Teddy

I found the premise and setting and period of this book irresistible! And it didn't disappoint. Gripping and thrilling, with fascinating moments of political intrigue. The plot unravels wonderfully, with a satisfying end and a cast of dazzling characters. I loved it!

This book is so beautifully written. The time period has been captured spot on, and there was obviously a lot of research undertaken to describe Rome in the 1960's. I think nearly everyone will be able to identify with Teddy's character in some way. The over-eating, drug taking and spending is so sensitively addressed yet still highlights the struggles that Teddy deals with on a daily basis. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a great read.

If I could award this book a 10 I would. It reminded me of Ibsen's "Dolls house" and the film "Don't worry darling".
It tells the claustrophobic, constraining life of Teddy, a glamorous Texan women of 34 who believes she has achieved the dream of her family as well as herself when she marries David. A man who plays the role of her oppressor as he upholds a patriarchal system. Together they move from America to Rome where he is seconded as a diplomat in the American embassy. Here we see a lonely and isolated Teddy who soon realises that her self has been diminished. She must live on an allowance determined by her husband and adopt the role of a housewife.
Teddy learns that her husband has been keeping their marriage a secret when she receives a late invitation to the Embassy's party. While she is scolded for embarrassing him by getting drunk and daring to dip her toes into the pool, she wins over the ambassador "The wolf" and his wife Lina. Her life begins to improve when she takes on the task of itemising and categorising the art throughout the place. Despite this upturn she is introduced to substances by a rather unscrupulous doctor to make her happy, sleep and just exist. - it seems to be normal for the women to keep them functioning and manageable.
The book explores the idea of women in a patriarchal society where they are stifled and judged differently to their male counterparts. Teddy lost her virginity at her coming out ball but it was drilled into her as being a visible stain men could see. She is surrounded by objects that lunch dates, women are expected to desire. While she makes continuous efforts to live by these rules she can't help but fail. She sees her behavioural traits as mirroring that of her Aunt Sister who appears to have been the rebel and whose behaviour led her to undergo a horrifying treatment to pacify her "self" mood.
There are so many aspects to this novel as it consists of interviews between Teddy and authorities and narrative where we witness the dark secrets of her own family in particular the women and just how far men will go to achieve their goals. For me I was cheering all the way for Teddy especially when she asserts her own independence and flies the nest.
Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this NetGalley. Sheer brilliance.

Oh my gosh, my new favourite character just landed. Teddy is such a fascinating and fun character to read and I loved her story! I loved how she simply doesn't care about the men around her - nor should she - and everything she does is for her own gain. This is truly if Betty Draper had stayed in Rome and I will be pushing it into the hands of everyone!

What an utter, utter delight.
Teddy is a novel that has clearly been deeply researched, and written by its author, Emily Dubai, with the utmost tenderness and care. Everything about it felt authentic, from its setting and dialogue, to the descriptions of the fashion and architecture of the time, as well as Teddy’s deepest fears, insecurities, and realisations.
Teddy is a romp, Teddy is a joy, Teddy is a book I wish I could read for the first time all over again. THIS is how to do historical fiction, in my eyes. Thank you to the publisher, thank you to NetGalley, and thank you to Emily Finlay for what’s certain to be a complete summer scorcher. If I could buy shares in this book I would. It’s that good.

In Emily Dunlay's captivating novel "Teddy," readers are transported to the glamorous and tumultuous summer of 1969 in Rome, where the allure of Cinecittà and the intrigue of international politics collide to create a riveting tale of deception and redemption.

The protagonist, Teddy Huntley Carlyle, embarks on a journey of self-discovery and reinvention as she navigates the high society of Rome with her new husband. Dunlay expertly captures the essence of the era, painting a vivid picture of a world filled with glamour, secrets, and unexpected twists.

As Teddy's carefully crafted new life unravels on the Fourth of July, the novel takes a thrilling turn, propelling Teddy into a web of intrigue and danger. The juxtaposition of Teddy's desire for a fresh start and the shadows of her past creates a compelling narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

Dunlay's masterful storytelling and rich character development breathe life into Teddy and the vibrant backdrop of Rome, creating an immersive reading experience that blends romance, suspense, and historical intrigue seamlessly. "Teddy" is a captivating and evocative novel that delves into themes of identity, redemption, and the consequences of one's past actions, making it a must-read for fans of historical fiction and suspenseful storytelling. Emily Dunlay's "Teddy" is a gripping and enchanting tale that lingers in the mind long after the final page is turned.

I missed Teddy as soon as I turned the final page. Evocative, moving, and slyly political, I just adored it. And I adored her most of all, beautiful, underestimated Teddy,

My eye was caught by the cover of this book, and then the opening drags you straight in - Teddy being interviewed by police and letting you know that a dress covered in someone else's blood is in her laundry basket.

What follows then is the story of the events that led up to that night, taking you to Rome, Texas and places in between, and shopping at Dior. for a whirlwind of parties. But is it all it's cracked up to be?

The story then brings you up to the current day and then goes forward to how things have ended.

Thoroughly enjoyed the work through the story, but was left a little frustrated by the ending.

4.5
We have Teddy, a glamourous 30 something Texan beauty with secrets bigger than my future and David, who works for the American embassy in Rome.
Teddy has had a bad time with men and when she meets David, she decides she will settle down and marry him. Then we enter 1960s Rome, and wow, what a a ride. All of a sudden Teddy's past is behind her, she is a wife, she is rubbing shoulders with all the big names, and she has a little job. Until, her past catches up to her. What are her secrets? What did she do? Why are the police interviewing her?

I was HOOKED. I absolutely loved reading about 1960s Rome and the whole culture. I loved Teddy, she was such a sweet character, a little misguided at times but sweet. David was a bit sus from the beginning but I think he really tried in his own way.

This is a story of power, corruption, glitz and the not so glamourous. Highly recommend.

Had seen quite a lot of mentions of this book on bookstagram so had to request. I really enjoyed it and would love to read more from the author.

A really wonderful read Teddy is a great character a story full of glamour that I enjoyed from beginning to end.Would make a juicy series.#netgalley #4thestate

A wonderful read! Emily writes the 60s Rome world so well. I really felt as if I was there. I loved the political spin on this, it kept the narrative engaging and well paced.

The perfect book to read on a Saturday night with a cocktail in hand! Reading "Teddy" by Emily Dunlay is like peeking behind the velvet curtain into a world of glitz, glamour, and juicy secrets set in 1960’s Rome!

First off, let's talk about Teddy. She's a whirlwind of chaos and charm. With a past she's desperate to keep buried, you'll be on the edge of your seat trying to unravel her mysteries.

And the setting? It's like stepping into a time machine to Rome in the '60s. The descriptions are so vivid, it really teleports you into the story!

The story unfolds through a police interview. It's like getting VIP access to Teddy's innermost thoughts and secrets. This concept was so interesting to me as I felt I was reading her diary! It was really fun.

I couldn’t put this books down once I got started! I can’t wait for more from this author!

I wasn’t sure where this book was going, at first. It follows Teddy Huntley, a member of a wealthy and well connected Texan family, in the early days of her life as a newly wed in Rome. She’s introduced trying to hide a blood stained dress. The structure has Teddy being interviewed by… police? Special agents? And the mystery of what led her to this point drives the novel.

Entertaining and twisting, it explores a complex and interesting mind. Teddy is used to being underestimated and misunderstood, and the novel shows her growth and attempts to break out of the box others have put her in.

Glamorous, atmospheric and page-turning, TEDDY will absolutely be the hottest book of summer 2023. I loved experiencing Teddy’s tense and carefully constructed world of 1960s Italy, her world felt like MAD MEN meets THE BELL JAR. I particularly loved the detail-oriented setting, Dunlay brings Rome to life in a way that reminds me of Winman’s STILL LIFE, you can feel the heat and the history. An absolute must-read!

What a glamorous book, very excited to read and share Teddy’s adventures, I think this would make a great movie or book club choice. Who doesn’t love 1960s glamour packed with suspense and adventure. Will be sharing a full review soon!

This was perfect companion reading for the latest series of Feud, which at the time of writing covers Truman Capote and his Swans (socialites). Capote’s high society scandals are slightly later than the time frame of this book, but the atmosphere and milieu are very much aligned: diplomacy, depravity and decadence fused with sharp dressing and a whip-smart central voice (I noted down so many beautiful metaphors and other descriptive language).

The thinking woman's beach read this summer - a compulsive page-turner with a chaotic but oh-so-relatable heroine who finds herself caught in a net of political machinations and unwise affairs.