I received City of Flickering Light by Juliette Fay as an ARC from NetGalley. This book tells the story of three friends - Irene Van Beck, Millie Martin and Henry Weiss - as they find success during the Golden Age of Hollywood. I enjoyed reading this book and learning more about the history of Hollywood. Fay did a great job of weaving together the characters' stories. This is a novel of friendship between characters thrown together by their circumstances. I'm looking forward to reading Juliette Fay's other books.

Enjoyable historical novel about three friends who try to make it in Hollywood in the silent movie era. I recently read Melanie Benjamin's "The Girls in the Picture" which is also about that same era but about real people who actually became quite famous (although it was fiction); this one is about fictional characters who are more on the margins of the industry and made a very interesting counterpart to that novel, so if you enjoyed that book I would recommend this one and vice versa.

Well researched and a lot of historical detail on the old Hollywood scene, I didn’t particularly care for the main characters or their struggles on the road to trying to become famous. The ending seemed rushed.

I really enjoyed Juliette Fay's book, The Tumbling Turner Sisters, and this one is very much in the same vein. In fact, one of the characters from that book shows up in this one (no spoilers!) Fay really takes her readers into the world of the early 20th century entertainment -- vaudeville and burlesque -- and the lives of the people who travelled with the shows. There's plenty here for fans of those entertainment styles, but the realy story is in the characters and their relationships and lives.As the "flickers" come into style and live entertainment goes out of vogue, three friends try to take their talents to Hollywood. We get a glimpse inside the early days of movies.

Fay's characters are sweet, endearing, and realistic and you can't help but root for them. These books aren't "high action" or "thrillers", just fun, captivating stories about ordinary people leading somewhat extraordinary lives. Entertaining and fun to read.

Is anyone else obsessed with the 1920s? If you enjoy books set in the 1920s then you will probably enjoy City of Flickering Light by Juliette Fay.

Irene, Millie and Henry are members of a burlesque show. In the beginning of the book, Irene and Millie are preparing to jump off of the train and start a new life in Hollywood. Henry decides to follow them at the last minute.

So after getting away from the burlesque show, they make their way to Hollywood. They each have their own struggles but they help each other as far as show business and real life.

Henry starts out as a tailor’s assistant and works his way up to being in front of the camera. Irene and Millie show up every day to be extras in movies. Eventually, Irene works as a typist and screenwriter. Millie finally catches a break as an extra because she rides horses.

There are so many other things that happen in their lives. I don’t want to spoil it for anyone. I would recommend reading City of Flickering Light so you can read all about these friends trying to find success in Hollywood. I suggest listening to some 1920s jazz to set the mood.

I received this ebook from NetGalley in exchange for doing a review. All opinions are my own. Obviously.

5 Reasons to Read City of Flickering Lights
1. I love fiction that have a bit of nonfiction mixed in. In the case of this book, at the beginning of every chapter there are quotes from famous historical figures in show business. It was so fun to read what some of the founders of Hollywood had to say during their time.
2. I’ve never read a book about Hollywood during the 1920’s. I absolutely loved it! I loved learning about the founding of the YMCA, the girls homes aspiring actresses lived in, and how a movie was filmed on location during the time. One of my favorite scenes was a “shoot out” that happened right on Hollywood Blvd that turned out to be the filming of a movie scene.
3. The dialogue is impeccable. Holding perfectly true to the time period, the characters and their dialogue are so well done. It gave the perfect mental movie of the era.
4. The coming of age characters and the level of diversity in character relationships is beautiful. From an interracial relationship, to an impoverished character discovering herself, to a man exploring his sexuality, this novel does a beautiful job celebrating how the human race finds inner peace.
5. The author’s note is like a mini history lesson. The descriptors of early Hollywood and why elements were included in the novel is so intriguing. I love when authors take the time to give their novels an extra bit of love with an author’s note.

"The City of Flickering Light" was intriguing to me because I have not read many books that focus on this setting or era in history. The characters are interesting, and story moves along well. I was intrigued from the very beginning. The chapters were rather short, which made it a fast read for me, and kept my interest. Some of the scenes are just downright hilarious! I could imagine these things really happening in the world of theater.

The three individuals who are key to this story form real friendships, as they bond together to help each other and seek to make it in big films. I learned about film making from this book, which is an area that I know nothing about. I also learned about the lives of showgirls in vaudeville and burlesque, which seemed like a hard life to me. The quotes at the beginning of each chapter also added to the charm of this book, and served as good lead-ins to the chapters. Very entertaining book about Hollywood.

I received this book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

This is an interesting look at old world Hollywood and three friends who are trying to make it. It is great for fans of historical fiction.

I would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy free of charge. This is my honest and unbiased opinion of it.

This was a great book for many reasons. It was a fun era to read about, and I always find Hollywood exciting. The story is very pro-diversity - gay, straight, Native American, Jewish, rich, poor; and very positive on all accounts even though the characters were not always treated fairly or kindly. The story takes place in the 1920's. It begins with three friends fleeing a burlesque show... Irene - smart and streetwise; gorgeous, silly Millie, and handsome, kind Henry. They are all headed to Hollywood for work and to escape the squalor they found themselves in when tragedies in their lives led them separately to the burlesque. Once they made it to LA, Henry finds work in costuming, which leads to more opportunity and success. He helps Irene get a position in the the typing pool but takes a chance and ends up writing story ideas and eventually directing. Millie, anxious to please but not very wise in the ways of the world, finds herself in a horrible situation. This was bad enough, but she lives in a time when women were treated like dolls and wannabe actresses were expected to provide more than an audition to break into the business. Millie is able to recover with the help of Irene and Henry. The three friends stick together through success and failures, drift away then return to help when needed. They remain loyal to each other in a setting of glamour and glitz that is not always welcoming to people who are different.

I loved the fact that the friendships between Mille, Irene and Henry were born out of necessity but grew into deep love and affection for each other. Each of the three have a different path in Hollywood that they will follow to gain fame.

I enjoyed Irene’s the most because it highlighted women scriptwriters in a way that I had not read yet.

The quotes in the beginning of each chapters were great lead ins and highlighted that time period.

This is a great book about old school Hollywood.

Irene, Millie and Henry dramatically escape their lives working in burlesque and head towards the new hot bed of opportunities for artists, Hollywood. Irene is the planner, Henry the voice of reason and Millie, the effervescent dreamer. But the initial days in Holly wood is no dream and no amount of charm, planning or reasoning can guarantee immediate success. After days of living in ghettos, literally scavenging for food; they start finding a footing. Amidst the highs and the lows, the turmoil and the celebrations; each reflecting the ephemeral character of the city, one thing is constant; the friends have each other’s backs, and they inspire each other to initially survive, and then thrive.



I liked how the characters consistently tried to use their brains over their bodies, despite failing often. There is a hint of drug abuse, but just to depict its allure. In shunning these tempting set ups, the author has disinfected the story against stereotypes. The characterization of Millie, Irene and Henry as well as for supporting characters like Dan, Gert and Edward is spot on. The characters have their hearts brimming with forbidden love that are trapped by the shackles of society; the love of a man for one of his own sex, the love of a white women for a black man. While their love might be dictated by the norms of the society, but they won’t let that happen to other aspects of their lives. In this manner, the writer has tried to achieve the elusive balance of rebellion and confirmation with reasonable success. If only the story were a little bit shorter, it would have been more impactful.



I liked her treatment of homosexuality, mainly because she didn’t rush to show that it was completely acceptable. In all earnestness, it wasn’t in 1920s, it probably isn’t now as well. It was also the time when Hollywood hadn’t yet learnt to break stereotypes, something it does now consistently and that has enhanced its impact on the cultural narrative of our times. But then there remains the double edged question, does cinema reflect society or vice-versa.

Irene, Millie and Henry are part of a burlesque show. They are each wanting OUT. So…Yes…they jump from a train. And boy do their adventures begin. They head to Hollywood determined to make it in the “flickers”. Millie and Irene start out waiting on the benches all day hoping to be chosen as extras. Henry starts in wardrobe. Believe me….this is not where they stay!

I have to say, these are three of the best characters ever. They each have their strengths and their weaknesses. They each have different trials and tribulations. But they all have each other’s backs. Henry is the first to get a job and he keeps the girls going in money. The girls are literally living in squalor. Then things slowly start to change for each of them.

I loved The Tumbling Turner Sisters. You can read my review here. To me, this book is not as good as The Tumbling Turner Sisters. BUT, it is still a fantastic read. I felt this one was a little slow in places. That does not take away from this story at all though. This is a tale about hard work, achieving your dreams and what best friends really should be. I learned so much about old Hollywood and what people did to get into the movies. Plus, what they did to keep their name clean. Very fascinating!

Thank you Gallery books for this free ebook.

Fans of historical fiction will love this new novel by Juliette Fay. I myself am charmed by the lives of those in old Hollywood. This novel shows the glamour and fun of old Hollywood, but it also shows the ugliness, the lack of acceptance, and abuse of young women.

The three main character, Irene, Millie, and Henry are unforgettable. These three are adventurous, brave and continuously adapting to the situations they find themselves in. When it comes down to it, this is just a beautiful story about friendship.

This book had a really strong opening- you wanted to know more about these characters and what got them to this place in their life. I was immediately invested in the success of the characters. I felt like the story was realistic and showed a side of old Hollywood we don't normally see. I thought the writing was well done and I will definitely read more by the author.

Three friends escape a crushing burlesque workplace and seek fame and fortune in 1920’s Hollywood. They carry virtually nothing with them except their youth and endless belief in their future. Along the way to that future, they experience everything that can go wrong in Hollywood: date rape, easy availability of drugs, unemployment, and hard living. But this tale is a valentine to the movies and like those early flicks, it will end well, whether it makes sense for the story or not. I received my copy from the publisher through NetGalley

City of Flickering Light gives us an authentic, colorful and entertaining picture of Los Angeles and Hollywood in the years following the First World War. We follow the lives of several actors, writers, and directors as they become commonly known in the early days of the west coast film community.

The author has an afterword that I found very informative and wish I had read first, as she explains the history of the buildings she has used extensively in her story and the characters who were based loosely on real Hollywood icons. This is a story of personalities who dared to be different, who fit into and expanded the talents and influences of movies on life in America. It is a microcosm of that place, that era, that talent that colored the world. It is a novel I am happy to recommend to friends and family. This is a book to savor and perhaps read again.

I received a free electronic copy of this historical novel from Netgalley, Juliette Fay, and Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books. I have read this novel of my own volition. This review reflects my honest opinion of this work.

It all starts in 1921 when Irene Van Beck and her two friends, Millie and Henry, jump from a moving train. They were tired of life with a travelling burlesque show...low pay, abuse, constant moving around. The three friends find their way to Hollywood, dreaming of a new life acting in "flickers.'' Turns out, Hollywood glamour is an illusion hiding a seedy underside. The friends experience hunger, disappointment, and loss while trying to make it big in tinseltown.

I love tales of Old Hollywood, so jumped on the chance to read an early copy of this book by Juliette Fay. So many hopefuls have gone to Hollywood in the past 100 years....only to learn that competition is killer and the lifestyle is a soul-sucking experience. Many seek the glamour and fame...but few ever find it. These three friends experience so much together after jumping off that train...and the story is mesmerizing. It's like a peek behind the curtain into the dark shadows behind the glamour of Old Hollywood. Once I started reading this book, I couldn't put it down!!

This is the first book by Juliette Fay that I've read. I've added her book about the Vaudeville era, The Tumbling Turner Sisters, to my TBR stack!

**I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book from Gallery Books via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

4 stars

You can read all of my reviews on my blog at https://www.NerdGirlLovesBooks.wordpr....

This was a fun, well-written book that I enjoyed reading. The story is very entertaining. It's set in 1921 Hollywood and the main characters are young adults trying to break into the movie industry. It was fun to read about a time period in Hollywood that I didn't know much about. Make sure to read the information after the story ends as the author provides a fun history lesson of people and events depicted in the story.

The book is focused on three characters, Irene, Millie and Henry. The story opens with the trio being members of a traveling burlesque show. While on a train heading to yet another city in the southwest, Irene and Millie hatch a plan to jump off the train and free themselves. As they get ready to jump, Henry decides to take the leap as well and join them. They make their way to Hollywood where they hope to fulfill their dreams of acting in the new silent movies, or "flickers".

Living in Hollywood is both exhilarating and terrifying for the group as they endure the highs and lows that come with being a struggling actor. The author explores tough subjects with sensitivity and doesn't flinch from some of the more uncomfortable prejudices against women, minorities and different religions that existed during the times. I recommend you read this book.

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

A very entertaining book. Reading this truly gives one the feeling of being in the Hollywood of yesterday. I felt the fascination of it all. The characters are believable and enjoyable. I actually didn’t want this to end. I wanted just a little more about each character. There wasn’t a dull moment.

I really enjoy Juliette Fay’s writing and was thrilled to receive her City of Flickering Light, about the early days of Hollywood, via Net Galley! It tells the story of three friends who are a bit down and out and head to Hollywood to make their fortunes, having a lot of adventures and ups and downs along the way.

One fun thing in this novel is the return of one of the Tumbling Turner sisters from Ms. Fay’s earlier novels! Reviewed here by me:https://drbethnolan.com/2016/06/11/the-tumbling-turner-sisters-by-juliette-fay/

While it took me a few chapters to get into this story, I ended up really enjoying it and loving the characters. I look forward to more great historical fiction from Ms. Fay and I hope to meet her sometime as she lives just a few towns over from me!

Thank you for my review e-copy!

Here we find Irene, Millie and Henry jumping from a moving train. They want to get away from the Burlesque show and find themselves in the lights of Hollywood. The story progresses as each character searches for the right fit for them in the glamour of the flickers.

I truly enjoyed this book. I loved the historical accuracy of the time period. The author provided tension in many different ways and I found myself cheering, encouraging and crying for the three of them as they battled the demons. It is an uplifting story. Once of hardships, love, and bravery in a time when anything goes. . . as long as it can be covered by the PR department.

If you are looking for an historical fiction book about the 1920s Hollywood scene, this book is for you. It comes highly recommended for its writing, as well as, its historical accuracy.


I received an ARC from Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This in no way affects my opinion or rating of this book.