For more than half a century, the red leather diary languished inside a steamer trunk. Rescued from a Dumpster on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, it found its way to Lily Koppel, a young writer, who opened its tarnished brass lock and journeyed into an enthralling past. The diary painted a breathtaking portrait of a bygone New York—of glamorous nights at El Morocco and elegant teas at Schrafft’s during the 1920s and ’30s—and of the headstrong, endearing teenager who filled its pages with her hopes, heartaches, and vivid recollections. Intrigued, Koppel followed her only clue, a frontispiece inscription, to its now ninety-year-old owner, Florence Wolfson, and was enchanted as Florence, reunited with her diary, rediscovered a lost younger self burning with artistic fervor.
Joining intimate interviews with original diary entries, The Red Leather Diary re-creates the romance and promise of a remarkable era and brings to life the true story of a daring, precocious young dreamer.
I first learned of The Red Leather Diary a few weeks ago when I read this guest post on Book Club Girl,written by the author, Lily Koppel. As a lover of social history, I was captivated by the story of the discovery of the diary and its glimpse into a by-gone time. Even more amazing is the connection Koppel made with the diary’s author, Florence Wolfson, completing the circle and following up on the stories within the pages of the diary.The paperback was released just a few weeks ago by Harper Perennial. It is chock-full of original diary entries, annotated by Koppel’s research including extensive interviews. The exclusive Harper Perennial P.S. Sectionincludes more information about Koppel’s research techniques, her work as a journalist, and recent entries from Wolfson’s current diary. Check out The Red Leather Diary’s website, which features the material from the P. S Section, reading group guide, and this lovely video:
I haven’t yet read my copy cover-to-cover, but I have leafed through every page to look at the numerous captioned photos. Wow, this is a book for anyone who is interested in family history, Depression-era Manhattan, or women’s lives. I expect to see this book passed between mother and daughter, and at many book groups this spring!
I’ve teamed up with the publisher to offer FIVE COPIES of The Red Leather Diary to readers of my blog. To enter the giveaway, simply leave a comment below, indicating whose diary you would be thrilled to discover. Giveaway is open to US and Canada residents only, no P. O. Boxes, please. Enter by midnight on February 16; winners will be chosen in a random drawing and announced on February 17.
Update: The giveaway has ended and this post is now closed to comments
Oh my gosh, this is an exciting giveaway! I would be excited to discover the diary of Cleopatra.
I agree with Kathy, this is an exciting giveaway! I would love to find my great-grandmother Annie’s diary: she was born in India, spend her teenage and early adulthood years in England and then emigrated to Canada, so I’m sure she’d have interesting tales to tell. Then again, a diary by any of my ancestors would thrill me!
This book sounds great. Actually, I would love to discover some of my own diaries. I received my first diary from my aunt and uncle, when I was 6. I think it would be interesting reading for my daughter (who is 7). I don’t think the diaries are lost, per se, just misplaced in some boxes from our move just over a year ago …
This sounds like a great book, what a cool giveaway
I agree with Betty and Boo’s Mommy, I’d sort of like to find my old diaries. I have no idea what happened to them, but I bet they would be a laugh. Or maybe my mom’s diary from when she was a girl — I don’t know if she kept one, but if she did I’d love to find it.
What a fantastic giveaway!
Family legend has it that my great-grandfather killed his brother in a “hunting accident,” and then married his brother’s widow. I’d love to find his diary and read the true story.
If I found a diary, I would want it to be Princess Diana’s.
I’d love to find the diary of hilary clinton, during her white house years!
Great giveaway. I’d like to read a diary of Sally Hemmings, learn how she felt about Thomas Jefferson, and their relationship.
I would love to find Nefertiti’s diary.
Sounds like a fascinating book. I would love to discover a diary from one of my great-great grandmothers.
I’d love to read the diary of my maternal grandmother. She raised 11 kids and out-lived 3 husbands and I’l like to know how she managed.
No need to enter me, my friend. I’m just dropping in to say thanks for the e-mail. I’ve got this listed at Win a Book.
I want to read Tamora Pierce’s diary. How on earth can she write all that she does? And how interesting must her inner life be?!
I would love to read Marilyn Monroe’s diary!
I’d love to read my sisters diary lol, because she’s always had a much more interesting life then me so I’d be curious to know what it was like for her.
This book sounds fascinating! I love depression-era writing and would love chance to win a copy of this book.
I would love to discover the diary of Anne Boleyn.
I just found this blog – love it! Can I enter the giveaway?
I’d love to discover a diary written by my grandma, who passed away when I was just three. I’d love to know her better through her written words and find out if I have any of her traits in my personality.
I’m really looking forward to reading this book — here’s hoping I win a copy! Right now, I am reading ETTA by Gerald Kolpan. I’m loving this book, but since it is about 97% totally made up, I can’t help but wonder what her life was really like – I’d love to read her diary.
geebee.reads AT gmail DOT com
I would love to find the diary of a Native American woman living in the New England area around the time of the Pilgrims to see what they thought of the new people coming to their land.
jgbeads AT gmail DOT com
I would love to read Stephenie Meyer’s diary and find out what was running through her head during the writing of the Twilight series.
Deidre
sounds like an awesome read thanks for the giveaway
Would love to read the diary of Elvis Presley!
I have been obsessed and would love to find Queen Ann Boelyn’s diary.
I would love to be entered Dawn. A diary I would love to discover would be of either my baba or one of my great-grandmas just to discover what their lives would have been like in the old country. Thanks for the giveaway.
I would looove to find Harry Houdini’s Diary
Thank you for offering this giveaway! eyeslikesugar [at] gmail [dot] com
I’d love to find a diary written by my father, who died when I was a toddler.
Amelia Earhart’s diary I would love to read!!!
Thanks for the giveaway, I hear all good about this book!
Darby
darbyscloset at yahoo dot com
I would love to find and read a diary by my great-grandfather who was a Docter…Dr Waller Parker. Many mystories in my family geneology and sure could use a dairy that belonged to him.
This sounds so interesting! I would love to find the diary of Jackie Kennedy. Thanks!
This sounds amazing! I’d love a chance to win it.
Thanks for hosting the contest!
– Memory
xicanti AT gmail.com
I would like to find a diary of my great-great grandfather Nealie. He was an Irish immigrant and not much is known about his life before he ended up in Iowa though there are plenty of stories.
I’d love to find the diary of Katherine the Great! Thanks for the giveaway.
If I was to find anyone’s diary, I’d have to say…Oscar Wilde I believe. I think that would be highly fascinating.
-Lauren
lauren51990 AT aol DOT com
I would love to read Anne Boelyn’s diary!
I blogged about your giveaway here:
http://teddyrose.blogspot.com/2009/01/this-weeks-giveaways-galore_31.html
I’d love to read my great-grandmother’s diary! She lived in the South when slaves were still held. She was against slavery. I’d love to read her thoughts!!
Eek! I’ve wanted to read this since the first article came out.
Thanks for doing this giveaway!
I’d love to find Cole Porter’s diary. I’m sure it’d be both fabulous and somewhat depressing. I have (an edited version of) Noel Coward’s diary, but it’s not the same.
I would LOVE to read a diary written by Octavian Augustus Caesar. Oooo, or the Marquis de Sade.
Valorie
morbidromantic@gmail.com
I would be thrilled to discover the diary of my mom’s birth mother. We have found out who her birth mother was, but there are so many details surrounding the birth of my mom that we do not know (like who her father was). As for famous people, I think I would like to discover the diary of Elvis.
akreese (at) hotmail (dot) com
I would want to find one from my grandfather. I never knew him as he committed suicide when my father was a young child. I would like to learn something about him and about his side of the family. I feel like something is missing because there are family ties out there somewhere and I don’t know how to find them. Thanks for the great giveaway!
This book sounds like an incrediblely good read.
This book is on my wishlist and I can’t wait to read it! I would be thrilled to discover a diary written by my mother and/or grandmother. My mother was born/raised in Germany and had a challenging past growing up during war times and other life events. She doesn’t often like to talk about all that has happened in the past so reading about it would be wonderful.
wow this one sounds so interesting! i would love to be entered!! and i would love to be able to read marie Antoinette’s diary!
nicolemarielum(at)gmail.com
I would love to discover the Diary of Frida Khalo or Diane Von Fustenberg….
The book sounds really interesting, would love to read it!
Louisa May Alcott’s. I want to see what life was really like for this strong minded woman trapped in a repressive society.
The diary of Esther (from the bible) or Anastasia. This sounds like something I would be very interested in, thanks for the opportunity to win!
I would love to read this,
Thanks!
My answer isn’t going to come as a surprise to anyone but I would LOVE to discover Walt Disney’s personal diary/ journal.
No need to enter me though.
This was a great book! I borrowed it from the library last year, but would love to have a copy of my own. I wish I could find my Grandmother’s diary.
This book looks interesting. I’d love to read it. Please enter me. I’d love to find my Mother’s diary.
[...] Red Leather Diary by Lily Koppel. I’m co-hosting a giveaway of this amazing true story; check the links in the sidebar [...]