A sweeping new work of historical fiction from Natalie Jenner!
Thank you to Austen Prose, St. Martin's Press and Natalie Jenner for my spot on this tour and gorgeous gifted edition of Every Time We Say Goodbye by Natalie Jenner. Out now!
Synopsis:
The bestselling author of The Jane Austen Society and Bloomsbury Girls returns with a brilliant novel of love and art, of grief and memory, of confronting the past and facing the future.
In 1955, Vivien Lowry is facing the greatest challenge of her life. Her latest play, the only female-authored play on the London stage that season, has opened in the West End to rapturous applause from the audience. The reviewers, however, are not as impressed as the playgoers and their savage notices not only shut down the play but ruin Lowry's last chance for a dramatic career. With her future in London not looking bright, at the suggestion of her friend, Peggy Guggenheim, Vivien takes a job in as a script doctor on a major film shooting in Rome's Cinecitta Studios. There she finds a vibrant movie making scene filled with rising stars, acclaimed directors, and famous actors in a country that is torn between its past and its potentially bright future, between the liberation of the post-war cinema and the restrictions of the Catholic Church that permeates the very soul of Italy.
As Vivien tries to forge a new future for herself, she also must face the long-buried truth of the recent World War and the mystery of what really happened to her deceased fiancé.
My review:
Atmospheric and well-researched, Jenner vividly portrays two timelines with incredible detail in this immersive page-turner. It was fascinating to learn how the glamour of the era and the burgeoning Italian film-making community rubbed up against the censorship of the Vatican and other factors that shaped Italy as it was recovering from the tragedy of war. Hardship and loss are examined, but the moving story is ultimately hopeful. Vivien is a resilient and strong FMC, and reading the continuation of her journey after Bloomsbury Girls and witnessing the emotions and growth she shows was a treat. Some scandal and fun celebrity cameos round things out. Historical fiction lovers will want to add this well-written book to their tbr!
My steep was Alizes Winds Tea from Palais Des Thes
A green tea with peach and orange blossoms
#historicalfiction #histfic #nataliejenner #everytimewesaygoodbye #janeaustensociety #booktour #bookfeature
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