I needed another book set in the 1920s for Jazz Age January hosted by Books Speak Volumes, so I went with Katie’s (Words for Worms) suggestion of The Other Typist by Suzanne Rindell. Instead of being your typical flapper age, gin soaked romp, The Other Typist is a psychological thriller soaked in champagne.
So what am I really saying? First, I loved The Other Typist. Rindell is a very good writer. She presents us with a rather unreliable narrator in Rose, a plain looking typist at a police station in Manhattan. Unreliable narrators are a bit of a soft spot with me, so I was thrilled. As the story progresses, Rose drops hints that she is now in a psyche hospital for unknown, but rather dark reasons. These reason have to do with Odalie, a true flapper through and through, who comes to work as the other typist at the precinct. Slowly the lives of Rose and Odalie become so intertwined that they cannot be separated.
I don’t want to give too much away about The Other Typist. I will say that it was full of surprises. It was kind of a Jazz Age combination of The Talented Mr. Ripley and the movie Single White Female. The end threw me for a complete loop and like Katie, I’m not completely sure if I understand what happened in the end.
Who would like this book? I would not put this book in the category of literary – it was definitely a psychological thriller. It was fairly fast paced, but was atmospheric enough to give a good sense of 1920s New York. There were speakeasies and bathtub gin, a little violence and on the fringes sat gangsters. For me the best part was Rose who saw the world around her from a unique perspective.
52 books or bust 
This book has been on my radar since it came out, but this is actually the first review I’ve read of it. It does sound good for when I’m in the mood for something a little different from my usual reading. Thanks!
Yeah, it’s kind of light, but I found it suspenseful with A great twist at the end.
Sounds fun, I have this book on my shelf…somewhere, will have to read it
I feel like a celebrity since you took one of my recommendations. I must know though. How did you feel about the ending?! Do you think it was a, uh, single person scenario or different folks? That was vague enough to not be spoilery right?
I really liked the ending, though I’m not exactly sure I know what really happened, but as I read it i was jumping up and down on the couch. That’s usually a good thing.
And remember, you are a celebrity!
I recently picked up a copy of this book and after reading your review, I’m very excited to get to it! This sounds like a very exciting read 🙂
I picked up a copy recently and can’t wait to read it!
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I LOVED The Other Typist. GREAT read.
My only complaint is that I couldn’t figure out the ending. 🙂
THANKS for sharing.
Elizabeth
Silver’s Reviews
My Blog
I’m not sure if i knew what was happening in the end either, but i liked it.
Hi Tanya,
The review you posted for The Other Typist by Suzanne Rindell read to me like you demonstrated impartiality and insight. You stated your thought the way you should. I appreciate that you show both fairness and balance in your reviews. I will be following your other reviews with interest.
Thanks!
Thanks. In writing my reviews I think it is important to remember that not every book is for every reader. The only way people will become readers is by finding the books that appeal to them.
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