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A review by vibeke_hiatt
The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple by Joanna Davidson Politano
4.0
This book is Joanna Davidson Politano's best book yet. She departs somewhat from her usual Victorian period and gives us an Edwardian story with a glimpse of technology. Lily Temple is a silent film actress and Peter Driscoll is the private investigator who pulls her into his adventures.
I had failed to realize just how early silent films came into existence. The cover photo of this book would suggest it takes place in the 1920s, but it actually takes place in 1903--two years after the death of Queen Victoria. We see carriages and motorcars, film sets and stage shows. Two worlds are intersecting, much like the two contrasting, yet complementary, worlds of Lily and Peter. Yet again, Politano manages to bring out a part of history I have never given much thought to.
Lily is different from Politano's other heroines, which could be what makes her a little more relatable. Feeling as though God has forgotten her, Lily has given up on God. She spends much of the story trying to decide whether or not she wants to even try to find a relationship with Him, and often resisting the idea. She is also spunky, fearless (mostly), and independent. Politano weaves the faith elements of the story with masterful subtlety, using a light touch that hits just right, never coming across as forced. Peter acts as a great foil to Lily, lighting up the page with irrepressible optimism.
I recommend this title if you are ready for an unexpected adventure you can't put down.
*Thank you to Revell Books for the advanced copy.*
I had failed to realize just how early silent films came into existence. The cover photo of this book would suggest it takes place in the 1920s, but it actually takes place in 1903--two years after the death of Queen Victoria. We see carriages and motorcars, film sets and stage shows. Two worlds are intersecting, much like the two contrasting, yet complementary, worlds of Lily and Peter. Yet again, Politano manages to bring out a part of history I have never given much thought to.
Lily is different from Politano's other heroines, which could be what makes her a little more relatable. Feeling as though God has forgotten her, Lily has given up on God. She spends much of the story trying to decide whether or not she wants to even try to find a relationship with Him, and often resisting the idea. She is also spunky, fearless (mostly), and independent. Politano weaves the faith elements of the story with masterful subtlety, using a light touch that hits just right, never coming across as forced. Peter acts as a great foil to Lily, lighting up the page with irrepressible optimism.
I recommend this title if you are ready for an unexpected adventure you can't put down.
*Thank you to Revell Books for the advanced copy.*