“‘When I was a young girl, I honestly believed that a life spent in the theater would be nothing but fun. And God help me, kiddo—it was.’”
-Elizabeth Gilbert
An absolute love letter to theater people–with all the messiness, fights, drama, queerness, and unexpected love that comes with it. I had this one sitting on my shelf forever and I wish I had read it sooner. There are obviously highs and lows in Vivian’s life, given her age, the subject matter, and the time period, but the whole book felt like being wrapped in the embrace of the whole performing arts found family.
“‘Here is the solidarity of good theater people, Vivian: we try not to ruin each other’s shows, and we try not to ruin each other’s lives.’”
My sappiness aside, it’s refreshing to read a novel–especially one in first person–where the consequences of characters’ actions happen after the action itself, instead of after the action plus three chapters of angst. It felt more realistic, and it kept things moving along–important given how many decades pass!
I also really loved the last 20% or so of the book, and how it beautifully illustrates how fulfilling life can be with “non-standard” relationships, and how it shows the ways people can live without typical marriages or immediate family households.
This book is a special one, and I already can’t wait to reread it someday.
(Also, am I in love with Edna?)
Words Per Mile 