View Finder

by Greg Jolley

Set in Hollywood’s golden era characterized by greed and madness, BB Danser tells his life story—one of crime, vengeance, and departures from reality.

From a young age, BB Danser is obsessed with movie cameras and cinematic storytelling, finding in them the means for building a world in which he can survive. BB’s story begins with his violent household, the wild parties thrown by the Hollywood elite, and the disappearance of his mother—the famous actress, Elizabeth Stark. When BB breaks free from the violence, he finds himself on the run after finding his father lying dead before him.

BB’s life takes another turn when he finds himself caring for a newborn baby and a troubled young woman. Though he escapes the insanity of his former life, his own grasp on sanity begins to unravel, even as his visionary talents as a movie cameraman bring him acclaim. His life is marked by the doomed romance of his life, his brief and tragic military career, and later in life, the love of his children who are also haunted by his dangerous lapse of sanity.

BB’s life is a rollercoaster story of hope, of vision, and the search for missing pieces of his sanity in a world of industrialized fantasy making.

Genres: Suspense

180 pages, Hardcover

First published November 7, 2019

About the author

Greg Jolley (also published under Gregory French) earned a master of art in writing from the University of San Francisco. He is the author of sixteen novels and one collection about the fictional, film industry-based Danser family. He currently lives in the Very Small town of Ormond Beach, Florida

Reviews

[Bandit · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one intrigued me with its promise of a tale set among the movie making business. For some reason, those usually have a nearly irresistible appeal for me. Plus it was short enough to comfortably take a chance on a new author. The book tells a story of a man named BB Danser, it follows him from 1951 when at the age of 14 he experiences a tragic separation from his beloved movie star mother and his despot father on. Not quite a romp or a picaresque, BB isn’t as engaging or cheeky of a narrator, in fact he’s mostly an observer, his world much more manageable through the view finder. BB’s detachment is almost surreal at times as life takes him from one vagary to the next and he manages to persevere throughout. Meanwhile, he manages to accumulate (it seriously is random enough to warrant the description) some adapted kids and a distant unpleasant wife, who he refers to as Mother, though he never manages to find his actually mother, referred to as Mumm. BB takes on various jobs of various legality in and around movie business throughout the years. Things change, things remain the same. Kids mature, Mother goes mad, movie business evolves and BB stays the same in the way that he never really has enough character to develop. It’s difficult to think of himself as more than a prop, on a movie set he’d be something like a camera. So from that perspective this is a way more of an experimental novel than the actual plot and narrative suggests. Somewhere between fantasy and reality, not quite in either place. A very emotionless, dispassionate sort of story that’s interesting enough to follow, but one that doesn’t offer and require any sort of emotional engagement. A quick read, albeit it not an easily recommendable one. More of a novelty almost or at the very least an acquired taste. Well written enough to check out, certainly. Thanks Netgalley.

[Janet Womack · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had to force myself to finish this book and it's only 176 pages. View Finder just wasn't for me. Greg Jolley's writing is good. But, the story was just too bizarre. It's like trying to make sense of a conversation with someone that has had a break with reality.

[Elizabeth Randall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Takes Fiction to a New Level

This is a brilliant experimental take on fiction. Each section functions as a riveting scene, unapologetic, brutal, nightmarish, dizzying, compassionate. BB Danser, the protagonist, is at once servile, cunning, , driven, victimized, and heroic. A compelling read, which I accomplished in one sitting. Jolley's work is impossible to put down.

[Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is certainly different. The story is told in a very unique way, and will definitely not be for everyone. Kudos to the author for taking a unique approach, and for his imagination. I guess I'd call this speculative fiction. If you're seeking something different and maybe risky this might work for you.

Thanks very much for the review copy!!

[Csimplot Simplot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book!!!

[R.K. Emery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once in a while, you read a book that grabs you from the first scene and doesn't let up until the very end. For me, that was definitely the case with this one. Not only was I fully invested in the mystery, but I also wanted to get inside the head of the characters.

I love that this is a Hollywood historical type feel, it made it that much more unique.

I definitely think you should do yourself a favor and read it. You'll be happily in Jolley's very capable hands.

[Wiel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maybe 3.5. I'm not sure.

I received this book in a giveaway a little over a year ago and intended to read it immediately, but I got distracted. Apologies to Mr. Jolley. Anyway, this is a very interesting story. I didn't necessarily love it, but I'm happy to have read it. It's very singular in its voice and the protagonist is quite endearing, despite his seeming disconnect. It did leave me wanting to check out more from the author.

[Samantha Turley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great backdrop for a Suspense book. I loved it!
For me, I was really trying hard to solve the mystery and enjoyed the different twists along the way.
There were a number of intense scenes..which led to me not wanting to stop reading.
Some really interesting concepts explored in a fictional setting and wonderful details in the writing!

[C. Gonzales · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic read. It had me guessing throughout. An intriguing story line with very strong, believable characters. I don't want to give anything away, so will just say this is a MUST read, you will not be disappointed! I cant wait to read more Danser books!

[Susan Csoke · Rating 4 out of 5]

1951>Hollywoods Golden era and the story of BB Danser. Thankyou Goodreads for this free book.