Starlet

by Stellana Erickson

In 1939 Los Angeles, California, singer-dancer-actress Della Hayes, a 17-year-old immigrant, has just become a huge celebrity in Hollywood. Uncomfortable with the attention after her breakthrough role as Princess Flora in last year’s blockbuster Poison Love, she went into hiding. But her contract with Knight Studios is catching up with her, and they want their newest starlet to come back and film another movie, Vada. After a terrible experience filming Poison Love, where she was overworked and abused, she became uncertain about the entertainment business. Reluctantly, she returns, knowing what to expect from her first-ever lead role. The filming of Vada quickly becomes a disaster. She doesn’t get along with her pretentious and distant co-star Wesley Carter. The director Wayne Gafford and studio head Marvin Rogers have a close watch on her every move, and reporter Vernon Parks churns out a nasty tabloid article each time she missteps in public. The stress catches up with her quickly, and she doubts if she can carry the weight of this movie, her newfound fame, and being a girl in a male-dominated industry.

316 pages, Paperback

First published April 3, 2021

Reviews

[Jensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was so sad, it is reminiscent of the abuse famous actresses like Judy garland went through - and though it feels so heavy I still was rooting for Della’s happy ending !!! My favorite tidbits came at the beginning of each chapter, which were essential to the full picture of the main character’s tragic life. I loved how real it felt!

[Joanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely gorgeous. I felt transported to old Hollywood and could tangibly feel the emotions and struggles of Della Hayes. Della's story was completely fascinating and heart wrenching. Erickson's writing of this novel was unique and included interesting excerpts at the beginning of each chapter that made the story feel encapsulating, but also allowed the story to flow perfectly! This was one of those books I had to take breaks while reading to calm down because I would get way too emotionally invested. My fav kind of book!

[Nitya Budamagunta · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

ABJSDLASHDLAS THIS BOOK IS SO GOOD!!!!

I swear, I was low-key hesitant to pick this up because I don't often read Historical Fiction, and never really cared much about old Hollywood, but like this was so much fun! the little Wikipedia article-type things before each chapter were really cool because they clued us into what happens after the story ends and AHHH It was so fun.

Also, this was a really quick read! I would start reading and then realize that I've read 20 pages without knowing.

The only reason it's half a star lower is because I'm petty and want more of Della and Wes and I want them to be happy. But because That's not the point of the story, alas, please ignore me.

YALL SHOULD GO READ THIS BOOK LIKE NOW! DO IT!!!

(Also no the bias of me knowing the author does not come into play, but also, the Stellana is a great person so like bonus points.)

[Alexandra Davies · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt like I was transported back to the golden age of Hollywood! This story was fantastic, and I'll definitely have to read it again soon.