Harold Robbins, a prolific author renowned for his bold storytelling and captivating characters, has left an indelible mark on literature with his provocative and compelling novels. From the glamour of Hollywood to the gritty streets of New York City, Robbins’ works explore themes of power, passion, and the pursuit of success. With vivid prose and gripping plots, Robbins takes readers on a journey through the complexities of human nature, unveiling the dark underbelly of society while also celebrating its triumphs. Here, we present the 10 best books of Harold Robbins, each offering a unique and unforgettable reading experience.
10 Best Books of Harold Robbins
The Pirate
Harold Robbins’s “The Pirate” is a captivating story about Badyr Al Fay, a man who grows up in a wealthy Arab family without knowing his true background. He was actually born to a Jewish mother during a desert sandstorm but was raised as an Arab. This sets the stage for an intriguing narrative, especially considering the historical tensions between Arabs and Israelis.
The book vividly portrays the opulent lifestyles of Middle Eastern Sheikhs. While they uphold religious traditions in public, behind closed doors, they live extravagantly, fueled by their immense wealth from oil. It’s a fascinating contrast that adds depth to the story.
Set against the backdrop of the volatile Middle East politics and conflicts, “The Pirate” offers a thrilling read. Despite being written in the 1970s, its themes remain relevant, making it a timeless tale of power, identity, and the complexities of life in the region.
The Dream Merchants
“The Dream Merchants” by Harold Robbins takes readers back to the early days of Hollywood, when the movie industry was just starting to take off. In this captivating novel, Robbins paints a vivid picture of a time filled with ambitious people striving to make their mark in the entertainment world.
At the center of the story are characters like Johnny Edge, a hustler with big dreams, Peter Kessler, who trades his mundane life for the glitz of Hollywood, and Dulcie Warren, an actress willing to use her charms to get ahead. Their lives intersect at Magnum Pictures, where intrigue and drama unfold on the studio backlots.
Based loosely on the history of Universal Pictures, Robbins draws from his own experiences working in the industry to create a rich and engaging narrative. “The Dream Merchants” offers a glimpse into the glamour and grit of early Hollywood, making it a captivating read for anyone interested in the golden age of cinema.
The Carpetbaggers
A thrilling tale of ambition, power, and desire, The Carpetbaggers” by Harold Robbins is set in the glamorous worlds of Hollywood and the airplane industry. At its heart is Jonas Cord, a man hungry for his father’s wealth, fame, and even his wife. Alongside Rina Marlowe, a fiery screen goddess, Jonas builds an empire through sheer determination and ruthless ambition.
The story takes readers on a journey from New York to LA, as Jonas and Rina battle their way to the top, leaving a trail of enemies and scandals in their wake. Despite their success, they find that money and power are never enough. Their insatiable desires lead them down darker paths.
While considered bold and daring in its time, “The Carpetbaggers” is actually quite tame compared to modern novels. Still, it remains a gripping read, with multiple narratives intertwining around the central figure of Jonas Cord. Based loosely on figures like Howard Hughes and Bill Lear, the novel offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of Hollywood and the high-flying world of aviation during the mid-20th century.
Never Love a Stranger
“Never Love a Stranger” by Harold Robbins is a gripping story of love, crime, and redemption. It follows the life of Francis “Frankie” Kane, a boy born into poverty who grows up to become involved in the world of organized crime.
From his troubled childhood on the streets of New York City to his rise in the criminal underworld, Frankie navigates a dangerous world filled with betrayal and violence. Along the way, he falls in love with a woman named Julie, but their relationship is fraught with challenges and obstacles. As Frankie struggles to reconcile his past with his desires for a better future, he must confront the consequences of his actions and make difficult choices about the kind of man he wants to be.
“Never Love a Stranger” is a gritty and compelling tale that explores themes of love, loyalty, and the pursuit of redemption in the face of adversity. With its vivid characters and intense storytelling, it captivates readers from beginning to end.
Dreams Die First
“Dreams Die First” is Harold Robbins’ gripping debut novel that plunges readers into the gritty underworld of New York City’s Hell’s Kitchen during the Great Depression. It follows the journey of Francis “Frankie” Kane, an orphan who rises to power through the criminal underworld. From his humble beginnings, Frankie claws his way to the top, embracing a life of crime and indulging in power, wealth, and forbidden pleasures.
Set against the backdrop of a city ruled by ruthless syndicates, the novel paints a vivid picture of life in a bygone era. With concise prose and strong characterizations, Robbins captivates readers with Frankie’s relentless drive for success and his struggles against prejudice and adversity. Despite the challenges he faces, Frankie’s determination to make his mark leaves a lasting impression.
“Dreams Die First” is a compelling tale of ambition, survival, and the high price of success in a world where dreams and desires often come at a steep cost. With its gripping narrative and vivid atmosphere, it immerses readers in a world where power and passion collide.
The Betsy
“The Betsy” by Harold Robbins is an exhilarating tale of ambition, passion, and power set in the world of the automotive industry. The story follows Angelo Perino, a daring racecar driver, and Loren Hardeman, the head of a vast automotive empire. Despite their differences, they share a vision to create the world’s most advanced car, named after Hardeman’s great-granddaughter, “The Betsy.”
From the bustling streets of Detroit to the lavish estates of Grosse Pointe and beyond, the novel takes readers on a thrilling journey filled with corporate politics, scandalous affairs, and intense rivalries. As Perino and Hardeman work tirelessly to bring their dream car to life, they face opposition from within the family and encounter unexpected twists and turns along the way.
With its gripping plot and dynamic characters, “The Betsy” offers readers an inside look at the auto industry of the time, complete with all its complexities and intrigues. Fans of Harold Robbins will be captivated by this bold and entertaining story of love, ambition, and betrayal.
The Adventurers
“The Adventurers” by Harold Robbins is a thrilling tale of danger, revolution, and intrigue set in the jungles of South America. The story follows Diogenes Alejandro Xenos, known as Dax, who witnesses the brutal murder of his mother and sister by government troops. Sent to Europe by a rebel leader, Dax is thrust into the world of international bankers and diplomats, living a life of privilege as a sought-after playboy.
But beneath his glamorous facade, Dax harbors a deep hatred for the corrupt regime back home. He becomes an outlaw, leading a rebellion against the government and risking everything for a new revolution. Filled with political intrigue, violence, and betrayal, “The Adventurers” captures the sense of futility in the struggle against oppression.
Dax’s journey is one of courage and sacrifice, as he fights for justice in a world where hope seems scarce. With its gripping plot and compelling characters, “The Adventurers” is a captivating read that keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
79 Park Avenue
“79 Park Avenue” by Harold Robbins is a captivating novel that draws inspiration from real-life events and characters. It tells the story of a young woman who rises to power in New York City’s underworld.
The protagonist, like Polly Adler, becomes a prominent figure in the city’s nightlife, running a modeling agency that serves as a front for a prostitution ring. Along the way, she encounters dangerous gangsters and faces the consequences of her choices.
Filled with drama, intrigue, and suspense, “79 Park Avenue” is a gripping page-turner that keeps readers hooked from beginning to end. It’s a thrilling read that explores themes of power, ambition, and the darker side of society. For fans of Harold Robbins, this novel is a must-read, offering an immersive journey into the seedy underbelly of New York City during the mid-20th century.
A Stone for Danny Fisher
“A Stone for Danny Fisher” by Harold Robbins is a gripping tale set in Depression-era New York City. It follows the journey of Danny Fisher, a young Jewish boy who faces poverty and hardship when his family moves to the Lower East Side. Despite the challenges he faces, Danny discovers his talent for boxing and quickly rises to fame in the amateur sporting world.
However, as he delves deeper into the city’s seedy underworld, he becomes entangled in a web of violence, crime, and shady characters. Along the way, Danny forms relationships with colorful characters like Ronnie, and Sam, a slick bookie looking to profit from Danny’s success.
Through it all, Danny navigates the complexities of growing up, corruption, and the pursuit of his dreams. Filled with gritty realism and compelling storytelling, “A Stone for Danny Fisher” is a timeless classic that explores themes of ambition, hope, and the struggle for survival in a harsh and unforgiving world.
Goodbye, Janette
“Goodbye, Janette” by Harold Robbins is a captivating novel that delves into the glamorous yet tumultuous world of the fashion industry. It follows the lives of Tanya and her daughters, Janette and Lauren, who survive the horrors of a World War II prison camp in Europe. As they rebuild their lives, Tanya becomes a successful figure in haute couture, while Lauren rises to stardom as a glamorous fashion icon.
However, their paths are fraught with danger and temptation, leading them down a dark and complex journey. Through Robbins’ vivid storytelling, readers are taken on a rollercoaster ride of passion, ambition, and betrayal. While the novel contains graphic scenes, it also offers a deeper exploration of power dynamics and the complexities of human relationships.
“Goodbye, Janette” is not only an exciting read but also a thought-provoking commentary on the pursuit of wealth and power. It reminds us that success comes with its own set of challenges and that not everything is as it seems in the world of high society.
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