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The Starlet: A Novel (2010)

by Mary McNamara(Favorite Author)

3.39 of 5 Votes: 1

ISBN

1439149844 (ISBN13: 9781439149843)

languge

English

genre

Fiction

publisher

Simon & Schuster

review 1: I picked up this book expecting one thing and found something else. A very enjoyable read, characters that were equally likeable and irritating, and there was depth to the story that I had not expected at all.The mystery aspect of the story was reactionary, none of the characters really did anything to progress the mystery plot line, but things happened that they reacted to and the mystery played itself out. The story wrapped itself up neatly in the last three chapters, a bit rushed and left open enough that I can see a sequel involving many of the main characters.The writing style was ok. The dialogue was great and authentic feeling. There were prose-y type scene descriptions at the beginning of each chapter, which I learned to just skip over - they were not good or neces... moresary leadins to the plot action. Occasionally scene descriptions would interrupt the flow of the action and I would have to go back a few paragraphs to pick up on the dialogue flow. I think this writer has a great writing style when she isn't "forcing" a descriptive scene. I think there is a lot to be said about minimalism and letting the reader fill in the blanks.All said, I will be watching this author and adding her books to my TBR list.
review 2: I adored Mary McNamara's first book Oscar Season and The Starlet did not disappoint. The cover continues that theme and is even more striking with the bold red, white and black motif. The story really seems ripped from the pages of today's TMZ and is amazing. I know this had to have been written at least a year ago, but the main character of Mercy Talbot really looks like she is based on the wreck of the minute, Lindsay Lohan. And without giving away too much, the death of Mercy's costar seems plagued with Heath Ledger and David Carradine issues--or does he? Combine all of your favorite guilty pleasures of reading in this perfect book for summer. McNamara's beautiful writing will also make you want to get on the next plane to Italy and visit Tuscany. I have been there once before and this really makes me long for the food and scenery which is all perfectly described. I can only imagine that with the author's history in writing for the LA Times entertainment section, that a lot of this story is based on true facts and real people. You just have to change the names to protect the guilty. less

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