The Paris AtlasCharting the artists, works, and places worth returning to.
Illustrated portrait of Judy

A character in The Dud Avocado

Judy

Sally’s sheltered young American friend in Paris, whose later marriage to Jim closes one route Sally assumed would remain available.

What they want in Sally Jay’s account

To understand the adult social world around her and find a secure life of her own rather than merely listening to Sally’s adventures.

The book

Cover of The Dud Avocado by Elaine Dundy
The Dud AvocadoElaine Dundy, 1958

A pink-haired American charges through 1950s Paris in pursuit of freedom, theater, sex, and every bad decision that promises a good story.

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At a glance

Role
Sally’s young friend
Setting
The same Paris hotel as Sally
Relationship
Later marries Jim Breit

Who they are in the book

Spoiler-free

Judy is younger and more protected than Sally, and her admiration helps Sally see herself as experienced. Their friendship also reveals how much of Sally’s sophistication depends on performance.

When Sally returns from the disastrous trip, Judy is ill and married to Jim, forcing Sally to recognize that other lives did not pause while she chased Larry.

How the book draws them

Appearance, manner, and tone — as the book sketches them, in our words.

  • Teenage American girlShe is younger and more sheltered than Sally.
  • Simple 1950s clothesHer appearance is modest rather than childish.
  • Curious attentive eyesShe absorbs Sally’s stories eagerly.
  • Gentle reserveHer quietness contrasts with Sally’s performance.
  • Close engraved bustNo hotel or studio scenery appears.
  • Muted violet accentThe color separates her from Sally’s cool blue.
What happens to JudyHow the book leaves them, what happened after, and what the record says. Open when you're ready.

When Sally returns to Paris, Judy is ill and has married Jim. Sally invents a hopeful Hollywood plan partly to comfort her.

If you like The Dud Avocado

Four books that share themes, tone, or setting with this one.

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