Mona Acts Out explores the complexities of the modern theater world. Set against downtown New York City's theater scene, the story follows a middle-aged actress preparing for a significant Shakespearean role while navigating personal and professional challenges (and that is a very brief summary).

The novel's greatest strength lies in its nuanced exploration of complex themes, particularly its thoughtful examination of the #MeToo movement's impact on the theater community. Through the character of Mona and her relationship with her disgraced mentor Milton Katz, Berlinski presents a layered narrative that delves into the complicated power dynamics and cultural shifts within the industry. The tension between different generations' perspectives on these issues is particularly well-handled, especially in the conflicting viewpoints of Mona and her niece Rachel. I was reminded of conversations I had when the #MeToo movement came to light and older generations dismissed transgressions with, “Well, that’s just how it was!”

The reason to read is the character development; this is a cast of believable and multifaceted individuals whose motivations and conflicts feel authentic. The protagonist's internal struggles with loyalty, artistic ambition, and personal ethics are particularly compelling. While some readers might find Mona unsympathetic, her complex characterization adds depth to the narrative.
I love any novel that takes me through New York City, and this one puts you right in the heart of the Village. Its intelligent incorporation of Shakespearean references enhance the storytelling, though they occasionally risk overwhelming the main narrative. While the ending may feel unexpectedly optimistic given the serious themes explored, the journey there is filled with meaningful character development and genuine dramatic tension that makes this book a worthwhile read.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this book!

What a good book! I really enjoyed this book and had such a hard time putting it down. I enjoyed the writing style. The characters worked so well together and the plot was great.

Mona Acts Out by Mischa Berlinski is a dive into theatre life from an experienced actress. There are many obstacles women are confronted with in the acting world. Being a theatre geek and Shakespeare lover myself, I found this intriguing and engaging! While Mona's experience isn't what everyone encounters, it's an interesting review of what could happen.

This is a very character-driven story with intermingled relationships. These relationships are not straightforward and makes you think about how the situations presented happen. Agency and authority play a major role in these plays and the book. I enjoyed this reflection of life through the lens of those who play Shakespeare!

3⭐
A middle-aged woman, who lives in NYC with her husband, is preparing for the role of a lifetime.

This was a very slow read/listen for me, making it hard to connect/enjoy this book.

Thank you NetGalley & RB Media for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I read this book simply because I loved the cover. I had high hopes after reading the blurb for something a little more inspiring. I liked the end bit better than most of the middle and feel like it should’ve been more of a novella or the author could’ve fleshed out Mona’s relationship with her sister and husband, Phil more. Those were the parts I cared most about and there were some moving moments but overall the book fell flat for me.

Thanks to NetGalley and RB Media for the advanced audiobook. These opinions are voluntary and my own.

This narrator was fantastic. She’s really the only reason I listened as long to this book as I did - the main character however was insufferable to me and I couldn’t keep listening her POV.

What I liked
*theater references
*descriptions in NYC
*leaves her phone in her mailbox to “unplug”
But overall  Mona was a weak character. She should have been a mentor. She belittled need for medication for  depression or anxiety, yet self medicated. A lot of story with little substance. Thank you Net galley for the advanced copy of this audiobook.

This was a fun literary fiction, and I really appreciated how different from other “mid-life crisis” books the story was. Mona was larger than life yet, her emotions were so incredibly relatable. I loved how dramatic she was, not surprising of a Broadway legend I suppose. The friends and previous co-stars she talks to throughout her day of existential crisis were all interesting, and helped you better understand Mona herself. I can’t say how glad I was when the overused solution of an open marriage wasn’t decided upon, and Mona and her husband still appreciated each other and knew they wanted to remain together. The audiobook was superb, and the narrator really brought the story to life!

A beautiful love letter to New York theater, a terrible book for any woman (1 out of 4) who are the victims of sexual abuse.

Thank you NetGalley and RBMedia for the audicbook in exchange for my honest review.

I enjoyed this audiobook. The narration was great and really enjoyable.
The novel is well thought out. I enjoyed the characters and their different levels of morality. Some of the acting/theater references were a little hard for me to follow or understand, but I really like the story nonetheless. My favorite character was definitely Barney the dog :)

The book’s cover immediately captivated me, immersing me in the vibrant world of New York City’s theater scene during its glamorous heyday. Although I did not participate in theater during high school, I have always harbored a desire to have experienced at least one production.

I found the narrative engaging, with well-developed primary and secondary characters, and a well-paced storyline. The novel evokes the opulent atmosphere reminiscent of works like The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid and City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert. As someone approaching midlife, I resonated deeply with the protagonist’s journey.

I received an advance reader copy of the audiobook through NetGalley and RBmedia in exchange for an honest review. #NetGalley #RBmedia #MonaActsOut

Mischa Berlinski's ’Mona Acts Out’ is a deeply reflective novel that offers a glimpse into the life of Mona, a middle-aged actress at a crossroads, both in her career and personal life. As she prepares to embody the iconic Cleopatra on stage, Mona finds herself increasingly troubled by her relationships — particularly with her husband Phil and the weight of family dynamics during Thanksgiving.

The novel is an exploration of Mona's inner world, interspersed with moments of reflection on her past, especially her bond with her late sister, Zahra. The story unfolds in a series of flashbacks and present-day musings as Mona takes a seemingly inconsequential walk around New York City. What begins as a trip to buy parsley for the holiday meal turns into a meandering journey that leads Mona into the lives of old friends and, more importantly, herself.

Berlinski excels in creating nuanced, complex characters. Mona, though a public figure with a cool and collected exterior, is revealed to be deeply insecure, wrestling with the ghosts of her past. Her relationships — whether with her husband, her late sister, or her old theatre mentor Milton — are full of complexity and ambiguity, with no easy resolutions. Even the dog, Barney, takes on a surprising level of personality, which adds a layer of charm to the narrative.

The novel is most captivating when it delves into the complexities of grief and loss, particularly Mona’s lingering sorrow over her sister’s death. Through Mona’s introspective journey, Hadley captures the bittersweetness of life, where people are not simply good or bad but a mixture of both. The theatre world is woven throughout the story, offering insight into Mona’s life as an actress.

While the novel may not follow the conventional trajectory some readers might expect, it’s this very unpredictability that makes it compelling. It’s a quiet, character-driven story about life’s messy, unspoken moments. Those looking for a fast-paced narrative might be disappointed, but for readers who enjoy introspective tales with richly developed characters and thoughtful themes, ‘Mona Acts Out’ is a rewarding, contemplative experience.

The audiobook version enhances the experience, with the narrator bringing the depth of Mona’s emotional landscape to life. Ultimately, ‘Mona Acts Out’ is a beautiful, if slightly melancholic, meditation on life, loss, and the roles we play both on and off the stage.

With thanks to NetGalley and RBmedia for the alc of this.

I was so stinking impressed by this. The use of timeline, the Shakespeare lines and references, Barney. All so so so good. Could not stop listening. And a Thanksgiving (ish) story? Stop. The most underrated holiday. I just loved it. Immediately downloading the author’s other titles.

Mona is a middle-aged actress preparing for the role of a lifetime, Cleopatra, as she is going through a personal crisis in her marriage. Feeling suffocated by the presence of Phil's family, visiting for Thanksgiving, she runs away with her dog.

Such an interesting insight on the theater world, with incredibly captivating characters, that were so well developed and just felt so real. It wasn't uite what I expected it to be, which left me slightly disappointed, but I still had a good time with it. It's just a fun, quick read that follows as Mona thinks back on her life, professional and personal, while wandering the streets of New York. I listened to the audiobook for this one, and it definitely helped a lot and made it that much more enjoyable!

Many thanks to RBmedia & NetGalley for the ALC. All opinions are my own.