society.
- Complex characters and relationships : The novel features complex characters with flawed motivations, exploring the dynamics of love, betrayal, and the pursuit of power.
- Engaging and fast-paced narrative : The story is filled with twists and turns, keeping readers engaged as they follow Janey's journey through the treacherous world of New York's elite.
What is the background of Trading Up?
- New York City in the early 2000s : The novel is set in New York City and the Hamptons during the early 2000s, a time of economic boom and social climbing, where status and wealth are highly valued.
- Cultural obsession with celebrity : The story reflects the cultural obsession with celebrity and the media's role in shaping public perception, as seen through Janey's modeling career and the scandals that surround her.
- Social dynamics of the elite : The novel explores the social dynamics of the wealthy and powerful, highlighting the complex relationships and unspoken rules that govern their world.
What are the most memorable quotes in Trading Up?
- "If Digger needs my money that badly he can keep it." : This quote from Digger reveals his laissez-faire attitude towards money, contrasting with the materialistic values of other characters and highlighting his unique perspective.
- "You know you're a dangerous woman." : Comstock Dibble's comment to Janey underscores her manipulative nature and the perception of her as a threat within the social circles she navigates.
- "The difference between you and me is that I'm not ashamed of anything I've done in the past." : Janey's defiant statement, though not entirely true, reveals her complex character and her attempt to assert her independence and self-worth.
What writing style, narrative choices, and literary techniques does Candace Bushnell use?
- Witty and satirical tone : Bushnell employs a witty and satirical tone, using humor to expose the absurdities and hypocrisies of the characters and their world.
- Fast-paced and engaging narrative : The novel features a fast-paced narrative with frequent shifts in perspective, keeping readers engaged and highlighting the interconnectedness of the characters' lives.
- Sharp social observations : Bushnell's writing is characterized by sharp social observations and insightful commentary on the dynamics of wealth, power, and ambition in contemporary society.
Hidden Details & Subtle Connections
What are some minor details that add significant meaning?
- Cigarette butts in the chrysanthemums : Digger's habit of stubbing out cigarettes in a pot of chrysanthemums foreshadows his careless attitude towards money and his detachment from the material world.
- Janey's bitten nails: Janey's nail-biting habit reveals her inner anxiety and the emotional pain she tries to control, contrasting with her polished exterior.
- Mimi's stringy hair: The description of Mimi's stringy hair, despite her wealth and status, highlights the superficiality of beauty standards and the underlying insecurities of even the most privileged characters.
What are some subtle foreshadowing and callbacks?
- Comstock's "friends" comment: Comstock's repeated phrase, "you and I have always been friends," foreshadows his manipulative nature and the unpleasant discussion to come, highlighting the transactional nature of relationships in New York society.
- Mimi's "sweet" comment: Mimi's comment about being "sweet" to Selden Rose foreshadows Janey's later attempts to use her charm to manipulate him, highlighting the superficiality of social interactions.
- Janey's past attempts to get into Mimi's party: Janey's past attempts to sneak into Mimi's party foreshadow her later success and her complex relationship with Mimi, highlighting her ambition and determination.
What are some unexpected character connections?
- Harold Vane and Zizi: The connection between Harold Vane and Zizi, the polo player, reveals the interconnectedness of the Hamptons social scene and the surprising ways in which characters' lives intersect.
- Bill Westacott and Comstock Dibble: The connection between Bill Westacott and Comstock Dibble, who are both former lovers of Janey, highlights the small world of New York's elite and the complex web of relationships that exist within it.
- Mimi and Mauve: The friendship between Mimi and Mauve, despite Mimi's negative comments about Mauve, reveals the superficiality of social relationships and the hidden tensions that exist beneath the surface.
Who are the most significant supporting characters?
- Mimi Kilroy: As a socialite and friend of Janey, Mimi represents the allure of wealth and power, and her actions and relationships influence Janey's journey.
- Comstock Dibble: As a powerful movie producer and former lover of Janey, Comstock represents the manipulative nature of the entertainment industry and the dangers of ambition.
- George Paxton: As Mimi's billionaire husband, George represents the allure of wealth and the complexities of power, and his interactions with Janey highlight her manipulative nature.
Psychological, Emotional, & Relational Analysis
What are some unspoken motivations of the characters?
- Janey's need for validation: Janey's unspoken motivation is her deep-seated need for validation and recognition, driving her relentless pursuit of success and status.
- Mimi's search for meaning: Mimi's unspoken motivation is her search for meaning and fulfillment beyond her privileged life, leading her to engage in an affair with Zizi.
- Selden's desire for control: Selden's unspoken motivation is his desire for control and order, which is threatened by Janey's ambition and independence.
What psychological complexities do the characters exhibit?
- Janey's insecurity and ambition: Janey exhibits a complex mix of insecurity and ambition, driven by a need for validation and a fear of failure, leading her to manipulate those around her.
- Mimi's ennui and longing: Mimi displays a psychological complexity marked by ennui and a longing for something more than her privileged life, leading her to seek fulfillment in an affair.
- Selden's traditionalism and insecurity: Selden exhibits a psychological complexity marked by his traditional views on marriage and his underlying insecurity about his own worth, leading him to try to control Janey.
What are the major emotional turning points?
- Janey's realization of her feelings for Zizi: Janey's encounter with Zizi at the horse farm marks a major emotional turning point, as she realizes her feelings for him and begins to question her relationship with Selden.
- Patty's discovery of Digger's infidelity: Patty's discovery of Digger's alleged infidelity is a major emotional turning point, as she grapples with betrayal and the fragility of her marriage.
- Mimi's heartbreak over Zizi: Mimi's heartbreak over the end of her affair with Zizi is a major emotional turning point, as she confronts the emptiness of her privileged life and the consequences of her choices.
How do relationship dynamics evolve?
- Janey and Selden's marriage: Janey and Selden's marriage evolves from a seemingly perfect union to a strained relationship marked by mistrust and conflict, highlighting the challenges of balancing ambition and love.
- Janey and Mimi's friendship: Janey and Mimi's friendship evolves from a superficial alliance to a complex relationship marked by rivalry and betrayal, highlighting the fragility of female friendships in high society.
- Patty and Digger's marriage: Patty and Digger's marriage evolves from a seemingly idyllic love story to a relationship marked by betrayal and the struggle to reconcile their feelings, highlighting the challenges of maintaining love in the face of adversity.
Interpretation & Debate
Which parts of the story remain ambiguous or open-ended?
- The true nature of Janey's feelings: The true nature of Janey's feelings for Selden, Zizi, and George remains ambiguous, leaving readers to question her motivations and the sincerity of her emotions.
- The future of Janey's career: The future of Janey's career as a producer remains open-ended, leaving readers to wonder if she will achieve her ambitions or succumb to the pressures of the entertainment industry.
- The long-term impact of the scandals : The long-term impact of the scandals on the characters' lives remains ambiguous, leaving readers to speculate about their future and the consequences of their actions.
What are some debatable, controversial scenes or moments in Trading Up?
- Janey's affair with George: Janey's brief affair with George Paxton is a controversial moment, raising questions about her morality and her willingness to use sex to achieve her goals.
- Mimi's affair with Zizi: Mimi's affair with Zizi is a controversial moment, highlighting the hypocrisy of her social circle and the complexities of love and desire.
- Selden's reaction to Janey's ambition: Selden's reaction to Janey's ambition is a debatable moment, raising questions about his traditional views on gender roles and his inability to support her independence.
Trading Up Ending Explained: How It Ends & What It Means
- Janey's departure for Hollywood: The novel ends with Janey leaving for Hollywood, seeking a fresh start and a new path to success, highlighting her resilience and determination.
- Ambiguous future for Janey: The ending leaves Janey's future ambiguous, as she embarks on a new journey with the knowledge that she has to rely on herself, and that her beauty and charm may not be enough to achieve her goals.
- Cycle of ambition and reinvention : The ending underscores the cyclical nature of ambition and reinvention, as Janey continues her pursuit of success, leaving readers to wonder if she will ever find true fulfillment.
Trading Up received mixed reviews, with an average rating of 3.28 out of 5. Many readers found the protagonist, Janey Wilcox, unlikeable and shallow. Some appreciated the book as a fun, escapist read reminiscent of Sex and the City, while others criticized it for promoting vapid materialism. A few reviewers praised Bushnell's writing style and social commentary. However, the majority found the characters difficult to relate to and the plot lacking substance. Some readers struggled to finish the book, while others enjoyed it as a guilty pleasure.
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