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kelseyat's review
3.0
An ambitious book that explores a lot of questions: about women, about mothers and daughters... and also burlesque and the turbulent 1960s American world of Sinatra, the Kennedys and Marilyn Monroe. I liked Vivian as a character, even when she's quite unlikeable. I found my attention lagging during some of the Celia bits, where Vivian imagines her mother's past (and I never could quite get my mind to accept that Vivian would be writing the Celia parts in such great detail, and with such great skill), and during the second half of the book there are lots of the Celia story (which is increasingly convoluted). But Livingston is definitely a talented writer and this is a book worth reading.
hallerellie's review
5.0
I feel so sad that I’m finished this book. I LOVE a story that’s a really good length and lasts for a while and completely engages me, and this book did that. It was so glamorous yet also so real at the same time, taking these big names of celebrities and bringing them down to a relatable level where I felt like I knew them. I met Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin and Bobby Kennedy and so many others, all so intimately through the eyes of a girl I really felt I understood. There were such parallels in the lives of the mother and daughter and yet the secrets were kept from Vivian until it was too late; or maybe not too late, because it made her realize how she was being treated and allowed to her walk away from her bad crap all on her own. (When she said goodbye to Frank I actually cheered out loud) I just was so engaged with Celia’s story and enjoyed every minute of it. And then to see Vivian grow up at the same time and be so proud of her by the end was so great. Just real good I would recommend this ✨✨✨
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