March 1977 Popular Library MASS MARKET PAPERBACK, Helen Van Slyke (The Heart Listens). The power and the passion of the rich and the righteous. Dorothy – a dazzling beauty who agreed to play the perfect wife in public at a price that made her husband’s life a private hell. Bridget – the high-powered career woman who never mixed business with pleasure, until she found herself drawn to the man who was her most dangerous rival. Marjorie – who tried to be a Total Woman to the husband she loved, but had to turn to an illicit lover for fulfillment. Rose – who married her husband when he was just starting up the corporate ladder, and now desperately feared she was being left behind. Patricia – who knew that business was her tycoon husband’s whole life, and searched for a way to keep it from killing him. Five women – each seeking a different kind of happiness, each paying her own price. – Amazon
Dive into the opulent and tumultuous world of "The Rich and the Righteous" by bestselling author Helen Van Slyke. This compelling mass-market paperback, a first thus edition published by Popular Library in 1977, offers a captivating glimpse into the lives of five extraordinary women navigating love, ambition, and societal expectations amidst the glittering backdrop of wealth and power. Helen Van Slyke, renowned for her insightful portrayals of women's lives and her ability to capture the complexities of relationships, delivers a powerful narrative that resonates even decades after its initial release. Often compared to authors like Jacqueline Susann and Judith Krantz, Van Slyke carved her own niche with her honest and often daring explorations of female desire and agency. She masterfully delves into the hidden struggles and secret desires that simmer beneath the surface of seemingly perfect lives. In "The Rich and the Righteous," you'll meet Dorothy, a woman whose stunning beauty hides a desperate bargain. She's agreed to play the role of the perfect wife in public, but the price of her compliance is a private hell for her husband. Then there's Bridget, the driven career woman who has always kept business and pleasure separate, until she finds herself irresistibly drawn to her most formidable rival. Marjorie, a devoted wife striving to be the "Total Woman," discovers that her marital love isn't enough and seeks fulfillment in a forbidden affair. Rose, who stood by her husband's side as he climbed the corporate ladder, now grapples with the fear of being left behind as his success continues to grow. And finally, Patricia, who watches helplessly as her tycoon husband becomes consumed by his business, desperately searches for a way to save him from self-destruction. Through these interconnected stories, Van Slyke masterfully examines the multifaceted nature of happiness and the sacrifices women make in its pursuit. Each character's journey is fraught with challenges, forcing them to confront their deepest fears and make difficult choices. The novel explores themes of love, betrayal, ambition, societal pressure, and the search for self-identity. "The Rich and the Righteous" is a captivating read that will stay with you long after you turn the final page. Experience the allure and the heartache of high society in this classic novel by a beloved storyteller. This vintage paperback edition is a must-have for fans of women's fiction and anyone who appreciates a compelling exploration of the human condition. Don't miss the chance to own this piece of literary history!