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A Touch of Stardust

Kate Alcott

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Jan 08, 2025 Ƹ̴Ӂ̴Ʒ Jenn Ƹ̴Ӂ̴Ʒ Schu rated it liked it

Shelves: historical-fiction

✨Old Hollywood
👯‍♀️Women Friendships
🌹Romantic Elements

Kate Alcott's A Touch of Stardust provides an enticing glimpse into the golden age of Hollywood during the making of Gone with the Wind. It blends real-life figures like Carole Lombard and Clark Gable with the fictional journey of aspiring screenwriter Julie Crawford. While the concept is alluring and the historical backdrop rich, the execution leaves much to be desired.
The novel's most entertaining element is undoubtedly Carole Lombard, whose ✨Old Hollywood
👯‍♀️Women Friendships
🌹Romantic Elements

Kate Alcott's A Touch of Stardust provides an enticing glimpse into the golden age of Hollywood during the making of Gone with the Wind. It blends real-life figures like Carole Lombard and Clark Gable with the fictional journey of aspiring screenwriter Julie Crawford. While the concept is alluring and the historical backdrop rich, the execution leaves much to be desired.
The novel's most entertaining element is undoubtedly Carole Lombard, whose vivacious personality steals the show. Her wit, charm, and unapologetic demeanor inject much-needed energy into the story, making her the highlight of Julie's narrative. However, Julie herself, as the protagonist, struggles to leave a lasting impression. Her character feels underdeveloped, and her journey lacks the depth to make readers genuinely root for her.
The plot is overstuffed with ideas, ranging from the production drama of Gone with the Wind to Hollywood love affairs, anti-Semitism, and the looming war in Europe. While these threads are intriguing individually, they feel crammed together, creating a fragmented narrative that lacks cohesion. The implausibility of Julie's meteoric rise—finding herself at the heart of Hollywood drama within moments of arrival—further detracts from the story's credibility.
That said, the book does have its moments of charm. The behind-the-scenes glimpses of Gone with the Wind, with their engaging and intriguing charm, are a treat for fans of old Hollywood. The glamorous setting and cameos by legendary figures add to the allure. However, these highlights can't fully compensate for the underwhelming development of the central storyline or the missed opportunities to explore weightier themes, such as the industry's response to the rising threat of World War II.
Ultimately, A Touch of Stardust is an entertaining but flawed read, best suited for those who love classic Hollywood and don't mind a narrative that prioritizes style over substance. While it has fun moments, the story feels more like a fleeting brush with stardom than a memorable journey through the golden age. However, its entertainment value is undeniable, and it will surely engage readers who are fascinated by the allure of classic Hollywood. ...more

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Feb 17, 2015 Kris (My Novelesque Life) marked it as to-read

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Shelves: 2020

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