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januaryghosts's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
It is slow at first, but then it quickly becomes easy to fall into. I have been reading a lot of Old Hollywood historical fiction lately and this is one of the few that feels deeper than just a book club novel — there’s just more substance to it. The storytelling is complicated but it’s beautiful and offers a narrative about WWII that is often unseen.
readmore150's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Brilliant and funny and heartbreaking with characters that are all too human
dolanite's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
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
5.0
This was a fantastic listen. Really funny with character depth and plot that followed not just the generations of one family, but the members of a Hollywood studio in the 1930’s and 40’s. If you like Historic Fiction or old Hollywood it’s a must read.
slampie's review against another edition
emotional
funny
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Such a phenomenal book. It looks at world war two through the lens of an expat community in Hollywood with some time in an Italian confino colony and Utah army site. The characters are really rich diverse and well drawn.The book does such a beautiful job capturing critically the contradictory politics and racism of the WW2 home front. It's also funny and I cried a lot.
rainbowbookworm's review against another edition
4.0
I knew nothing of this book when I picked it up and I was captivated by a WWII story set in Hollywood.
cat_book_lady's review against another edition
2.0
Marra's writing style is so engaging, and the concept of bringing European history into Hollywood is utterly unique. Still, I just couldn't get myself to actually care about the story or the characters, and so I had a hard time finishing it. Perhaps another story that grabs the reader's attention would be better served? I really dislike giving reviews like this because I thoroughly did enjoy Marra's prose, just not the subject of the prose. Hopefully his next novel will be just as rich but with a story that I can be invested in.
ktaylorhurley's review against another edition
4.0
This book is so different from what you might imagine looking at the title. It is incredibly well-researched historical fiction about WWII, the role Hollywood played in questionable propaganda practices, racism in Hollywood during WWII (particularly aimed at Asian and Italian emigrants), and much more. It’s also a story of resilience and creativity and love and sacrifice. The characters are so well written—all the way down to people who aren’t in the book for more than a couple pages. Ultimately, I found myself wishing for just a little more clarity in some of the ways the stores get wrapped up. But overall, I really loved spending time in this world.
leafingthroughlife's review against another edition
dark
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
waynediane's review against another edition
4.0
The underlying story is very good. Takes place primarily in Hollywood with some Italian/immigrant and Japanese racial tensions during WWII. The government comes through again putting innocent individuals in internment camps, racial profiling, and of course using them when they can be used as pawns. Unfortunately, there were times in the book where following along was a bit confusing. Overall, an enjoyable read.