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mbt5180's review against another edition
2.0
Writing was just okay. The author repeatedly uses phrases that are absolutely terrible. An example is “snake uncoil in my belly” which is used over and over to describe the main character being sexually attracted to someone. The plot kind of plods through with characters being introduced early, never to be heard from again. There’s a slight twist that was fairly predictable but the victim blaming at the end of the book really just sealed my disappointment.
berenikeasteria's review against another edition
3.0
This is not the sort of book I usually pick up. As a historian my interest wanes in the 20th century onwards, and I normally go out of my way to avoid fiction in the setting, for the same reason I tend to avoid contemporary novels: I’m so familiar with it I simply find nothing new or exciting to tempt me, especially when I could be using that book reading time to read about far distant eras and places. Indeed, the setting here did not really surprise or delight me in any particular way. Rather, it was Merle Oberon’s unique experience that drew me in.
Of course, she was a tremendous success, her life as we look back on it seems as glamourous as any Hollywood starlet. And yet, alongside this astonishing sensation, her early life was incredibly hard, and after her death it was discovered that she had been forced to conceal her Anglo-Indian ancestry because bigotry would have kicked her out of the movie industry. I think this is the most fascinating aspect of the 20th century, for me: despite the incredible rush of modern technology, some of the attitudes that people held are beyond belief. Heck, the attitudes some people are still desperately clinging onto today frankly make me question their intelligence and sanity, as well as serving as a reminder that progress and modernity is an ongoing process.
The author discloses in the author’s note at the end what changes she made; they’re mostly either on the small side or else filling in the gaps in what I think is a plausible way – although Vivien Leigh fans may not be pleased.
6 out of 10
Of course, she was a tremendous success, her life as we look back on it seems as glamourous as any Hollywood starlet. And yet, alongside this astonishing sensation, her early life was incredibly hard, and after her death it was discovered that she had been forced to conceal her Anglo-Indian ancestry because bigotry would have kicked her out of the movie industry. I think this is the most fascinating aspect of the 20th century, for me: despite the incredible rush of modern technology, some of the attitudes that people held are beyond belief. Heck, the attitudes some people are still desperately clinging onto today frankly make me question their intelligence and sanity, as well as serving as a reminder that progress and modernity is an ongoing process.
The author discloses in the author’s note at the end what changes she made; they’re mostly either on the small side or else filling in the gaps in what I think is a plausible way – although Vivien Leigh fans may not be pleased.
6 out of 10
moireach's review against another edition
4.0
A story of an oridinary girl becoming a film star, based on life of Merle Oberon. I would have preferred if it was true to facts but it was highly enjoyable nevertheless.
ewormuth's review against another edition
4.0
I really like this writer. I enjoyed The Woman on the Orient Express and now Whisper of the Moon Moth. I like the way she fleshes out the stories of her chosen subjects and the way in which real people wander in and out of the novel. This book led me to look with interest further into the life of Merle Oberon and some of the other characters in the book. Ashford's writing goes down easy -- and if she changes things for the sake of telling the story, well, that's fiction, isn't it? Recommended.
tinkerbellsmyth's review against another edition
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
yasdnilr's review against another edition
2.0
Didn’t really enjoy. Characters were flat, dialogue was odd. I read Korda’s son’s Queenie a few years ago, in fact, I think I own it (?) and that was a lot better
jordynkw's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.25
janbooks's review against another edition
3.0
This was a pretty good story. Since I had never heard of the actress, I didn't get bigger down in his much was true and how much was fiction. I enjoyed it as a good novel, knowing parts were true. I have also read her Women on the Orient Express, which I also liked. Worth a read.👍
klherring's review against another edition
3.0
Interesting read! Felt the ending was rushed a little, but overall a good read