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readervylan's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This is a book about LOVE, for her mother, in all of its complexities, for her own children, and romantic love for her husband.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual violence
redentrapy's review against another edition
I couldn't finish this which is sad cause the story itself is good. I know this one for me is more the writing style I had a very very hard time with it this is more preference on my part. For those who like lyrical narrative you will absolutely love this book!
harrietmarydean's review against another edition
challenging
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
laurenedoherty's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.5
eschercat's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
paulsnelling's review against another edition
4.0
A daughter’s multi layered biography of the damaged actress is addressed to her unseen partner, and in learning of her mothers’ life we also learn of how their relationship has shaped the narrator’s. We hope that Norah’s writing, in such elegant prose has brought her peace.
ifyouhappentoremember's review against another edition
3.0
I picked up this book because I am always a sucker for any story that takes place during the Golden Age of Hollywood. While this book does touch on how the Hollywood machine uses up women, the emphasis is placed on the Mother/Daughter relationship. There's nothing wrong with a book that is thoughtful and meditative, it just wasn't what I was geared for.
I think the main issue I have is that I never had a sense of the narrator, Norah's, personality. She is the observer, someone whose existence will always be overshadowed by her legendary mother, but she is just so bland. I wasn't hooked on Norah's voice because I never got a feel for her character. Norah is just... there.
I think the main issue I have is that I never had a sense of the narrator, Norah's, personality. She is the observer, someone whose existence will always be overshadowed by her legendary mother, but she is just so bland. I wasn't hooked on Norah's voice because I never got a feel for her character. Norah is just... there.
essjay1's review against another edition
5.0
Enright has such a way with her words, a unique way of stringing then together to deliver a scene. Actress is full of many such lines, and for those alone the book is a joy to read.
ja3m3's review against another edition
2.0
I know when I read a book that is literary fiction the focus will be on character development with little plot movement. I'm OK with that. But after reading this book I feel like I walked a labyrinth path led by an emotionless narrator who lost her way somewhere in the middle and is fumbling to the end. Was the story about her mother, her husband, herself? The writing is beautiful and I know I missed something important in the reading. I just don't want to go back and figure it out.