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There are currently 23 member reviews
for Actress
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Jeanne B. (Albuquerque, NM)
A Rewarding Read
Anne Enright is a brilliant writer and The Actress is a brilliant book that occasionally I had to struggle to finish. I'm so glad I did. It wasn't until the end that I fully appreciated the scope of the story. Ostensibly it revolves around the narrator's mother, a famous actress past her prime who descends into madness. And truly, the descriptions of the art and craft of acting are transcendent. But ultimately it is the daughter's story, the way her lifelong search for her father and the scars of loving her mother have reverberated throughout her entire life. It can even be read as one long love letter from the daughter to her husband after forty years of marriage and children, and in that it is incomparable. But who to recommend this book to? I really hesitate, knowing how it would have tried my patience when I was younger. I would say it's not a light entertaining read, but it holds great rewards for those willing to follow the author into the depths of human experience. And all along the way, that lovely Irish voice.
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Julia E. (Atlanta, GA)
Exquisite
Man Booker Prize-winning author, Anne Enright, adds another exquisitely-written, cunningly crafted novel, to her growing shelf of superb work. In Actress, Edwards explores the fictional biography of a once famous, now faded, movie and theater star, whose life encompassed many of the large themes of post-war Dublin as well as the prosaic realities of love, motherhood, fame and getting old. A must-read for all who savor great writing and enveloping story-telling
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Bettie T. (Johns Island, SC)
A Complicated Mother-Daughter Relationship
In Actress, Anne Enright does a masterful job of developing characters, setting scenes, and creating opportunity to reflect on current issues through the lens of history. All while exploring a complicated mother-daughter relationship. I have to admit that I am not a fan of gossipy name-dropping sorts of books, which this one wears as our main character might don a silky robe, even if the names are fictional. The reader, however, needs to take time to enjoy the writing and figure out what is going on. Enright doesn't spell everything out for us, but allows us to see things in the shadows, as she explores how memory works over time.
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Sharon R. (Deerfield, IL)
Mothers & Daughters
This book explores the relationship between daughters and mothers alternating between the life of a famous actress and her daughter growing up in the shadow of her mother. The daughter, Norah grows up as many daughters do, wanting to be just like her mother who, in her eyes, is funny, beautiful and wise. As the book progresses, she fades in her mother's shadow unless it is "convenient" for her to be seen. After her mother's death, Norah struggles to forgive her mother for what she perceives to be her many faults. She wishes, as we all do, to ask more questions, to relive the good moments and to finally agree within ourselves, we are our mother's daughters.
This book would be wonderful for book clubs. Throughout the book, I was constantly reminded of my mother and her mother and all the questions I wish I would have asked!
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Elizabeth (Philadelphia)
Insightful story with luscious language
Actress by Anne Enright is a daughter's reminiscence of her mother, Katherine, who was a brilliant actress in her time, yet struggled with mental health issues. I still cannot decide how I feel about Katherine as a mother. Along the way, we get to know Norah and I like her quite a lot.
The story includes scenes in Ireland, New York and England populated by many flawed male characters. Ms. Enright's rich language filled with vivid descriptions and honest realizations caused me to stop, reread and ponder many sentences in awe. For example in describing one of her mother's friends, Norah remarks, "It was always lovely when he was in the room, and yet no one had a good time." My only slight criticism of the story is that switches in time and place occur often requiring quick adjustments. Read this novel for keen insights into relationships and beautiful prose.
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Lorri S. (Pompton Lakes, NJ)
Mama Drama
An interesting look at how fame and celebrity impact the mother and daughter relationship told through the lives of B-list movie star Katherine O'Dell and her daughter Norah. In some ways, the story goes exactly how you expect it will--distracted, dissatisfied mother, daughter left to her own devices to figure life out. In other ways, the story surprises you, quietly. Enright understands the kind of quiet power that relationships can exert on those in the midst of them. You'd expect this story to be messy, but it's told in spare, lyrical prose. Recommended for fans of Anne Patchett and Enright's other books.
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Karen S. (Epping, NH)
Actress
I'm a huge fan of Anne Enright. One of my all time favorite books is The Gathering. I've also enjoyed The Green Road and The Forgotten Waltz. So when this book was offered as a First Impression Review on BookBrowse I jumped at the chance. At first I was uncertain if I was going to like this book, it felt different from her other novels but I kept reading and after a few pages into the book I was unable to put it down! The character of Katherine O'Dell was engrossing. Yes maybe a bit stereotypical of an actress, eccentric and always playing a part. But I loved her!
I would recommend this book to book clubs. Lots to discuss such as the pros and cons of the life of an actor, mother and daughter relationships and the choices people make and why, to name a few. I would also recommend this book to all Anne Enright fans.
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