The New Girls

The New Girls by Beth Gutcheon is a reprint edition published by Harper Collins on May 10, 1996. This 352-page novel explores the lives of five girls during their formative prep-school years in the mid-sixties, a period marked by significant social change. The narrative intertwines their privileged experiences, such as trips to Europe and resort vacations, with the broader societal upheavals of the Vietnam War, the women’s movement, and the sexual revolution.

Readers will find a detailed portrayal of how these external events impact the girls’ lives, leading them to confront the clash between old traditions and emerging societal norms. As they navigate their adolescent experiences, the characters grapple with the loss of innocence and the development of a social conscience, ultimately discovering their identities as women shaped by the tumult of their times. This edition presents a thoughtful examination of personal growth against a backdrop of historical change.