OFFICIAL BOOK DESCRIPTION OF EVERY TIME WE SAY GOODBYE
The bestselling author of The Jane Austen Society and Bloomsbury Girls returns with a brilliant novel of love and art, of grief and memory, of confronting the past and facing the future.
In 1955, Vivien Lowry is facing the greatest challenge of her life. Her latest play, the only female-authored play on the London stage that season, has opened in the West End to rapturous applause from the audience. The reviewers, however, are not as impressed as the playgoers and their savage notices not only shut down the play but ruin Lowry’s last chance for a dramatic career. With her future in London not looking bright, at the suggestion of her friend, Peggy Guggenheim, Vivien takes a job in as a script doctor on a major film shooting in Rome’s Cinecitta Studios. There she finds a vibrant movie making scene filled with rising stars, acclaimed directors, and famous actors in a country that is torn between its past and its potentially bright future, between the liberation of the post-war cinema and the restrictions of the Catholic Church that permeates the very soul of Italy.
As Vivien tries to forge a new future for herself, she also must face the long-buried truth of the recent World War and the mystery of what really happened to her deceased fiancé. Every Time We Say Goodbye is a brilliant exploration of trauma and tragedy, hope and renewal, filled with dazzling characters both real and imaginary, from the incomparable author who charmed the world with her novels The Jane Austen Society and Bloomsbury Girls.
EVERY TIME WE SAY GOODBYE BOOK REVIEW
Disclosure: I was given an advanced reader's copy from the author and publisher. This review is my honest opinion.
Every Time We Say Goodbye is an emotional, compelling historical fiction novel set in 1950s Rome. The characters, still reeling from the aftereffects of World War II, are so vividly portrayed that you can’t help but feel connected to their journey.
The story follows Vivien Lowry, the bookseller and writer first introduced in Jenner’s previous novel, Bloomsbury Girls, as she seeks to uncover the mystery behind her fiancé’s death during WWII and save her faltering writing career.
In Rome, Vivien becomes enmeshed in classic Italian cinema, crossing paths with Hollywood stars and filmmakers. This intriguing setting and cast of characters will surely pique your curiosity (as it did mine) and keep you turning the pages.
RELATED: Review: The Jane Austen Society is the Must-Read Novel of the Year
Natalie Jenner has quickly become one of my favorite contemporary authors – and this book doesn’t disappoint. It’s full of rich characters, vivid imagery, extensive historical research, and a touch of romance.
Fans of Old Hollywood, WWII fiction, brilliant characters, and heartfelt storytelling will love this beautiful book.
Adaptation Recommendation:
I recommended a TV show or limited series for Jenner’s previous two novels to capture the full scope and fully represent the rich characters. However, while Every Time We Say Goodbye would also work well as a limited series, overall, it feels more movie-like than the previous novels—purposely so since it pays tribute to Old Hollywood films.
The story lends itself to a feature-length film, and it would be a captivating sight to see 1950s Rome’s beauty on the big screen, mirroring the book’s aesthetic.
Content Note: Nothing graphic. Just some mild adult content, innuendo, and language.
BUY THE BOOK
See the official Macmillan book page for purchase links.
AUTHOR BIO
NATALIE JENNER is the author of the instant international bestseller The Jane Austen Society and Bloomsbury Girls. A Goodreads Choice Award runner-up for historical fiction and finalist for best debut novel, The Jane Austen Society was a USA Today and #1 national bestseller and has been sold for translation in twenty countries. Born in England and raised in Canada, Natalie has been a corporate lawyer, career coach and, most recently, an independent bookstore owner in Oakville, Ontario, where she lives with her family and two rescue dogs. Visit her website to learn more.
WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | GOODREADS
PIN THIS ARTICLE! AND MAKE SURE TO FOLLOW US ON PINTEREST.
