Lilyville: Mother, Daughter and Other Roles I’ve Played by Tovah Feldshuh is a heartwarming and hilarious memoir. After reading this book, I became reacquainted with Tovah on screen by watching a 1977 episode of Newhart. Beautiful, talented, and tiny, she stole the spotlight from Newhart and Pleshette. Her career took off after starring as the original Yentl on Broadway. She was also the lead in Holocaust, the groundbreaking TV mini-series, and has 110 acting credits listed on IMDB. As an actor she has always embraced her Jewish heritage and claims portraying Golda Meir as the greatest role of her career. Tovah, born Terri Sue, grew up in Scarsdale, N.Y. in the 1950s. Her father Sidney was a prominent NYC attorney and her mother Lily’s job was to dress well, maintain a beautiful home, and keep Sidney happy. She also insured Terri Sue and her older brother David always looked presentable and that they adhered to her strict rules. Lily is the star of this story.
As well as her dedication to her acting career, Tovah spends much of her adult life seeking Lily’s approval and trying to improve their relationship. Tovah marries a wonderful Jewish man who is also a Harvard educated lawyer and they have two children. Lily’s prayers have been answered. When Sidney dies, Lily’s, true personality is finally revealed. Tovah has successfully lived a life in the spotlight without forgetting that being a beloved wife, mother, and daughter are the most important roles of her life.

I knew very little about Tovah but this was so insightful and wonderfully written. She has a natural talent for the arts and it shows.

Lilyville is a poignant and theatrical memoir of the author's life, but also her mother's life. There are many theatrical references since Feldshuh is an actress. Her story was interesting, but honestly, her mother stole the show. I laughed at so many scenes where Lily is outspoken and blunt. She was a pistol in her nineties and lived with gusto well after her one hundredth birthday. Her life spanned the entire twentieth century and what a show. I was glad I got to know Lily through the words of her daughter. The woman had chutzpah.

I am a fan of Tovah Feldshuh her role in Yentel is iconic.Loved getting to know the personal side of e life her growing up struggles to become an actress.Reading a bout her relationship with her mother had me hysterical at times.A wonderful biography that her fans will love, #netgalley#hatchettebooks

Thank you to netgalley.com for the copy of Feldshuh's memoir. I've loved Feldshuh in several shows and I would have loved to have seen her in Yentle on stage. I enjoyed her stories of the hard work of making her acting dreams come true. Her nuanced relationship with her mother was interested and wise. If you're a Feldshuh fan, you will hear her voice in your head as you're reading. I'm sure the audio book is great.