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book_concierge's review against another edition
3.0
Digital audiobook performed by Blair Brown
3.5***
Historical fiction based on real-life Hollywood drama: the love affair between Loretta Young and Clark Gable that resulted in a love child.
I like Trigiani’s writing. I like the way she draws the reader in and moves the story forward. Because I already knew the basics of this story I did feel somewhat impatient to “get on with it.” And yet, the “will they / won’t they” (or more accurately, “when and how will they”) did add to the tension and kept me turning pages.
I really liked the secondary story of Alda and Luca – two people who met because of their work with the movies and the movie stars. Their steady love story is a direct contrast to the multiple relationships / marriages / breakups / divorces of the Hollywood stars.
I was also happy to learn more details of the intricate relationships between Hollywood legends such as Spencer Tracy, David Niven, Jean Harlow and Carole Lombard. And to get a peek at the difficulties of filming on location. Reading this book made me recall all those movies I watched with my mother on TCM, “wasting” half a day (or more) sitting up in her bed with coffee and cinnamon rolls, entertained by the glamour of the Golden Age of Hollywood.
Blair Brown does a marvelous job of performing the audiobook. A trained actress, she really brings the characters to life. And I’m glad she didn’t try to imitate the distinctive voices of the Hollywood legends.
3.5***
Historical fiction based on real-life Hollywood drama: the love affair between Loretta Young and Clark Gable that resulted in a love child.
I like Trigiani’s writing. I like the way she draws the reader in and moves the story forward. Because I already knew the basics of this story I did feel somewhat impatient to “get on with it.” And yet, the “will they / won’t they” (or more accurately, “when and how will they”) did add to the tension and kept me turning pages.
I really liked the secondary story of Alda and Luca – two people who met because of their work with the movies and the movie stars. Their steady love story is a direct contrast to the multiple relationships / marriages / breakups / divorces of the Hollywood stars.
I was also happy to learn more details of the intricate relationships between Hollywood legends such as Spencer Tracy, David Niven, Jean Harlow and Carole Lombard. And to get a peek at the difficulties of filming on location. Reading this book made me recall all those movies I watched with my mother on TCM, “wasting” half a day (or more) sitting up in her bed with coffee and cinnamon rolls, entertained by the glamour of the Golden Age of Hollywood.
Blair Brown does a marvelous job of performing the audiobook. A trained actress, she really brings the characters to life. And I’m glad she didn’t try to imitate the distinctive voices of the Hollywood legends.
libwinnie's review against another edition
3.0
Former nun Alda takes a position as personal assistant to actress Loretta Young. The story follows the two of them through decades of romance and loss, including Loretta's scandalous relationship with Clark Gable.
mschrock8's review against another edition
5.0
Another good one by this author. We also recently watched "Big Stone Gap" as a movie.
samanthamoore's review against another edition
emotional
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity and Pregnancy
Moderate: Death, War, and Miscarriage
lehc1984's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
readingbee24's review against another edition
4.0
This was a beautiful story. This is my first novel for Adriana and it was a page-turner for me.
cassiebartelme's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I didn’t know anything about Loretta Young so it was fun to learn something about her and those in her orbit in this fictional history of old Hollywood. Kudos to the author for capturing the vibe I associate with this period- the writing style matched the time period really well.
wdecora's review against another edition
5.0
This is where I confess that as a fan of Old Hollywood, I did not know who Loretta Young was and that this is a fictional version of her life story. I obviously knew who Spencer Tracy, Clark Gable, Carole Lombard, etc. were, but thought Adriana had just woven a great story around those people. Then I checked wikipedia and felt stupid. Regardless, it's a GREAT book and highly recommended.
kdurham2's review against another edition
4.0
Check out the full review at Kritters Ramblings
A look behind the scenes of Hollywood, but not contemporary Hollywood, old Hollywood! The days of Clark Gable and Loretta Young and the times of Hollywood when actors were almost assets of a studio and the business of Hollywood was very different then what it is today. Even though the book definitely focuses on the "relationship" between Loretta and Clark, I enjoyed reading about the directors, scene painters, costume and make up and the other characters involved in the movie business.
Although the book had some absolute ups and downs, if you know me at all, you know that I love any behind the scenes look, whether that be Hollywood or the middle of nowhere, I like the opportunity to take a peak behind closed doors - even if it is in fiction! This book made me want to go watch the movies that are made during this book.
A look behind the scenes of Hollywood, but not contemporary Hollywood, old Hollywood! The days of Clark Gable and Loretta Young and the times of Hollywood when actors were almost assets of a studio and the business of Hollywood was very different then what it is today. Even though the book definitely focuses on the "relationship" between Loretta and Clark, I enjoyed reading about the directors, scene painters, costume and make up and the other characters involved in the movie business.
Although the book had some absolute ups and downs, if you know me at all, you know that I love any behind the scenes look, whether that be Hollywood or the middle of nowhere, I like the opportunity to take a peak behind closed doors - even if it is in fiction! This book made me want to go watch the movies that are made during this book.