There’s no cat to save. The needs and wants of these characters never materialize, and what is hinted at shifts and sways through the story. But neither Verity nor Helen are ever really moving forward. Traditional plot gives way to vibes ... As much an ode to Hollywood as it is a critique. There is in some ways a celebration of how these characters live their lives, whether it’s writing screenplays in France or laying about drinking all day. Hollywood unlocks those perks. But whether the novel addresses how luck molds outcomes, there isn’t necessarily a resolution—there’s no happy Hollywood ending.
Though readers may find the winding plot a little thin, Rothery’s prose is frequently a knockout, and her sense of literary style is enjoyable. A slick and largely entertaining debut about the entertainment world.
The story lines intersect by the end, but the fragmented structure fails to generate much urgency, despite Rothery’s gimlet eye for Hollywood excess. Readers will be left scratching their heads.
