Three novellas which, in a good way, feel like reading gossip, or do we call that social history?

Anyway, Joe Malloy loves the people he's talking about as he reflects on their mishaps, failed marriages, and his own romantic letdowns. The women are, for me, the most striking and engaging aspect of his work; he's empathic but not sentimental, nor is he moralising. Just broads beefing and getting theirs, whatever, and however that may be, while Joe tags along.

Plus, the man writes like someone who goes to every party and comes home a little sad, which he does plenty of.

Oh, and the dialogue is gorgeous.

I enjoyed Appointment in Samarra and BUtterfield 8, but O'Hara's novellas and short stories are where it's at imo.