FICTION

Stars over Sunset Boulevard

by Susan Meissner
NAL. Jan. 2016. 400p. ISBN 9780451475992. pap. $15; ebk. ISBN 9780698197848. F
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Violet and Audrey meet as typists in studio executive David O. Selznick's secretary pool in 1938. Violet is recovering from a failed romance; Audrey is trying to leave family problems behind her. Gone with the Wind is filming, and Violet lands a position as the personal assistant to the set adviser. Audrey, an actress who lost her big chance, concentrates on making it in the movies. The two women eventually become roommates, saving on expenses. Bert, who has a crush on Audrey, is eventually pulled to Violet and marries her. Meissner's latest (Secrets of a Charmed Life) then follows Audrey and Violet's friendship and individual lives over the next 30 years.
VERDICT After reading this book, readers will want to watch Gone with the Wind again, as tidbits about the production are scattered throughout the novel. Violet is a deeply unpleasant character, manipulating her world just as Scarlett O'Hara does but without the charm. Readers will want to shake Audrey to make her pay attention to what Violet is doing to her life. The Hollywood moments make the book enjoyable; the take on female friendships, however, drags the book down.
Reviewed by Jennifer Mills, Shorewood-Troy Lib., IL , Jan 08, 2016
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