San Remo Drive: A Novel

by Leslie Epstein

"One of the four best Hollywood novels ever written."
—Elizabeth Frank, New York Times Book Review

"Epstein is a master storyteller at the height of his powers."
—Jonathan Kirsch, Los Angeles Times Book Review

"Mr. Epstein effortlessly captures the magic of a Hollywood childhood . . . San Remo Drive is a haunting and deeply affecting book."
—Michiko Kakutani, New York Times

Leslie Epstein's bestselling new novel is composed of five interrelated episodes, in each of which a germ of childhood experience is elaborated by the mature imagination of one of this country's most distinguished writers of fiction. Richard Jacobi, the narrator of these reflections, invites us to revisit the crucial experiences of his driving to Malibu to meet the man determined to marry his mother; on vacation in the Mohave, while his father, the famed Hollywood figure Norman Jacobi and Lotte, his mother, must deal with the terrible consequences of Norman's testimony before the House Committee on Un-American Activities; exploring how a night in a bar and brothel in Tijuana becomes linked to the spiritual growth of his brother, Bartie, who is surely destined to be one of the most memorable and endearing characters in modern literature; viewing a precarious initiation into sexuality that will mark forever the way an artist sees the world and does his work.
This is, then, a novel written from memory, in the same sense that the Schubert sonatas that attract Lotte to her baby grand are played from memory—that is, by heart.

Genres: Fiction, Literary Fiction

272 pages, Paperback

First published April 17, 2003

About the author

Leslie Donald Epstein was an American educator, essayist, and novelist.

Reviews

[John Blumenthal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding. One of the best Hollywood novels ever. Grabs the reader right away and doesn’t let go. Well-drawn characters, humor, pathos, the whole nine. Interesting fact: Leslie Epstein’s uncle and father wrote “Casablanca.”

[Gigi Grazer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful, fluid, evocative writing.

[eb · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one I wasn’t impressed with. No one in the book felt like a real person, and it jumped around in time in a way I thought didn’t add anything. I read it because it took place in my hometown, but ultimately wouldn’t recommend.

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Takes place in Pacific Palisades in the 40’s and ‘50’s. Author’s dad wrote Casablanca, neighbors were Gregory Peck, etc. fiction, but based on his life. Fun for locals.

[Henry Stimpson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Part I, based on the author's memories of his childhood and adolescence and his kind father, eccentric mother and off-the-wall brother, is terrific. Part II, which I believe is entirely fictional, starts out sorta okay but deteriorates as it goes on. Is it just me, or is the dialog here awful, really ridiculous, without even the saving grace of being unintentionally funny? The plot sorta holds your attention, but I can't believe any of it for a second. Eager to read other reviews.

[Sean Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I inhaled San Remo Drive. A terrificlly unpredictable read. As the social acceptance of Jewish families in American society, mid=twentieth century, was unpredictable, including in the Los Angelis suburbs, where Jews were called "Movie People" as an acceptable codeword slur by others. The delightfully unpredictable leading family of the novel includes unexpectedly eccentric characters. The quirky mother, the slightly retarded, peculiar brother, the strong artist brother. The ups and downs of favor in the movie business. All unpredictable.
Worst of all is the unexpected burst on the scene of McCarthyism; the House Unamerican Activities Committee which ruined the lives of many Americans. Despite the long-accepted rule that American citizens have the right to be and think as they please, politically. McCarthy altered that security and the security of the book's leading family into major setback. But by the end, a long generation later, they return to the modest mansion on San Remo Drive.
I'm an old-movie buff and the author's uncle and father were the legendary Epstein brothers, who wrote several classic movies of the Hollywood Golden Age. "Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world!"

[Rick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many years ago, I read an excellent novel by Epstein called King of the Jews which was about the Holocaust. Unlike a lot of books, I remember it very well. Now in 2024 I read this novel about Southern California and Hollywood by Epstein and found it thoroughly enjoyable. Epstein's father was a noted screenwriter who won the Oscar with his brother for the screenplay to Casablanca. The novel takes place between the 1940's and the turn of the century. Among the topics covered are McCarthyism, race relations and the push/pull of family relations. A very enjoyable novel.

[Jerry Drook · Rating 3 out of 5]

Weird in parts. Interesting in others. Overall just an odd look inside someone else’s life

[Eloise · Rating 2 out of 5]

Really Confusing and jumpy. Offensive in every possible manner. I really just skimmed this bc i couldn’t follow it

[Drew Temel · Rating 3 out of 5]

family + mental health; public/private perception; reflective (if at times unclear) POV; tactful covering of long timespan + associated social change, though inherently difficult time jumps

[Lisa · Rating 1 out of 5]

I tried, I really did.