The Comeback follows traumatised young actress Grace , detailing her unique upbringing in the spotlight and the effects of coming to terms with being groomed and assaulted by a well-respected and acclaimed male film director. The book alternates between the past and present, reflecting on the past and Grace’s current path to reclaim her career and sense of self.

The novel navigates heavy topics such as sexual assault, predatory behaviour, mental illness and substance abuse in a thought-provoking and modern context through a story of a survivor of Hollywood abuse.

This is a case of ‘it’s me, not you’. I think I have read too many books about ‘BTS for young female actresses’ lately (or the last few years) and even though the story didn’t capture me, like I thought it might have, I will say there were things I liked, and didn’t like.

Grace is the star. She is the one pulls herself up and works on the relationships and things that matter. Seeing that happen in the pages of this book was so good. I get that people are going to have a problem with her decision-making, attitudes, behaviours etc, but I think when you didn’t get an organic growing up process, coupled with experiencing abuse, then you don’t act the way ‘you should’. So, all of that was fine with me.

I enjoyed that the narrative of this story wasn’t so loud and in your face. Don’t get me wrong, these are important issues that need to be outed, but at the same time, when they are written in books and there is high drama of calling out and everything coming up roses for everyone etc, is not realistic. This ‘quieter’ way of telling the story now and in the past was more realistic to me. The reality of working towards being better, getting better, for you, and not for the empowerment of all women-kind, is the more likely outcome for most people’s experiences and I think that was handled well. I do think the pacing seemed slow, but then again maybe if this is more literary fiction and character driven, then the pacing is probably spot-on.

A brilliant thriller set within the glamourous world of Hollywood with all its dreadful MeToo trappings, this was a gripping read with vivid characters, a great plot, and terrific set pieces. Joyful!

The plot delves deeply into the theme of how victims can gradually convince themselves that bad things are happening for valid reasons, even when they're not.

The book summary reminded me of a movie I liked, which made me want to read it. But I didn't really click with the writing style. There were too many loose ends for my taste, although I get they can be important. On the bright side, I did enjoy how the author handled conflicts inside and outside the characters.

When I first read the blurb of this book, I requested it straight away and I’m so glad that I did. This is a story of a woman claiming back her life after experiencing sexual assault and emotional abuse from someone who was supposed to protect her.

I found grace’s character to be a strong representation of the #MeToo movement and it was so eye opening to see the struggle she faces throughout the book.

She is courageous and a brilliantly written character.

Absolutely brilliant, loved it. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me an advance copy, I will definitely be recommending.

3 stars: I don't usually DNF books that I'm reviewing, but I had to stop reading this at around 30%. I really struggled to keep reading this book - it felt slow and directionless, and a third into the book, almost nothing has happened. The flashbacks were more interesting to me, and perhaps I would have kept reading if the book had been in chronological order instead of flipping back and forth. It had so much potential as reading about childhood stars falling out of fame and their experiences growing up in a horribly adult setting could be incredibly interesting and thought-provoking, but the execution didn't work well for me. The Comeback does cover important issues and I can see it working well as a film or TV series, but as a book it did not hold my attention enough to keep reading.

Grace was a 14-year old English schoolgirl when she was selected by charismatic Able to star in his new Hollywood series. This transformed the life of Grace and her family who moved to America with her. The book opens with Grace, now aged 22, returning to her parents' home. The story is told slowly, in small pieces, so there are lots of unexpected revelations as we find out about Grace's life until now. Grace has suffered a lot of trauma, and is trying to sort herself out, deciding whether to take any action or learn to live with her past. She has some good friends in Laura and Dylan who support Grace, but don't know the secrets she is keeping.
Grace is an abrasive and sarcastic character, and very funny at times. Her growing friendship with her younger sister Esme and their support for each other is lovely. Beautiful writing. Highly recommended.

Painful story telling; it's hard hitting but beautifully written.

Grace Turner was once a normal teenager living in London with her family until she was scouted for a movie directed by Able Yorke. Now 22, Grace had lived in LA and living her dreams, all while her public life had been preened with Able at her side, as well as the meticulously created team picked at the beginning of her career. So why did Grace Turner disappear just as her career was about to reach stardom?

This book was first published on the heels of the #MeToo movement and is a powerful, raw story about the difficulty of being a victim, healing and claiming your truth. It's a captivativating read as Grace is, in herself, a complex character but, it makes it all the more intriguing to live inside Grace's head and feel her pain, her thoughts and explore her understanding of the world around her.

For me frustrating, all a bit bubble gummy, I never really took to this from the start. Read a third of novel and gave up just found I was bored, saying that I can definitely see it made into something for tv but I'm not a fan.

A really dark read from Ella Berman, The Comeback is well paced, complex and a well written take on the Me Too movement.
4 stars.

An engrossing, moving story of identity and perception that keeps the reader intrigued. The characters feel messy and real, and the way events unfold is painful and hopeful all at once.

If you read one book this year let it be this one. I cannot recommend this enough. It isn't just a me too book but goes well beyond that. The book shows a view of the cost and impact of abuse. It shows the grey lines of abuse and how it is never just limited to a physical abuse and the role of power dynamics. It also shows the impact of abuse on the people around, including that of the perpetrators. It is also a commentary on art and artist and beautifully talks about the power of speaking out. In a parallel story the book also talks about other forms of bullying and abuse and commentary on women.

A definite read and probably the best I have read in this genre a while. The book pulls you in and not for a minute did I lose interest. It managed to weave me in and hook me in till the last page. Looking forward to more by this author!

Thank you Aria & Aries and NetGalley for this e-arc in exchange of my unbiased review!

The Comeback by Ella Berman is a strong and compelling debut novel covering a timely issue in an unflinching way.

I found the Comeback to be a unique book....I haven't read anything quite like it before and found the topic that it deals with very relevant.

It's based around Grace Turner, a young movie star who was a child prodigy. We meet her after she has taken a break from the main arena and has disappeared for a year.
As she seeks to take control of her life, we follow her story and discover why she has gone into hiding and the secrets she is keeping.
Will justice be served for what has been to her? Is revenge better served cold?

A very engaging read which reminds us that everything comes at a cost...including fame and fortune.

Grace Turner was plucked from obscurity as an 14 year-old English Schoolgirl to almost instant fame as a child star in Hollywood under the wing of the enigmatic director Able Yorke. 8 years later she's been pushed by the Svengali-like Able to the verge of becoming an A-list actor, Having achieved her first Golden Globes nomination, she suddenly disappears.
Reappearing in L.A. a year later a disturbed, and disturbing to many people,young woman,she's asked to present Able with a Lifetime Achievement Award,a request that throws her life and that of others into turmoil.

This is quite an amazing debut from Ella Berman. There have been many "me too" books published but this is by far the most powerful and convincing,it could almost be a very well-written autobiography, Grace is often hard to like,she's spiky,rude and hostile,even towards her family, The book is full of flawed characters, either predatory and manipulative or beaten up by life and bitter and twisted as a result. A couple of the latter have the chance to get revenge and grow stronger,their wrestling with their battle to find the strength to do so is a big part of the book.

An excellent read and an amazing debut.

*Thank you NetGalley for the eARC of this book*

It was interesting to read this story and the power that women take back from men that abuse them. I loved the sort of tense writing and atmosphere. A good read overall. 3 stars.

This was a tough book to read but really enjoyable.

Grace is a young actress, taken under the wing of mercurial director Able, and together they work well to make some amazing films - both taking their place in the spotlight.

However what we quickly come to realise is just how damaging and abusive this relationship is, and the impact this has had on Grace.

When Able is due to receive a lifetime achievement award, Grace is asked to introduce him and she intends to make her comeback!

As I say, this was a difficult read and I really felt for Grace but absolutely loved her character and determination to survive.

Thanks to Netgalley and Aria and Aries for an ARC in exchange for an honest review

This book is beautifully written and powerful. The pace is slow, but I think eels Berman does that deliberately and it makes you become invested in the story.

Oh I loved this so much. I’d seen the writer was a Reece Witherspoon author and wanted to read that book so was thrilled to get the chance review this. A very strong 5/5 and I’m telling everyone to buy her first book (I’ve got it lined up too!).
This is a story we all know but it feels like it’s so much more personal. It’s written well. It does not victim blame and it shows how easily such things can suddenly be part of someone’s life.