Showing posts sorted by relevance for query book. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query book. Sort by date Show all posts
Monday, 31 October 2022
New dates added to Carrie Hope Fletcher's debut tour
More dates have been added to award-winning stage sensation Carrie Hope Fletcher’s debut solo tour due to phenomenal demand.
Carrie Hope Fletcher - An Open Book will see the musical theatre star, author and vlogger play a series of unmissable theatre shows in May and June 2023, with new shows added in Oxford, Liverpool, Leicester, Milton Keynes, Southend, Bath and Glasgow.
Performing songs from her incredible West End and touring career, fans can look forward to hits from Heathers, Les Misérables, The Addams Family and many more, interspersed with chat about Carrie’s fascinating life and career.
Tickets for the new dates are on general sale from 10am, on Friday, November 4 from www.cuffeandtaylor.com
Carrie Hope Fletcher - An Open Book 2023
18-May Bradford, St George’s Hall
19-May Oxford, New Theatre
21-May Southampton, Mayflower Theatre
22-May Norwich, Theatre Royal
25-May London, The London Palladium
27-May Llandudno, Venue Cymru
28-May Salford, The Lowry
29-May Birmingham, Symphony Hall
21-May Sheffield, City Hall
01-June Liverpool, Empire Theatre
02-June Nottingham, Royal Concert Hall
03-June Newcastle, O2 City Hall
04-June Edinburgh, Festival Theatre
06-June Leicester, De Montfort Hall
07-June Milton Keynes, Milton Keynes Theatre
09-June Southend, Cliffs Pavilion
10-June Bath, The Forum
11-June Glasgow, Theatre Royal
Speaking about Carrie Hope Fletcher - An Open Book, Carrie said:
“I am so excited to be preparing for my first ever solo tour – and to be adding new dates is absolutely fantastic.
“A solo concert tour is something I have wanted to do for some time, and it’s great to be able to visit even more places and meet even more fans.
“I adore being on stage and am fortunate to have performed in so many theatres, but there’s something very special about being able to get out on the road and visit some beautiful theatres around the UK.”
Earlier this year, Carrie was named best performer in a female identifying role in a musical as the title role in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cinderella. Most recently, she has wowed critics in a new revival of Brecht’s The Caucasian Chalk Circle and is now preparing for her pantomime debut as the villain Carabosse in Sleeping Beauty at The Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury.
Carrie, who has an impressive three WhatsOnStage Awards to her name, has enjoyed a breath-taking career since her West End debut at the age of nine playing Young Éponine in Les Misérables.
Since then, Carrie’s theatre credits include Fantine in Les Misérables: The Concert, Veronica in Heathers, Wednesday in The Addams Family, Éponine in Les Misérables, both Truly Scrumptious and Jemima in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Beth in Jeff Wayne’s War of the Worlds and Jane Banks in Mary Poppins.
When she’s not treading the boards of the West End’s biggest stages, Carrie is also a best-selling novelist, Top 20 recording artist and respected vlogger with her popular self-titled music and vlog channel attracting more than a million views a month.
Carrie Hope Fletcher - An Open Book is presented by Lambert Jackson, Live Nation and Cuffe and Taylor.
Jamie Lambert, of Lambert Jackson, said:
“Carrie Hope Fletcher - An Open Book presents an opportunity to take one of the West End’s most celebrated and successful leading stars to theatres across the UK.
“There has been a phenomenal demand for the tour so we are delighted to be adding extra dates so even more people will be wowed by the stunning voice of Carrie, while also getting an insight into her incredible career.”
Cuffe and Taylor Director of Theatre Touring Ben Hatton added:
“We are very excited to be presenting Carrie’s debut UK tour, and it is testament to her great popularity that we’re adding these dates. Carrie is the most wonderful musical theatre talent and audiences will absolutely love this show.”
For more information about Carrie Hope Fletcher - An Open Book and to secure tickets head to www.cuffeandtaylor.com
Monday, 4 June 2018
When The Curtain Falls (Book), Carrie Hope Fletcher | Review
When the Curtain Falls by Carrie Hope Fletcher
Published: 12th July 2018 by Little Brown Books
★★★★★
The latest edition in Carrie Hope Fletcher's book empire, When The Curtain Falls (the same title as her debut album) is all about theatre and romance, aka, my dream. The book follows two young lovers, Oscar Bright and Olive Green as they meet backstage whilst performing in a revival of a show in which tragedy struck 50 years earlier. Through a series of flashbacks and memories, we discover what happened to the original lovers, Fawn Burrows and Walter Brown, and whether tragedy is set to strike again. With heartache, tragedy, theatre and a little bit of magic, When The Curtain Falls is the perfect read to wrap you up and transport you to the glittering lights of the West End.
Carrie's writing is lyrical but easy to read. Reading her books feel as though you're listening to a friend talk; When The Curtain Falls especially, has a relaxed feel about it.
In a previous review of All That She Can See I wrote that Carrie's writing has a theatrical feel, this is obviously even more evident in this story which is all about the stage, performing and backstage antics. There are a whole host of stagey references which any avid theatre fan will love spotting. I especially loved the fact that the first musical Olive saw was Beauty and the Beast, which was my first too and that she lives in Turnham Green- West London represent!
The section at the start where Olive is talking about being in the 'theatre world' and the 'real world' is just one very interesting and relatable moment. When you go to shows a lot and are part of the theatre scene it feels like it's the only thing that exists and that everyone knows everyone, but once you go back to the 'real world' very few people have the same connections. It’s the same with theatre stars, at their theatre they are famous, signing autographs and standing for photos but once they turn the corner they blend into the crowd and normal people wouldn't bat an eyelid seeing them. This ramble has very little relevance to this review, other than saying that it's very clever how Carrie has worked tidbits of the musical theatre world into the story without making it overbearing or factual. The entire story flows with the ease of watching a really good show.
The romance between the lead couple is extremely sweet, if at times cringey. You can almost see the way the pair look at one another and at times it feels like we're invading a private moment whilst we read. The mirrors between the 1952 relationship and the current one are well written and interesting to see. All the characters are well developed and I couldn't help but wonder if anyone, especially Tamara, is based on anyone Carrie has come across in her career! With Moulin Rouge vibes, I can so see this story as a swooping romance film.
When The Curtain Falls is a theatre fans dream. With stagy references, a beautiful romance and some unexpected plot twists, there's not much more you could ask for in a book. This is certainly my favourite of Carrie's novels and I hope she continues to include theatre in her work. I also hope that the magic of this book will welcome new people to the theatre so they can experience whatbthe stars of the story do (perhaps with less drama though!)
It's clear how much passion and love Carrie has for the stage and it really comes across in her heartfelt writing. I urge you to pick up When The Curtain Falls and to escape into a beautiful world for a few hours.
Review by Editor, Olivia Mitchell
{AD PR Product- book gifted in exchange for honest review}
Sunday, 20 February 2022
All Our Hidden Gifts by Caroline O'Donoghue Book Review
All Our Hidden Gifts by Caroline O'Donoghue
Published: 1st July 2021 by Walker Books
★★★★★
I read this gem of a YA debut release as part of the Tandem Collective read along for the release of this book and the second in the series All The Gifts That Bind Us and I'm so glad it pushed me to pick it up. It's such a well written book that's full of magic and coming of age discoveries.
Maeve Chambers doesn't have much going for her. Not only does she feel like the sole idiot in a family of geniuses, she managed to drive away her best friend Lily a year ago. But when she finds a pack of dusty old tarot cards at school, and begins to give scarily accurate readings to the girls in her class, she realises she's found her gift at last. Things are looking up – until she discovers a strange card in the deck that definitely shouldn't be there. And two days after she convinces her ex-best friend to have a reading, Lily disappears.
Can Maeve, her new friend Fiona and Lily's brother Roe find her? And will their special talents be enough to bring Lily back, before she's gone for good?
This book feels like it's come at a perfect time given how popular crystals and the magical arts are. With the resurgence showing all over social media and providing a focus and outlet for many young people. What lovely about this book is how author Caroline O'Donoghue writes about it really respectfully as well as bringing to light the history and importance of these traditions. I think it really shines a light on how helpful they can be for young people to feel strong and empowered.
Despite this being a story about magic, what really drew me into it was O'Donoghue's wonderful portrayal of teens, with Maeve, Fiona, Roe and Lily all feeling honest and alive. They not only have a great chemistry with one another but are so diverse in their passions and personalities, they feel truly representative of the world we live in today and the friendship groups which exist. Nothing about it feels like a box ticking exercise, it's natural and genuine. I also love that each character feels incredibly important. Although Maeve is technically the lead, all the characters are very well developed, with their issues and lives brought to the forefront for moments to really let them shine.
The narrative itself is engaging, with the mystery of Lily's disappearance and Maeve's discovery of her powers and the social issues addressed make it more than just a fluffy, quick read. It discusses Ireland's social history and raises important conversations such as LGBTQ+ rights, gender politics and ingrained familial pressures.
All Our Hidden Gifts is a brilliant YA novel that I'd highly recommend reading and am sure the rest of the series will be just a good.
{AD PR product- book gifted in exchange for honest review}
Tuesday, 28 November 2023
He Sang to Me by Casey Tyler book review: A Delightfully Cheesy Ode to Broadway Romance
Self Published: 3rd October 2023 by Truelove Publishing
Casey Tyler's debut novel, He Sang to Me is a book that unabashedly caters to the delulu girlies, and as a self-proclaimed member of that tribe, I found myself both cringing and grinning through its pages. This 320 page tale, is reminiscent of a sweet and charming fanfic; intertwining the enchanting worlds of Broadway and romance – two of this reader's, favourite things.
The narrative unfolds amidst the hustle and bustle of New York City, and the author's vivid descriptions and location name drops skilfully bring the city to life. As well as this the pages are dotted with stagey references that act like hidden treasures for theatre enthusiasts like myself. The book really evokes the frenetic energy of the theatre district and certainly sparked my desire to hop on a flight back to New York to explore every corner of the city.
He Sang to Me follows Sunday Truelove, an aspiring actress who moves to New York to pursue her dreams. Within moments she wins tickets to the hottest show on Broadway and whilst she's there has a magical encounter with the leading man and famous British actor, Tyler Axel. From here the two enter a fairytale romance and discover whether they're truly meant to be.
Honestly, it's as cheesy as it sounds and I kind of loved it. There are all the classic tropes, from being spotted by paparazzi to caring for the sick partner and in a way it's pretty iconic. On the other hand, it's pretty basic. The characters aren't particularly developed, Sunday has extreme 'not like other girls' energy which is a little grating and the book, at times, tips into self-indulgence and lacks a grounded narrative. Despite the characters being in their late twenties and thirties, their personalities and emotional journeys comes across quite immature and lean towards a younger audience. It's clear that a bit more editing and development could add a layer of realism to their characterisations. Some of the British aspects were also inaccurate and took me out of the world a little but these are definitely things that could be tweaked and edited for future prints. Nevertheless, the book shines in capturing the essence swooping romance and is a sweet stagey story, with some charming moments.
There are elements of the characters that I truly enjoyed such as Sunday's bright eyed optimism and Tyler's love for his family and his craft. I know I would fall for an ex-Fiyero with a killer voice, although in my experience they're never quite as unproblematic as Tyler!
The rest of the characters, while somewhat idealised, form a found family that's lovely to discover. The friendships and relationships are sprinkled with relatable moments, creating a sense of nostalgia for those who have ever dreamt of having a dreamy friend group.
The musical theatre aspects of the story are really fun but I do think it would be interesting to include more of the backstage aspect of Broadway. With both of the leads being so heavily ingrained in the world, it would be easy to explore but a lot of the plot points surrounding it are quite surface level and because of the idealised world they are living in, the challenging realities of the Broadway business don't get a light shone on them. I definitely think this is a story that could benefit from a sprinkle of grit to elevate it to the next level.
Casey clearly has a love and talent for writing and whilst I found the initial chapters a bit heavy-handed with unnecessary descriptions, the writing blooms and improves throughout and it's quite wonderful that she's has taken the plunge to write and self publish the story, I'll certainly be keeping an eye our for future (hopefully stagey) treats.
In a nutshell, He Sang to Me offers a quick and enjoyable escape for fans of theatre, celebrity/normal dating dynamics, and the allure of found family tropes. While it may not be a polished piece of literature, its endearing charm, lively New York setting, and relatable theatrical moments make it a worthwhile indulgence for those in need of a cosy break from reality.
Reviewed by Olivia
Follow Casey to keep up with her writing journey
{AD PR product- book gifted by author}
Thursday, 29 August 2024
A Sweet, Sun Soaked Read: Enemies to Lovers by Laura Jane Williams | BOOK REVIEW
Enemies to Lovers by Laura Jane Williams
Published: 15th August 2024 by Penguin Books
Enemies to Lovers by Laura Jane Williams is a sweet, fun read that I lapped up, especially given the perfectly matched setting—I read it on a beach in Greece, just like the characters’ family holiday destination! The novel is a delightful blend of summer vibes, humour, and romance that will satisfy any reader.
As the name suggests, the plot follows the classic enemies-to-lovers trope, with two characters who initially clash but gradually uncover deeper feelings for each other. The dynamic between the leads is engaging, filled with sharp banter and witty exchanges that had me chuckling throughout. The chemistry is undeniable, and Williams does a great job of building tension between them before allowing the romance to blossom in a satisfying way.
One of the standout elements of this book is its summery atmosphere. The vivid descriptions of the Greek island transported me directly into the story. The lazy days, family dinners, and warm evenings in Greece are beautifully captured, making it the perfect companion for a beach holiday, or to transport you if you're at home.
However, the pacing of the novel felt a bit uneven at times. While the initial setup and the growing attraction between the characters were well-paced, certain parts of the middle dragged, and I found myself wishing for a bit more momentum. That said, the book’s charm lies in its light-heartedness and the way it effortlessly combines humour with heartfelt moments.
Williams also delves into the topic of mental health, which adds a layer of depth to the otherwise breezy narrative. The portrayal is sensitive and relatable, particularly in how the characters’ past experiences shape their present behavior and relationships. This aspect of the story felt authentic and necessary, though it might not be as thoroughly explored as some readers might hope.
Overall, Enemies to Lovers is an enjoyable read that perfectly captures the essence of a summer romance, especially if you happen to be reading it in a similar setting. While it didn’t resonate with me quite as strongly as Our Stop by the same author, it’s still a sweet story with plenty of witty one liners, warmth, and heartfelt moments to keep you engaged. If you’re looking for a book that combines sun-soaked settings with a feel-good romance, this one is worth picking up.
★★★
Reviewed by Olivia
{AD PR Product- book gifted by publisher in exchange for honest review}
Wednesday, 13 November 2019
Mary Poppins, Prince Edward Theatre | Review
Mary Poppins
Prince Edward Theatre
Reviewed on Tuesday 5th November 2019 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★
Since she landed umbrella in hand, the mystical nanny Mary Poppins has been a much loved character. From the hit Disney film to a number of revivals and performances around the world, there's something universally adored about the feel-good story of the Banks family, so it's no surprise that the musical is once again gracing the West End. It's a musical full of sparkle, magic and wow factors but at times feels as though it's on just for the sake of being on.
In this musical, co-created by Cameron Mackintosh, with additional songs by Stiles and Drewe and a book by Julian Fellowes, the moral aspect of the story is strongly highlighted, as are the darker sides of the original book. The story of Mr Banks' redemption and the importance of making the correct moral choices for those around you remains ever relevant but much of the secondary plot feels somewhat dated and not relevant for a modern audience. Of course this isn't the making of a show, and with something like Mary Poppins it's mostly about the nostalgia and feel-good-factor but for a show that runs almost three hours long, some tweaks to make it more engaging wouldn't have gone amiss.
However, this is a show about compassion and the cast do a joyous job of bringing the story to life with energy, wonder and colour. Thanks in part to Bob Crowley's sets and costumes which are structured, colourful and all around excellence. The house which opens like the pages of a pop-up book is magnificent each time it's seen; and the plain park which becomes a psychedelic garden of amusement is completely brilliant. Sparkly costumes and beautifully tailored coats adorn the stage and evoke the joy from both the book and film well.
Stiles and Drewe's songs are much darker and sharper than those we've grown up with, with 'Playing the Game' bringing toys to life as the stuff nightmares are made of. Elsewhere scenes are taken from book to stage effectively and interestingly. Overall the musical is a whole lot of sugar with a little bit of spice thrown in for good measure... just how Mary Poppins would like it I assume!
Richard Eyre has directed a show for adults and children which brims with surprise but at times lacks sufficient pace. However, the choreography by Matthew Bourne and Stephen Mear is sophisticated, sharp, witty and utterly first-rate. 'Step in Time' is a complete highlight as the stage comes to life with sweepers and leading man Charlie Stemp literally walks on the ceiling.
Stemp's entire performance is a masterclass in stage presence. His continually fresh characterisation completely draws the audience in as he moves and speaks with a natural grace and charms everyone who witnesses him. Additionally his rapport with Strallen's Mary is genuine and engaging. Zizi Strallen makes the famous nanny her own as she floats around the stage with a whimsical but grounded air and takes on the leading role excellently. Elsewhere Amy Griffiths is touching and vocally excellent as Mrs Banks and the entire ensemble give top notch performances.
Yes, this show is lacking at times but much of the time it's a feast for the eyes and ears and is sure to be enjoyed by many so why not take a trip to see magical Mary float in on her brolly right in front of your eyes.
Mary Poppins is currently booking at the Prince Edward Theatre until 31st May 2020, tickets are available at www.londonboxoffice.co.uk
photo credit: Johan Persson
Wednesday, 15 April 2020
Laura Cassidy's Walk of Fame, Alan McMonagle | Book Review
Laura Cassidy's Walk of Fame by Alan McMonagle
Published: 5th March 2020 by Picador, Pan Macmillan
Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars
As a theatre fan (note: obsessive), I was thrilled when I was asked to review this book all about one young lady's journey to achieve her dream of stardom. Now it was not exactly what I expected. I had pictured Laura taking part in a rom-com esque battle to fight opposing actresses and pull out all the stops to achieve a coveted space on stage, and whilst that is a part of the story, the real driving force is Laura's mental struggles and falsely inflated sense of ego and stardom.
During childhood, when Laura's mother and sister were asleep, her father would fill her head with dreams of stardom as they watched classic films. When her father dies, Laura's whole life turns upside down and she never recovers from the trauma. Now in her mid 20s she hasn't managed to take Hollywood by storm and she lives an unbalanced life.
When a new Director comes to town, Laura thinks she will finally get her big break as Blanche DuBois in his new production of A Streetcar Named Desire. In an attempt to fulfil herself and make her father proud, she makes it her mission to land the role.
Needless to say, things don't go quite to plan. With Laura's globetrotting sister returning home and her kind-of boyfriend helping fill her head with daydreams, Laura begins a downward spiral and her feet fall out from beneath her in her own personal, Galway version of Streetcar.
I can't say this is in my top reads ever, but there's certainly some good moments and it's a very unique way to portray mental health. It's a hard book to explain because it doesn't really fit into a category. There are elements of contemporary chic-lit as well as darker moments, but it's never really dark enough to really be affective. Laura is continually an unreliable narrator so it's difficult to know how we should react. This partly makes it entertaining, having to try and pull apart the characters motivations and truth of her stories, but a lot of the time it feels laborious.
I found the writing somewhat hard to get into, which in part I think is intentional as it shows Laura's fragmented thought patterns, however, this didn't make it the most well paced book. The character development of course is essential but due to this, the key plot points often feel rammed in.
However, in saying all of this, I certainly think McMonagle has done a great job of showcasing passion for performing, and effectively creates some humourous scenes. There's a lovely sense of optimism throughout and you can't help but admire Laura's fervent desire to get her name on the Hollywood Walk of Fame!
Review by Olivia Mitchell
{AD PR Product- book gifted in exchange for honest review}
Wednesday, 17 November 2021
My Name is Not Wigs, Angela Cobbin (Book) | Review
Published: 11th November 2021 by Brown Dog Books
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
If you're a theatre fan (which I'd assume you are if you're reading this) then I would urge you to pick up My Name is Not Wigs! by Angela Cobbin. It's not just a look at theatre but it provides a deep dive into what goes on behind the scenes, and a look at all the hard work which goes into learning and perfecting a craft.
The book is an enticing and enthralling journey through theatre, fashion and history as Angela goes from a hairdresser/manicurist in the 1960s, to a wig maker for massive West End and Broadway shows. What's lovely about this book is that it feels like chatting to an old friend. Angela's writing is witty and natural from page one, with the whole thing reading like a very entertaining and humourous train of thought.
Angela expertly makes us feel part of her backstage adventures without being excessive or including gossip to make things seem extra dramatic. As far as stagey memoirs go, this is up there with the most entertaining and certainly broaches an aspect which is not often written about. Angela's career is super interesting, with so many exciting moments combined with hard graft. The beautiful imagery included in the book adds another element and takes you through the various locations Angela mentions. I particularly loved the photo of Angela's work place Nathans at the start which was so evocative of the time- I felt like I could breathe in the photo and would absolutely love to watch a film set purely in that work room!
My Name is Not Wigs is a fascinatingly beautiful insight into what goes on behind the scenes at theatres as well as a celebration of a theatrical aspect which is so important to shows but often goes unsung. My Name is Not Wigs! is a perfect addition to a theatre fan's bookshelf and you'll never watch a show without paying special attention to the hair on the characters heads after reading it!
My Name is Not Wigs! is available for purchase now
Tuesday, 18 July 2023
Talking at Night by Claire Daverley book review: A Captivating Journey into the Depths of Human Emotion
embraces the honesty of life, presenting stories that feel authentic and sincere"
Talking at Night by Claire Daverley
Published: 6th July 2023 by Michael Joseph
★★★★
Talking at Night by Claire Daverley is a beautifully quiet treasure of a book, taking readers on a heartfelt journey, through the complexities of human relationships. Daverley's storytelling is absolutely exquisite diving into the world's of her characters, leaving readers teary eyed and filled with a whirlwind of emotions.
The characters in Talking at Night are expertly crafted, with each one feeling genuine and relatable, baring their fears, insecurities and dreams for all to see. Daverley skilfully delves into their minds painting a picture of their struggles and victories. The protagonist, Rosie's, path of self discovery is captivating and truly inspiring while the supporting characters add a level of richness and depth that elevates the narrative and fully engages the reader.
The novel embraces the honesty of life, presenting stories that feel authentic and sincere. It beautifully showcases the significance of "normal" lives reminding us that they hold just as much magic and worth as those portrayed in larger than life media tales.
One of the books highlights is the interweaving of dual timelines featuring Will and Rosie, the leads. This technique enriches the plot and offers a reflection, on how our past shapes our present and future.
Daverley's poetic prose is another strong aspect of Talking at Night. Her use of words is incredibly powerful and she manages to captivate readers, by immersing them in the emotional world of the novel, never shying away from tackling difficult subjects. The exploration of themes like love, loss, forgiveness, and redemption are so thoughtfully handled, making the novel resonate on a profound level. The vibrant descriptions enable readers to feel the characters happiness and sadness as if they were personally involved resulting in a reading experience that's reminiscent of watching a film. Fans of Love, Rosie and Me Before You will certainly enjoy this tale.
My only slight reservation is that, in a few instances, the pacing felt slightly off and there was a slight lag. However, this is a minor flaw which doesn't really detract from how strong this book is, and in some ways could be seen as reflection of life and the up and down pacing of the real world off the page.
Talking at Night is an exceptional work of fiction that should be celebrated for its thought-provoking themes, remarkable character development, and lyrical prose. Claire Daverley has crafted a tale that tugs at the heartstrings and lingers in the mind, making it a must-read for anyone who appreciates a deeply moving and immersive literary experience. I wholeheartedly recommend this novel and hope that it will stay with you long after you've turned the last page.
Reviewed by Olivia Mitchell
Tuesday, 21 April 2020
City of Girls, Elizabeth Gilbert | Book Review
Life is both fleeting and dangerous, and there is no point in denying yourself pleasure, or being anything other than what you are."
City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert
Published: 4th June 2019 by Bloomsbury Publishing
★★★★★
This book is just a dream. From page one I was completely absorbed in the glorious world Elizabeth Gilbert has brought to life. I was so wrapped up in it all, that I felt like I'd open my front door and be on the bustling streets of 1940s Manhattan... needless to say I could not open said door because #lockdown but what a welcome escape from all the craziness.
In 1940, nineteen-year-old Vivian Morris has just been kicked out of Vassar College, thanks to her lacklustre engagement in her studies. Her parents send her to New York to live with her flamboyant aunt Peg, who owns and lives in a crumbling theatre called the Lily Playhouse. It's here that Vivian's life changes as she's introduced to a host of charismatic and larger than life luvvies. Her life changes to a mile-a-minute wild ride that has it's fair share of highs and lows. Without giving too much away, this is a coming of age story and a love story that's a joy to read.
I inhaled this book for a few reasons, firstly because I love theatre and I love New York, so I just wanted more of the sumptuous descriptions of the wildly theatrical life Vivvie was living in the Big Apple. Secondly because of the writing itself; Gilbert gives so much life and energy to her characters that they really feel real. I actually cannot believe I can't google search them and endlessly find information about the stars mentioned. Each character is fantastically defined with differences, attractiveness and flaws that make them both vivid an truthful.
With Mrs Maisel vibes in terms of the humour and boldness of it all, this is a dream for anyone wanting a bit of glamour in their life. If we weren't in lockdown I think I'd now be on the hunt for a whole new wardrobe and copious Gin Fizzes!
What's also miraculous about this book is that it manages to be utterly laugh out loud humourous and lighthearted, whilst also being profound and inspiring. I did find a few times when the story lagged and I certainly think I could have been cut down in length, but I still wolfed it down!
This is a captivating, evocative, entertaining and moving read that I loved and would highly recommend for anyone wanting glamour, theatre and emotion.
Tuesday, 25 March 2025
Summer in the City by Alex Aster: A Romance for the Delulu Girlies | Book Review
Summer in the City by Alex Aster
Published: March 2025 by Bloomsbury
I finished this book with tears in my eyes and love in my heart and immediately had to talk to people about it. I feel like it was written just for me!
Alex Aster's debut romance novel, Summer in the City, is a delightful blend of swoon-worthy romance, engaging character development, and a vibrant portrayal of New York City that will captivate readers from start to finish.
The story follows Elle, a 27-year-old screenwriter grappling with a severe case of writer's block as she faces a looming deadline for a big-budget movie set in New York City. In search of inspiration, Elle returns to the city she once vowed to avoid, only to discover that her new neighbour is none other than Parker Warren- a charismatic tech billionaire and her unforgettable stairwell fling from two years prior. As their paths intertwine, they strike a mutually beneficial arrangement: Parker needs a fake girlfriend to navigate his company's acquisition, while Elle seeks authentic New York experiences to enrich her screenplay. What begins as a convenient partnership soon evolves into something far more profound.
Aster excels in crafting multidimensional characters that resonate deeply. Elle is portrayed as a relatable and self-aware protagonist, whose internal monologues often provide moments of genuine humour. Her journey through personal challenges and emotional growth is both authentic and compelling. Parker, on the other hand, embodies the quintessential swoon-worthy billionaire- charming, considerate, and profoundly devoted. Their dynamic is enriched by witty banter and palpable chemistry, making their evolving relationship both believable and engaging.
An aspect I adored is how the city's depiction is so vivid and immersive that it transcends mere setting, becoming a character in its own right. Readers are treated to a love letter to NYC, exploring iconic landmarks and hidden gems alike. From leisurely strolls through Central Park to the bustling energy of local coffee shops, the narrative captures the essence of summer in the city, evoking a sense of nostalgia and wanderlust. I read this just before my own trip to the Big Apple so it couldn't have been more perfect!
Summer in the City cleverly uses beloved romance tropes such as fake dating, forced proximity, and the billionaire-next-door fantasy, without making them too cheesy. The elements are woven seamlessly into the narrative, and are at times acknowledged as tropes, fueling delightful escapism and catering to readers who revel in indulgent fantasies. This really is a book for the delulu girlies like me. The progression from lovers to enemies to lovers adds depth and complexity to Elle and Parker's relationship, keeping readers eagerly turning pages.
As Aster's inaugural foray into the romance genre, this novel is nothing short of impressive. Her transition from fantasy to contemporary romance is executed with finesse, showcasing her versatility as a writer. The narrative's humour, emotional depth, and romantic tension are testaments to her storytelling prowess. This was my first experience with Aster's work, and it has left me eager to explore more of her writing.
Summer in the City is a must-read for romance enthusiasts seeking a heartfelt and entertaining escape. With its engaging plot, well-developed characters, and enchanting portrayal of New York City, it stands out as a memorable addition to the genre that's wonderfully reminiscent of 90's/2000's rom-coms. Alex Aster has truly nailed her debut romance novel, delivering a story that is both captivating and delightfully indulgent.
★★★★★
Reviewed by Olivia
{AD PR product- book gifted for honest review}
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