Review: All the Stars in the Heavens
Adriana Trigiani takes readers back to the Golden Age of Hollywood in her latest book, All the Stars in the Heavens. It was a time when actors and actresses were under contracts to studios – an arrangement that gave them some security but also required strict moral conduct.
Loretta Young started acting at the age of four and had a very successful career in entertainment. When a young novitiate fails to take her vows as a nun, Loretta hires her as her secretary. Alda becomes much more than a secretary through the years as they become great friends and confidants. Alda helps Loretta navigate the complicated waters of the Hollywood scene when scandal threatens after Loretta becomes involved with co-star Clark Gable.
Going into All the Stars in the Heavens, I knew little about the Golden Age of Hollywood or Loretta Young. I was surprised to learn that she was such a big star. I found her to be down to earth and likable – she worked hard for her family and strove to live her faith. My heart ached for her when her career and the time period put such harsh constraints on her life.
I found the time period fascinating – there was plenty of scandal but the studios managed to cover things up and gloss things over. When scandal came dangerously close to her, Loretta was careful to keep things hidden from all but a select few and it was stressful for her for the rest of her life.
Trigiani continues to wow me – her lush writing brought the period to life in this majestic book. I was hooked from the beginning and couldn’t put it down. I found myself Googling Loretta Young and telling everyone about her. I was eager to discuss the book with others so I think it would make a great book club selection. If you love Hollywood and/or historical fiction, you don’t want to miss All the Stars in the Heavens!
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Adriana Trigiani is an award-winning playwright, television writer, and documentary filmmaker. Her books include the New York Timesbestseller The Shoemaker’s Wife; the Big Stone Gap series; Very Valentine; Brava, Valentine; Lucia, Lucia; and the bestselling memoir Don’t Sing at the Table, as well as the young adult novels Viola in Reel Life and Viola in the Spotlight. She wrote the screenplay for Big Stone Gap, which she also directed. She lives in New York City with her husband and daughter.
Visit Adriana at her website: www.adrianatrigiani.com, like her on Facebook, and follow her on Twitter.
I remember seeing some of Loretta Young’s movies (rerun late at night) when I was a kid. Only in recent years have I heard anything about the scandal with Clark Gable. This book is definitely on my TBR list because I enjoy Trigiani’s novels – I’m glad you loved it!
I think while those days were made out to be wonderful and romantic, I suspect it was brutally harsh. Sounds a good read
I’ve never read any of her stuff. Which one would you recommend for me as a 1st book?
All of her books are great, but LUCIA, LUCIA is my favorite.
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This is the first I’ve heard of this one. Haven’t read anything by this author in a long while – sounds good. Thanks Kathy
I loved this too- my review goes up November 9th. And I googled Loretta Young too!
I’ve seen this book here and there but didn’t stop and read the synopsis. It sounds like a book I’d enjoy.
Ooo, I love books and movies about old Hollywood – I’ll definitely have to check this one out!
Back in the 1950s (I think), there was a Loretta Young Show…in the daytime. I don’t think it lasted long, but I remember admiring her.
Marilyn Monroe was another “victim” of the Studio System.
I can’t wait to read this one…thanks for sharing!
I’ve had this author on my radar forever…the Big Stone Gap series, etc. I really need to move her to the top of my electronic stack…
Sounds like another must read!
This does sound good! Maybe this will be my first Trigiani book.
Sounds like a great book for a book club.
I’ve read just one of this author’s books. Not so easy to find her books here but this one sounds good. I like the historical fiction/Hollywood mix.
I reviewed this for AudioFile magazine — Blair Brown is awesome as a narrator.
You are a trend setter. I just read your blog post yesterday—about this book, and today there are a few more. I can’t decide if I want to do print or audio, but I’m reading this book!
I recently read The Shoemaker’s Wife by Adriana Trigiani. She does write beautifully. Thanks for sharing your thoughts about this book Kathy. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Thanks for being a part of the tour! I’m so looking forward to reading this book after all these amazing reviews.
I’ve been on the fence about reading this one but your review definitely adds to the pro column.
I am so glad you enjoyed this one, Kathy. It is one I have had my eye on.
I felt the same way about this one. I really enjoyed both the story and Adriana’s writing!
After reading Big Stone Gap I know want to read more of this author’s books. I’m glad to hear this is about the golden age of Hollywood. I think that would be fun to read about. This author does not seem to be one-dimensional.
What a different time period, when scandals could actually be covered up! That seems almost impossible now with so much social media.
Also, I seriously have to get on the Trigiani train STAT!
This sounds fascinating to me! Thanks for sharing about this book at Booknificent Thursday at Mommynificent.com this week! Always love to have your contributions!
Tina
I love that period in Hollywood but, like you, don’t know much about Loretta Lynn, so I bet I’d really like this one!