Author: Kathleen Rooney
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing
Release Date: 2023
Pages: 279
Source: Netgalley/Publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Synopsis: From the bestselling author of Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk comes a novel about Hollywood, the cost of stardom, and selfless second acts, inspired by an extraordinary true story.
Chicago, 1916. Doreen O’Dare is fourteen years old when she hops a Hollywood-bound train with her beloved Irish grandmother. Within a decade, her trademark bob and insouciant charm make her the preeminent movie flapper of the Jazz Age. But her success story masks one of relentless ambition, tragedy, and the secrets of a dangerous marriage.
Her professional life in flux, Doreen trades one dream for another. She pours her wealth and creative energy into a singular achievement: the construction of a one-ton miniature Fairy Castle, the likes of which the world has never seen. So begins Doreen’s public tour to lift the nation’s spirits during the Great Depression—and a personal journey worth remembering.
A sweeping journey from the dawn of the motion picture era through turbulent twentieth-century America, From Dust to Stardust is a breathtaking novel about one determined woman navigating change, challenging the price of fame, and sharing the gift of real magic.
My Review: From Dust to Stardust is a Novel that is based on the life of Colleen Moore. Colleen Moore was a famous silent film actress who helped popularize the bob hairstyle. In this novel, Colleen Moore’s name is changed to Doreen O’ Dare. Eileen Sullivan has always dreamed of becoming a star. At the age of fourteen, Eileen and her grandmother get on a train to Hollywood. Within 10 years, Eileen becomes a famous actress known as Doreen O’Dare. It tells the story of her triumphs and her personal tragedies.
I had never heard of Colleen Moore before. She has often been overshadowed by the famous silent film actress, Mary Pickford. Therefore, I was curious to read this book. I found Doreen to be a relatable character. I loved her admiration to be a star. I also liked her fascination with fairies and her patronage of building a miniature fairy castle. Therefore, I found her to be a very charming character. I emphasized with her especially during her disastrous first marriage. Thus, Doreen O’Dare was an intriguing character, and I quickly became invested in her story.
Overall, this novel is about perseverance, dreams, and hardships. I thought that all of the characters were very flat and one-dimensional. I also thought that most of the book was very repetitive and slow moving. I also did not like that since it based on Colleen Moore’s life, then she shouldn’t change the name of her main character. Nevertheless, the writing was beautiful and is filled with vivid descriptions. It also shined light on a forgotten Hollywood actress. I recommend this book for fans of Platinum Doll, The Only Woman in the Room, and Marlene!
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
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