Workhorse by Caroline Palmer review

January 22, 2026

TL;DR

Caroline Palmer, a former Vogue staffer, has written the debut novel "Workhorse."
The novel is set in the "dying days of a golden age of women’s glossies" during the first decade of the new millennium.
The protagonist, Clodagh (Clo), is a "workhorse" from a suburban background striving to succeed in a world of "show horses" in the magazine industry.
"Workhorse" is compared to "The Devil Wears Prada" and other "young woman comes of age in New York City" narratives, as well as grifter stories.
The protagonist, Clo, is described as a liar, thief, and alcoholic, driven by class envy and internalised misogyny, though her observations are often witty and hilarious.
The novel follows Clo's rise from an underling to an editor, featuring observations on the fashion industry and relationships, including an obsession with a colleague, Davis Lawrence, and a friendship with Harry.
A critique suggests the novel is too long (over 500 pages) and that spending so much time in the protagonist's head becomes challenging, with a recommendation to cut a third of the length.
The book touches on the shallowness and ruthlessness of the fashion industry, but also explores the "emotional burden carried by the perpetual outsider."
The novel prompts reflection on the sacrifices made in pursuit of ambition and the potential sadness in achieving life goals.

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