This book, like so many dealing with 'movie stars' seems to depend on name dropping of films (or' pictures' as they are often referred to), actors and actresses. It does give some insight in to the plight of women in the movie industry at its beginning. For someone who is interested in the movie industry in it's infancy, this would be a good book.
This is certainly a novel for classic movie lovers. Featuring Mary Pickford, actress, and Frances Marion, screenwriter, the book follows the women throughout their lives. Driven by different goals. each is portrayed with the realism that greets women who pursue careers in a male dominated industry. Their lives were at first closely linked but as Frances became known for her writing talent their lives diverged.
Mary's fans saw her as a curly haired child, an image she clung to desperately throughout her life. She had been on the stage since she was eight, taking taking care of her family. Frances was more realistic, understanding that her career could grow through ups and downs. She recognized, too, the value of maintaining a personal life, sometimes distancing herself from work..
It's an entertaining read that examines lifelong friendship, careers, and life itself. The story also provides a provocative indepth view of the movie industry of the time.
Mary's fans saw her as a curly haired child, an image she clung to desperately throughout her life. She had been on the stage since she was eight, taking taking care of her family. Frances was more realistic, understanding that her career could grow through ups and downs. She recognized, too, the value of maintaining a personal life, sometimes distancing herself from work..
It's an entertaining read that examines lifelong friendship, careers, and life itself. The story also provides a provocative indepth view of the movie industry of the time.
The Girls in the Picture by Melanie Benjamin is the story of the friendship between Frances Marion and Mary Pickford. Given that this is a story of two strong women, I find it odd that only one of them is the narrator. I also find it odd how much of the book focuses on their relationships with men. I find it most odd that the characters don't jump off the page and come to life in their strength. Nevertheless, as historical fiction, the book accomplishes one thing I love about the genre. I read the fiction, and then take off on a treasure hunt for the facts of the history.
Read my complete review at http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2018/04/the-girls-in-picture.html
Reviewed for NetGalley
Read my complete review at http://www.memoriesfrombooks.com/2018/04/the-girls-in-picture.html
Reviewed for NetGalley
This book was very interesting. It was about the friendship between Mary Pickford and Frances Davis. Frances was a screen writer (one of the first in the industry). It gave a wonderful idea of what Hollywood and movie making in the early 1900's was like and what women were up against.
The Girls In The Picture is Melanie Benjamin's 5th historical fiction novel. We are introduced to the friendship of Actress Mary Pickford and the screenwriter Frances Marion. They both have helped grow the Hollywood film industry to what it is now.
There is something about the way author Melanie Benjamin writes. She captures conversations and scenes, then mixes them with true history. When combining those things it is hard to believe that the exact conversations and/or character traits she described may not be exactly true. Mrs. Benjamin historical fiction books are hard to believe that they are part fiction. I fall into every scene believing pretty much everything because it is so realistic.
I had a hard time writing this review. I finished this book a while ago but did not want to write the review because it kind of marks it as a goodbye to the book. Now it is the long wait for the next book by Melanie Benjamin. It makes me sad to have to wait. I just adore the people she has introduced me to. The only thing that helps me (at least after this book) is to watch some of Mary Pickford's and Frances Marion movies. I would read more books about them as well but my TBR pile is insane at moment.
The Girls In The Picture has also come out at the perfect moment especially because of the rise of female empowerment at the moment. Mary and Frances helped create major roles for women in Hollywood. They ignited the fire that women are still trying to live up to and keep that fire lit.
There is something about the way author Melanie Benjamin writes. She captures conversations and scenes, then mixes them with true history. When combining those things it is hard to believe that the exact conversations and/or character traits she described may not be exactly true. Mrs. Benjamin historical fiction books are hard to believe that they are part fiction. I fall into every scene believing pretty much everything because it is so realistic.
I had a hard time writing this review. I finished this book a while ago but did not want to write the review because it kind of marks it as a goodbye to the book. Now it is the long wait for the next book by Melanie Benjamin. It makes me sad to have to wait. I just adore the people she has introduced me to. The only thing that helps me (at least after this book) is to watch some of Mary Pickford's and Frances Marion movies. I would read more books about them as well but my TBR pile is insane at moment.
The Girls In The Picture has also come out at the perfect moment especially because of the rise of female empowerment at the moment. Mary and Frances helped create major roles for women in Hollywood. They ignited the fire that women are still trying to live up to and keep that fire lit.
