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Well Behaved Women
You are cordially invited to step into the glamourous world of Alla Nazimova . . .
Only they know what happens behind closed doors
1879. Mariam Edez Adelaida Leventon is born in Yalta, Crimea. She will go on to become Alla Nazimova, celebrated film star and “founding mother of Sapphic Hollywood”.
Abandoned by her mother, abused by her father and supporting herself through prostitution, Alla turns to acting as an escape from her brutal and turbulent reality. By 1917, she is the highest paid actress in Hollywood.
When Maybelle Crabtree, a God-fearing farm girl from Kentucky, has a chance encounter with a charismatic stranger, her life changes forever. With an invitation to join Alla’s ‘Sewing Circle’, Maybelle’s eyes are opened to a life of decadence and glamour. Discovering her own sexuality, she embraces all that Hollywood has to offer in the hedonist roaring twenties.
But both Alla and Maybelle have secrets that threaten to bring their gilded lives crashing down. Hearts are broken, careers destroyed and friendships shattered, in this compelling story inspired by the scandalous real life of silent movie icon, Alla Nazimova.
Only they know what happens behind closed doors
1879. Mariam Edez Adelaida Leventon is born in Yalta, Crimea. She will go on to become Alla Nazimova, celebrated film star and “founding mother of Sapphic Hollywood”.
Abandoned by her mother, abused by her father and supporting herself through prostitution, Alla turns to acting as an escape from her brutal and turbulent reality. By 1917, she is the highest paid actress in Hollywood.
When Maybelle Crabtree, a God-fearing farm girl from Kentucky, has a chance encounter with a charismatic stranger, her life changes forever. With an invitation to join Alla’s ‘Sewing Circle’, Maybelle’s eyes are opened to a life of decadence and glamour. Discovering her own sexuality, she embraces all that Hollywood has to offer in the hedonist roaring twenties.
But both Alla and Maybelle have secrets that threaten to bring their gilded lives crashing down. Hearts are broken, careers destroyed and friendships shattered, in this compelling story inspired by the scandalous real life of silent movie icon, Alla Nazimova.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 31, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
March 21, 2023
Adelaida Leventon is born in 1897, and she’s the third child of Yakov and Sarah, and her father is a respected pharmacist in Yalta. Her parents marriage isn’t a happy one, her father is a difficult and violent man and her mother leaves. No one explains anything to Adelaida, she misses her mother and she's gone. Yakov sends eight year old Adelaida away and when she returns home, her father physically abuses her and she doesn’t know about her parents divorce.
Adelaida decides she wants to be an actress, she leaves the Crimea and moves to Moscow, her family refuses to give her money and Alla has to sell her body to pay her rent. Alla meets Parel Orlenev, they tour Russia, Europe and England with his theatre company and eventually they move to America. When Alla arrives in America, she can’t speak a word of English and she has to learn quickly. Alla becomes one of Hollywood’s highest paid silent movie actresses of the 1920’s and she lives in a mansion on Sunset Boulevard and throws wild parties.
Maybelle Crabtree was born on a farm in Kentucky, when her father passes away, she’s sent to live with her aunt and uncle in California. One day while handing out fliers promoting her uncles evangelist church services, she meets Josephine Colbert, and she asks her if she would like to attend a party? Maybelle arrives at Sunset Boulevard, she has no idea the parties being held at Alla Nozimova’s house, and she’s shocked in a good way. The roaring twenties, a break from tradition and a new modern era, and Maybelle's aunt thinks she attending a sewing circle with a friend. Maybelle eventually starts working at Metro Pictures, in the costume department and she moves in with Joe.
The story has a dual timeline and is told mainly from the points of view of the two main characters, Alla and Maybelle. Both women have secrets, about their pasts and previous relationships, if the truth is uncovered it would have serious consequences and especially for Alla’s acting career and she’s no longer a young starlet.
I received a copy of Well Behaved Women by Caroline Lamond from NetGalley and HarperCollins UK in exchange for an honest review. A fascinating and compelling narrative about one of Hollywood’s first leading ladies, it's full of real facts about Alla Nozimova, a Russian/American actress and who went on to be director, producer and screenwriter. Alla rubbed shoulders with some very famous people including Rudolph Valentino and Charles Bryant, many of them cheated on their spouses or remarried without their divorce being finalized and it was swept under the carpet. Alla was bisexual, she and circle of friends had to be very careful and at a time when you could be jailed for being in a same sex intimate relationship. A story about the ebbs and flows of Adelaida Leventon's extraordinary life, a person sexuality should be irrelevant and Ms. Lamond emphasizes this. Five stars from me and please read this wonderful and enlightening novel.
Adelaida decides she wants to be an actress, she leaves the Crimea and moves to Moscow, her family refuses to give her money and Alla has to sell her body to pay her rent. Alla meets Parel Orlenev, they tour Russia, Europe and England with his theatre company and eventually they move to America. When Alla arrives in America, she can’t speak a word of English and she has to learn quickly. Alla becomes one of Hollywood’s highest paid silent movie actresses of the 1920’s and she lives in a mansion on Sunset Boulevard and throws wild parties.
Maybelle Crabtree was born on a farm in Kentucky, when her father passes away, she’s sent to live with her aunt and uncle in California. One day while handing out fliers promoting her uncles evangelist church services, she meets Josephine Colbert, and she asks her if she would like to attend a party? Maybelle arrives at Sunset Boulevard, she has no idea the parties being held at Alla Nozimova’s house, and she’s shocked in a good way. The roaring twenties, a break from tradition and a new modern era, and Maybelle's aunt thinks she attending a sewing circle with a friend. Maybelle eventually starts working at Metro Pictures, in the costume department and she moves in with Joe.
The story has a dual timeline and is told mainly from the points of view of the two main characters, Alla and Maybelle. Both women have secrets, about their pasts and previous relationships, if the truth is uncovered it would have serious consequences and especially for Alla’s acting career and she’s no longer a young starlet.
I received a copy of Well Behaved Women by Caroline Lamond from NetGalley and HarperCollins UK in exchange for an honest review. A fascinating and compelling narrative about one of Hollywood’s first leading ladies, it's full of real facts about Alla Nozimova, a Russian/American actress and who went on to be director, producer and screenwriter. Alla rubbed shoulders with some very famous people including Rudolph Valentino and Charles Bryant, many of them cheated on their spouses or remarried without their divorce being finalized and it was swept under the carpet. Alla was bisexual, she and circle of friends had to be very careful and at a time when you could be jailed for being in a same sex intimate relationship. A story about the ebbs and flows of Adelaida Leventon's extraordinary life, a person sexuality should be irrelevant and Ms. Lamond emphasizes this. Five stars from me and please read this wonderful and enlightening novel.
March 31, 2023
This historical novel is about a little-known actress who found fame in the height of the black and white films and at the early birth of Hollwood glamour. It was an interesting account and I liked learning about a character whom I had not heard of before.
The novel is structured to move between present day (1917) and from 1879. In present day we follow Maybelle, who has moved to California to be with her heavily religious and suppressive aunt and uncle. She does not feel immersed in this new family life and knows her inner thoughts conflict with the devout, God-fearing beliefs that are promoted by her uncle. In contrast, alternate chapters introduce us to Alla who, from her life in Crimea, we explore how this actress found fame in America. It was her story that I found myself most interested in.
Cleverly, the two timelines eventually overlap: readers come to a point where we witness Alla’s initial meeting with characters who we are seeing in the later time period. This was a great way to structure the narrative because it meant you already knew how this relationship would develop; you are just seeing the final piece of the puzzle with an awareness of what is in store in the future.
Alla’s story was fascinating. I know a little about Russian history and I thought the social ideologies were vividly reflected in her upbringing. With no mother-figure in her life and a hateful father, I felt her story was one that should be celebrated. Alla manages to escape the dominating and violent patriarchy and, against all odds, makes a name for herself. Yet, as Lamond’s narrative demonstrates, this is never an easy journey.
Whilst I was not as invested in Maybelle’s story, I was interested in her growing exposure to the life of Hollywood. For sure, there are plenty of female characters in this novel that are far from being well behaved and I was keen to understand how appearances deceived those around them, hiding the true reality. Furthermore, Lamond continues to refer to other key characters of this period and whilst there were few names that I recognised, I did feel a part of Maybelle’s journey that takes her so far from her religious upbringing.
As the novel progressed, I enjoyed watching the parallels emerge between the two women. Whilst they may appear completely contrasting, the hardships they suffer prove to be quite similar. I loved how Lamond creates this reflection between the two women, although Maybelle’s life certainly lacks the glitz and glamour of Alla’s. I could not help but sympathise with Alla, particularly towards the end of the story. This encouraged me to celebrate the more optimistic ending for Maybelle.
Dealing with same-sex relationships in a strict era, this book raised awareness of the difficulties some women faced, repressed for not being able to be their true selves. I thought this was an interesting depiction of two troubled characters in what appears to be a very decadent era.
With thanks to One More Chapter, Harper Collins and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The novel is structured to move between present day (1917) and from 1879. In present day we follow Maybelle, who has moved to California to be with her heavily religious and suppressive aunt and uncle. She does not feel immersed in this new family life and knows her inner thoughts conflict with the devout, God-fearing beliefs that are promoted by her uncle. In contrast, alternate chapters introduce us to Alla who, from her life in Crimea, we explore how this actress found fame in America. It was her story that I found myself most interested in.
Cleverly, the two timelines eventually overlap: readers come to a point where we witness Alla’s initial meeting with characters who we are seeing in the later time period. This was a great way to structure the narrative because it meant you already knew how this relationship would develop; you are just seeing the final piece of the puzzle with an awareness of what is in store in the future.
Alla’s story was fascinating. I know a little about Russian history and I thought the social ideologies were vividly reflected in her upbringing. With no mother-figure in her life and a hateful father, I felt her story was one that should be celebrated. Alla manages to escape the dominating and violent patriarchy and, against all odds, makes a name for herself. Yet, as Lamond’s narrative demonstrates, this is never an easy journey.
Whilst I was not as invested in Maybelle’s story, I was interested in her growing exposure to the life of Hollywood. For sure, there are plenty of female characters in this novel that are far from being well behaved and I was keen to understand how appearances deceived those around them, hiding the true reality. Furthermore, Lamond continues to refer to other key characters of this period and whilst there were few names that I recognised, I did feel a part of Maybelle’s journey that takes her so far from her religious upbringing.
As the novel progressed, I enjoyed watching the parallels emerge between the two women. Whilst they may appear completely contrasting, the hardships they suffer prove to be quite similar. I loved how Lamond creates this reflection between the two women, although Maybelle’s life certainly lacks the glitz and glamour of Alla’s. I could not help but sympathise with Alla, particularly towards the end of the story. This encouraged me to celebrate the more optimistic ending for Maybelle.
Dealing with same-sex relationships in a strict era, this book raised awareness of the difficulties some women faced, repressed for not being able to be their true selves. I thought this was an interesting depiction of two troubled characters in what appears to be a very decadent era.
With thanks to One More Chapter, Harper Collins and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 16, 2023
GREAT LGBTQ REPRESENTATION, BUT LACKED A SPARK FOR ME
I did enjoy this book. I just wasn't overwhelmed by it. There were just too many things that didn't quite reach the mark for me.
👍 What I Liked 👍
LGBTQ: I am a great fan of good LGBTQ stories - and this had a lot of good LGBTQ story arcs. I loved how many different kind of LGBTQ relationships represented, it was really good representation for all sexualities.
👎 What I Disliked 👎
Pacing: This is a dual timeline story. And in some ways, it really worked for this story. Our two main characters, Alla and Maybelle, are actually introduced to one another fairly early in the story. Which means that we get to follow their parallel stories far more closely. I liked that part. But I didn't like how it affected the overall pacing of the story. Alla's story starts in the 1870's and goes all the way up to the 1910's, while Maybelle's story only takes place in the 1920's. Therefore, Alla's story felt very rushed while Maybelle's felt super drawn out.
Identical: Again, dual timelines can really bring something great to a story. It can highlight similarities between two lives, two times and two places. But, in my opinion, Lamond (wanting to highlight one such similarity, I suppose) went too far and made something almost comical. At one point, our two leading ladies have an almost word-for-word similar experience. The scene, the dialogue and the ramifications for both women were almost identical, and it took me out of the reading experience. It didn't feel plausible.
POV change: Another thing, which might not be such a big deal, but was also took me out of the reading experience was an instance of a sudden POV change. While the story is written from the perspective of Maybelle (1st person) and Alla (3rd person), there is one scene towards the end of the book, where a third POV is suddenly thrown into the mix. Suddenly, we are inside the head of Josephine, hearing her thoughts and seeing a scene from her perspective. It only lasts for half a chapter, but it was enough to annoy me.
Maybelle: I had a hard time relating to Maybelle. I didn't feel like she was a driving force. Perhaps it was simply because she had to star opposite Alla, who took her fate into her own hands very early on. Or perhaps it was because Maybelle's chapters were all pretty much just fluff. I didn't ever really connect to her.
ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
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I did enjoy this book. I just wasn't overwhelmed by it. There were just too many things that didn't quite reach the mark for me.
👍 What I Liked 👍
LGBTQ: I am a great fan of good LGBTQ stories - and this had a lot of good LGBTQ story arcs. I loved how many different kind of LGBTQ relationships represented, it was really good representation for all sexualities.
👎 What I Disliked 👎
Pacing: This is a dual timeline story. And in some ways, it really worked for this story. Our two main characters, Alla and Maybelle, are actually introduced to one another fairly early in the story. Which means that we get to follow their parallel stories far more closely. I liked that part. But I didn't like how it affected the overall pacing of the story. Alla's story starts in the 1870's and goes all the way up to the 1910's, while Maybelle's story only takes place in the 1920's. Therefore, Alla's story felt very rushed while Maybelle's felt super drawn out.
Identical: Again, dual timelines can really bring something great to a story. It can highlight similarities between two lives, two times and two places. But, in my opinion, Lamond (wanting to highlight one such similarity, I suppose) went too far and made something almost comical. At one point, our two leading ladies have an almost word-for-word similar experience. The scene, the dialogue and the ramifications for both women were almost identical, and it took me out of the reading experience. It didn't feel plausible.
POV change: Another thing, which might not be such a big deal, but was also took me out of the reading experience was an instance of a sudden POV change. While the story is written from the perspective of Maybelle (1st person) and Alla (3rd person), there is one scene towards the end of the book, where a third POV is suddenly thrown into the mix. Suddenly, we are inside the head of Josephine, hearing her thoughts and seeing a scene from her perspective. It only lasts for half a chapter, but it was enough to annoy me.
Maybelle: I had a hard time relating to Maybelle. I didn't feel like she was a driving force. Perhaps it was simply because she had to star opposite Alla, who took her fate into her own hands very early on. Or perhaps it was because Maybelle's chapters were all pretty much just fluff. I didn't ever really connect to her.
ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
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January 8, 2023
This is one of those books that I knew from the first page I would love as it has the perfect balance of humor and plot! Maybelle has moved from Kentucky to LA and meets the beautiful Joe who draws her into a life she never knew existed. Alternating in time from the 1800's to the 1900's, the novel reveals the lifestyles of the Roaring 20's with all its grandeur and pompous behavior. We also meet Alla whose lowly origins eventually catapult her to fame as these characters' lives intersect. What a joy ride as it was easy to picture!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
July 18, 2023
Part historical fiction, part biography, this was an interesting insight into a time and place about which I knew very little - Hollywood in the 1920s. Told through the eyes of a sheltered country girl discovering her true self surrounded by the glitz and trappings of LA in the silent film era, and - in alternate chapters - by a sympathetic and insightful biographer of real life silent film star Alla Nazimova, this is an intriguing tale about love, sex, and ambition. Nazimova overcame a terrible childhood to become a celebrated actress of stage and screen - at one time the highest paid in Hollywood. However, perhaps her more lasting legacy is as "the founding mother of Sapphic Hollywood" - she had verified relationships with several women (and men), and coined the term "sewing circle" as a way for groups of closeted actresses to describe themselves.
March 26, 2023
The story itself is interesting, and explores a little of the darkness of being part of the LGBTQIA community during that time.
However, I found myself losing interest at times, what with the timeline jumping around, and so many additional characters to try and keep track of. By the time I was over half way I found myself skim reading at times just so I could find out how it ended.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc ebook.
However, I found myself losing interest at times, what with the timeline jumping around, and so many additional characters to try and keep track of. By the time I was over half way I found myself skim reading at times just so I could find out how it ended.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc ebook.
March 24, 2023
When Maybelle takes a break from handing out the pamphlets for her uncles church she’s mesmerized by beautiful well dressed woman named Josephine. When Josephine also showed an interest in her she is nervous but also tickled when the pretty lady asked her to come to a party later that night. May Bell was sent to live with her aunt and uncle in LA do to us can you do that happened in her hometown in Kentucky but this doesn’t stop her from sneaking out of the house to go meet Josephine at this party. The Home belongs to a movie stars named Ellie. Once again Maybelle is mesmerized by all the women their son or even dressed like men in a few or smoking but that isn’t going to stop innocent country Maybell and this will not be her last time going to a party at Ellie‘s house. Before she knows it she is having feelings for Josephine who everyone called Joe and despite her innocent nature Joe was also very attracted to her. Now this whole time Ellie as an adult is a side character but throughout the book we learned about her abusive violent upbringing with her father and her missed treatment by her siblings. It all plays a role in what Ellie is forced to do to take care of her self and like most women who find her self in that situation it was done out of desperation and necessity. I found this book interesting but they were a few things I just didn’t understand. The one if she lived in Atwater California how did she sneak out the window and go to a party in the hills of LA that isn’t a quick Jaunt but actually quite a treck and also it’s said the book that she was scared to hold Joe’s hand because they could be arrested but back in the Victorian era in the early 1900s women holding hands was not a big deal girls did that all the time because women dating was so far from what most people thought no one would’ve thought twice about that. We’re not talking about the jaded 60s and 70s we’re talking about World War I in 1919 and I know this is cosmetic and not apropos to the story I just don’t like when historical fiction writers don’t get the history right. Also I thought that Maybelle quickly changed from the Bible school advocate to practicing lesbian quite quickly and although there was one mention of her feeling guilty that was it the rest it was all gravy and she was down to go with the flow. I also wish the Brooke would focus more on Eli as I thought that’s what it would’ve been about and we would’ve learn more about her twisted marriage and love affairs and not just as a side character but that is just my negatives with the book. As I said I did find it interesting and I do recommend it but only as a solid three star read.
March 9, 2023
This book had great potential with the storyline, however I found it frustrating to read.
Maybelle’s character frustrated me at times and her story moved too quickly and could have benefited from more storytelling.
However the rest of the side characters had so much unnecessary information regarding them and relationships etc it left me lost and bamboozled at times.
The general pacing of the book was frustrating to read which resulted in me wanting to put it back down all the time… which is not what you want in a good book.
Between chapters 21 and 23 there’s a 2 year time gap, yet they are still talking about the same issues and originally they were on a time crunch?
Lastly, I don’t ever want to read “Juice” in the context they’ve used it in again.
To summarize, the storyline had potential but the characters were difficult to connect with and the flow of the story was frustrating and difficult to enjoy.
- I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review -
Maybelle’s character frustrated me at times and her story moved too quickly and could have benefited from more storytelling.
However the rest of the side characters had so much unnecessary information regarding them and relationships etc it left me lost and bamboozled at times.
The general pacing of the book was frustrating to read which resulted in me wanting to put it back down all the time… which is not what you want in a good book.
Between chapters 21 and 23 there’s a 2 year time gap, yet they are still talking about the same issues and originally they were on a time crunch?
Lastly, I don’t ever want to read “Juice” in the context they’ve used it in again.
To summarize, the storyline had potential but the characters were difficult to connect with and the flow of the story was frustrating and difficult to enjoy.
- I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review -
February 14, 2023
Maybelle Crabtree, native of Kentucky, is a transplant to California. While handing out her uncle's religious pamphlets on the street, she meets Josephine Colbert, or simply Joe, who takes a shine to her and introduces her to her friend, the glamorous actress Alla Nazimova. As her friendship with Alla continues and her relationship with Joe deepens, Maybelle comes more into her own and explores all that life has to offer.
Told in alternating perspectives between (at first) film industry outsider Maybelle and the life, from childhood to eventual fame, of Alla, this novel is all about the relationships between women, both platonic and romantic, set against the glittering backdrop of 1920s Hollywood. All the main characters are explicitly queer, and their queerness is never treated as a flaw, but is treated realistically for the period, which I appreciated - it was hard and scary to be queer then (and still is now, some might say) but people still loved each other despite the all the obstacles.
I do wish the characters were a little more fleshed out, especially Joe, who I felt got a little shafted by the focus on Maybelle and Alla. Joe seemed a little one-note, which is a shame, because she could have had a much larger role to play in her own right. Although it makes sense that her personality seems to change as Maybelle matures from dazzled newcomer to someone who's been in a relationship with Joe for awhile, I would have liked to have seen more from her, maybe even as a third viewpoint?
One thing I did not expect is that this book is, at times, surprisingly dark. Alla's atrocious and domineering father, lonely childhood, and the sacrifices she made for her art are heartwrenching. Equally heartwrenching is Maybelle's backstory - she is a victim of corrective rape after being seen with her (female) childhood sweetheart, was impregnated from said rape, had a miscarriage, and was basically discarded by her family. While she doesn't seem to dwell on this too much, it definitely affects her in the present. I was surprised - I was expecting a lighter, fluffier queer historical fiction novel, but I don't think the weighty bits detract from the novel at all.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read that I was glad I stuck with! It starts a little slow, and some readers might find Maybelle's early naivete irritating, but stick it out and you'll be glad you did. Thank you to Netgalley and One More Chapter for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review!
Told in alternating perspectives between (at first) film industry outsider Maybelle and the life, from childhood to eventual fame, of Alla, this novel is all about the relationships between women, both platonic and romantic, set against the glittering backdrop of 1920s Hollywood. All the main characters are explicitly queer, and their queerness is never treated as a flaw, but is treated realistically for the period, which I appreciated - it was hard and scary to be queer then (and still is now, some might say) but people still loved each other despite the all the obstacles.
I do wish the characters were a little more fleshed out, especially Joe, who I felt got a little shafted by the focus on Maybelle and Alla. Joe seemed a little one-note, which is a shame, because she could have had a much larger role to play in her own right. Although it makes sense that her personality seems to change as Maybelle matures from dazzled newcomer to someone who's been in a relationship with Joe for awhile, I would have liked to have seen more from her, maybe even as a third viewpoint?
One thing I did not expect is that this book is, at times, surprisingly dark. Alla's atrocious and domineering father, lonely childhood, and the sacrifices she made for her art are heartwrenching. Equally heartwrenching is Maybelle's backstory - she is a victim of corrective rape after being seen with her (female) childhood sweetheart, was impregnated from said rape, had a miscarriage, and was basically discarded by her family. While she doesn't seem to dwell on this too much, it definitely affects her in the present. I was surprised - I was expecting a lighter, fluffier queer historical fiction novel, but I don't think the weighty bits detract from the novel at all.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read that I was glad I stuck with! It starts a little slow, and some readers might find Maybelle's early naivete irritating, but stick it out and you'll be glad you did. Thank you to Netgalley and One More Chapter for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2023
Well Behaved Women seldom made books...right?
We all know the saying. And, true to the title, the women in this book (well, some of them) did have considerable historical significance. And then, they were summarily forgotten save for experts and aficionados.
And of course, books like these that aim to shed much needed light of the interesting/exceptional aspects of the past.
I’m all for historical fiction. I’m not superthrilled about this kind of it—the one that firmly lands under women’s fic, estrogen heavy, emotionally overwrought, and melodramatic—but the subject intrigued me enough to check this novel out.
Sure enough, the book works primarily on the strength of its character. Nazimova. An émigré who took America by storm a century ago and was at the peak of her career the highest paid actress in Tinseltown. The peak didn’t stay, they seldom do, but it gave Nazimova’s story an perfect three-act ar—turbulent in real life, surely, but great for literary fodder.
Curiously enough, the author chose to split the narrative duty between Nazimova and Maybelle, a somebody and a nobody, presumably to work that dynamic. The thing is Maybelle isn’t nearly as interesting of the character, she’s more of a plot device. Young, inexperienced, and fresh out of Kentucky farm, she provides the wide-eyed gee-haw perspective for the world of early day cinema she discovers in LA.
She’s also a lesbian, which plays nicely against Nazimova’s famous bisexuality and generally rather scandalous love life.
So you have the fascinating historical plotline of Nazimova’s life up against half-assed romantic and aspirational yearnings of Maybelle. Not especially comparable, but workable.
Certainly more so that the writing itself, which is just…so freaking cheesy. The love scenes alone…it’s like stir some macaroni in there for a meal already.
Definitely the kind of book where you gotta pick and choose. For me, my interest in all things cinema and queer/historical past mostly balanced out the twee estrogen-heavy aspects of the novel. And yes, had the subject been less interesting, that twee estrogen-heavy thing would have tanked the book, but alas, it works. It’s readable. It entertains. Thanks Netgalley.
We all know the saying. And, true to the title, the women in this book (well, some of them) did have considerable historical significance. And then, they were summarily forgotten save for experts and aficionados.
And of course, books like these that aim to shed much needed light of the interesting/exceptional aspects of the past.
I’m all for historical fiction. I’m not superthrilled about this kind of it—the one that firmly lands under women’s fic, estrogen heavy, emotionally overwrought, and melodramatic—but the subject intrigued me enough to check this novel out.
Sure enough, the book works primarily on the strength of its character. Nazimova. An émigré who took America by storm a century ago and was at the peak of her career the highest paid actress in Tinseltown. The peak didn’t stay, they seldom do, but it gave Nazimova’s story an perfect three-act ar—turbulent in real life, surely, but great for literary fodder.
Curiously enough, the author chose to split the narrative duty between Nazimova and Maybelle, a somebody and a nobody, presumably to work that dynamic. The thing is Maybelle isn’t nearly as interesting of the character, she’s more of a plot device. Young, inexperienced, and fresh out of Kentucky farm, she provides the wide-eyed gee-haw perspective for the world of early day cinema she discovers in LA.
She’s also a lesbian, which plays nicely against Nazimova’s famous bisexuality and generally rather scandalous love life.
So you have the fascinating historical plotline of Nazimova’s life up against half-assed romantic and aspirational yearnings of Maybelle. Not especially comparable, but workable.
Certainly more so that the writing itself, which is just…so freaking cheesy. The love scenes alone…it’s like stir some macaroni in there for a meal already.
Definitely the kind of book where you gotta pick and choose. For me, my interest in all things cinema and queer/historical past mostly balanced out the twee estrogen-heavy aspects of the novel. And yes, had the subject been less interesting, that twee estrogen-heavy thing would have tanked the book, but alas, it works. It’s readable. It entertains. Thanks Netgalley.
March 25, 2023
What a fascinating story made all the more so when you find it’s based on the true story of silent movie star Alla Nazimova. The story alternates between Maybelle’s and Alla’s story from 1879 until shortly after WWII. Alla is Russian, a woman who had an unpleasant childhood but always wanted to act. When she went to USA on a theatre tour she was discovered and soon became a big star. Maybelle left home under a cloud to live with her pastor uncle and his wife. When she meets glamorous Josephine (Joe) Colbert her life changes dramatically. The two threads are wonderfully interwoven to provide an exciting sapphic novel of romance, drama, love and hedonism.
Briefly, when Joe invites Maybelle to a party she doesn’t expect it to be at the home of Alla Nazimova on Sunset Boulevard. The party is shocking but at the same time exciting and soon her regular attendance at Alla’s home brings out Maybelle’s repressed sexuality and she ends up living with Joe.
This is an intense read. Alla was openly bisexual in her circles but should this become common knowledge her career would be at an end. The decadent lifestyle is wonderfully described, very F Scott Fitzgerald vibes, flamboyant and exciting. Alla’s life is actually quite heartbreaking and I wonder if she was ever truly happy. I loved this book, I like books that are based on real people, this one was sad and joyful, cruel and kind and a completely engrossing read.
Briefly, when Joe invites Maybelle to a party she doesn’t expect it to be at the home of Alla Nazimova on Sunset Boulevard. The party is shocking but at the same time exciting and soon her regular attendance at Alla’s home brings out Maybelle’s repressed sexuality and she ends up living with Joe.
This is an intense read. Alla was openly bisexual in her circles but should this become common knowledge her career would be at an end. The decadent lifestyle is wonderfully described, very F Scott Fitzgerald vibes, flamboyant and exciting. Alla’s life is actually quite heartbreaking and I wonder if she was ever truly happy. I loved this book, I like books that are based on real people, this one was sad and joyful, cruel and kind and a completely engrossing read.
December 16, 2022
I was excited the publisher, One More Chapter, reached out to me the other day to read this one on @netgalley. Most times I read these requests, it pays off and I love the book, and that was the case here!
Maybelle is a small-town girl from Kentucky, who’s now living right outside Los Angeles California. She quickly meets and is captivated by Joe, who introduces her to the charismatic Alla. Maybelle and Alla both have secrets that threaten to bring their lives down. Over the course of this book hearts are broken, careers are destroyed, and friendships are shattered because of closed door secrets that haven’t stayed hidden.
I can say that when I got this email the other day, I briefly scanned the description and quickly decided I would read it. I was not fully prepared to completely fall in love with it! This book is told from Maybelle’s and Alla’s perspectives. The story of Alla begins in the late 1800’s and the story of Maybelle begins in the early 1900’s. I loved both woman and their stories, including how they intersected. I enjoyed the queer aspect of this book, its not something that was widely out in the open during this time, so it was interesting to read this one. I enjoyed the historical aspects of this book surrounding being queer when it was very much only behind closed doors.
Thank you to @netgalley and the publisher, HarperCollins UK – One More Chapter, for my advanced copy in exchange for this honest review. Check this one out March 30th!
Maybelle is a small-town girl from Kentucky, who’s now living right outside Los Angeles California. She quickly meets and is captivated by Joe, who introduces her to the charismatic Alla. Maybelle and Alla both have secrets that threaten to bring their lives down. Over the course of this book hearts are broken, careers are destroyed, and friendships are shattered because of closed door secrets that haven’t stayed hidden.
I can say that when I got this email the other day, I briefly scanned the description and quickly decided I would read it. I was not fully prepared to completely fall in love with it! This book is told from Maybelle’s and Alla’s perspectives. The story of Alla begins in the late 1800’s and the story of Maybelle begins in the early 1900’s. I loved both woman and their stories, including how they intersected. I enjoyed the queer aspect of this book, its not something that was widely out in the open during this time, so it was interesting to read this one. I enjoyed the historical aspects of this book surrounding being queer when it was very much only behind closed doors.
Thank you to @netgalley and the publisher, HarperCollins UK – One More Chapter, for my advanced copy in exchange for this honest review. Check this one out March 30th!
February 1, 2023
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book via NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Publishing: March 31, 2023
Pages: 384
It is not uncommon for me to fall in love with a book from the “One More Chapter” catalog and “Well Behaved Women” by Caroline Lamond, new author to this reader was a refreshing read. Although this is not my typical genre. It is a historical story about Maybelle and Alla’s perspective views during the 1800s…the golden age period of glitz, glamour and Hollywood. It is clearly a feminist piece of fiction. It is well written and that is what engaged my attention from the first to last page of the story. There are some triggers…rape, abortion and abuse. There is a rollercoaster of emotions throughout the story that unfolded events that impacted the lives of the characters, people around them and the little secrets though to be kept hidden. Closed doors, hidden personas and taboos…evolving from this author’s writings. A sleeper that spoke of a time where some things need remain “hush hush”. Enjoyed the historical aspect of this story and recommend the read.
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Publishing: March 31, 2023
Pages: 384
It is not uncommon for me to fall in love with a book from the “One More Chapter” catalog and “Well Behaved Women” by Caroline Lamond, new author to this reader was a refreshing read. Although this is not my typical genre. It is a historical story about Maybelle and Alla’s perspective views during the 1800s…the golden age period of glitz, glamour and Hollywood. It is clearly a feminist piece of fiction. It is well written and that is what engaged my attention from the first to last page of the story. There are some triggers…rape, abortion and abuse. There is a rollercoaster of emotions throughout the story that unfolded events that impacted the lives of the characters, people around them and the little secrets though to be kept hidden. Closed doors, hidden personas and taboos…evolving from this author’s writings. A sleeper that spoke of a time where some things need remain “hush hush”. Enjoyed the historical aspect of this story and recommend the read.
February 23, 2023
A glitzy, historical fiction told through multiple perspectives exploring the heyday of Hollywood, sexuality and the real life of a silent movie star.
I really enjoyed this, and found it incredibly engaging. This time period always makes for an interesting read, and this book was no different. While there's a definite display of the glamour, glitz and wild ways of Hollywood, the book also explores darker themes, heartrending back stories, tough relationships, and difficult choices. This added an extra layer to the story and the characters that I really appreciated.
The writing style is undemanding to read, and flows beautifully. I found it really easy to just keep reading and I was rivetted the whole way through. I found characters well developed for the most part, but feel as though some side characters and the relationships with them could have been fleshed out or explored a little further.
This was an exciting and enjoyable read from start to finish, and I would recommend this for anyone who likes historical fiction, exploration of LGBTQ+ experiences, and who generally finds the description interesting.
I really enjoyed this, and found it incredibly engaging. This time period always makes for an interesting read, and this book was no different. While there's a definite display of the glamour, glitz and wild ways of Hollywood, the book also explores darker themes, heartrending back stories, tough relationships, and difficult choices. This added an extra layer to the story and the characters that I really appreciated.
The writing style is undemanding to read, and flows beautifully. I found it really easy to just keep reading and I was rivetted the whole way through. I found characters well developed for the most part, but feel as though some side characters and the relationships with them could have been fleshed out or explored a little further.
This was an exciting and enjoyable read from start to finish, and I would recommend this for anyone who likes historical fiction, exploration of LGBTQ+ experiences, and who generally finds the description interesting.
March 14, 2023
While living with her pastor uncle, and recruiting for the church run out of his farm, Maybelle meets a beautiful, worldly woman... and when that woman, Josephine, takes an interest in her and invites her to a party at movie star Alla's house, Maybelle gets swept up in a life of glamour that couldn't be more different than the godly life she's known.
This book alternates between Maybelle's storyline, starting in 1919 (in first person) and Alla's, starting a few decades before (in third person). Their stories are very different, but there are threads of similarities, even before the two characters ever meet. The alternating storylines were incredibly impactful, and as Alla's storyline approached where Maybelle's begin, I found myself desperate to know exactly how Alla ended up where she did.
Well Behaved Women is intense-- heartbreaking and horrifying and beautiful. It's a story about identity--about these characters' sexualities, family dynamics, and how they fit into the world. Alla and Maybelle couldn't be more different, but I saw both of them in each other--and myself in both of them.
Trigger warnings for sexual assault and domestic abuse.
This book alternates between Maybelle's storyline, starting in 1919 (in first person) and Alla's, starting a few decades before (in third person). Their stories are very different, but there are threads of similarities, even before the two characters ever meet. The alternating storylines were incredibly impactful, and as Alla's storyline approached where Maybelle's begin, I found myself desperate to know exactly how Alla ended up where she did.
Well Behaved Women is intense-- heartbreaking and horrifying and beautiful. It's a story about identity--about these characters' sexualities, family dynamics, and how they fit into the world. Alla and Maybelle couldn't be more different, but I saw both of them in each other--and myself in both of them.
Trigger warnings for sexual assault and domestic abuse.
January 15, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley, and the publisher, HarperCollins UK – One More Chapter, for granting me sn advanced copy in exchange for this honest opinions.
I love historical books and the setting for this one in the Kate 1800's into the 1920's was beautifully written.
I was saddened by the events that hat and how many lives were destroyed just because of people not being able to openly be who they are sexually. We still have a long way to go in our society today, but this book shows how far we have come
Closed doors were the norm and a person had to hide there preference. It was taboo to even speak of being queer.
The book was beatifully written and I enjoyed Maybelle’s and Alla’s stories.
I love historical books and the setting for this one in the Kate 1800's into the 1920's was beautifully written.
I was saddened by the events that hat and how many lives were destroyed just because of people not being able to openly be who they are sexually. We still have a long way to go in our society today, but this book shows how far we have come
Closed doors were the norm and a person had to hide there preference. It was taboo to even speak of being queer.
The book was beatifully written and I enjoyed Maybelle’s and Alla’s stories.
April 25, 2023
I love this era of historical fiction and this one did not let me down. It had gliz and glamour of old Hollywood, sexuality, real and raw charactes, and plenty of secrets!
Alla and Maybelle are our two mains. Alla migrated from Russia, and we get her story in the past and her childhood. Maybelle has moved to LA from backwoods Kentucky and, while a bit naive, knew what she did not want in life.
I was immediately sucked into the stories of these two women - both their own individual, and how they intersected.
I like that it dealt with the exploration of LGBTQ+ experiences, because clearly they existed then, although had to be kept more on the down low.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Alla and Maybelle are our two mains. Alla migrated from Russia, and we get her story in the past and her childhood. Maybelle has moved to LA from backwoods Kentucky and, while a bit naive, knew what she did not want in life.
I was immediately sucked into the stories of these two women - both their own individual, and how they intersected.
I like that it dealt with the exploration of LGBTQ+ experiences, because clearly they existed then, although had to be kept more on the down low.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
July 16, 2023
Not too bad but something was lacking for me. I usually like dual POVs so this was a draw, and the timeline of 1920s Hollywood was a blast. Some supporting characters, like Joe, really interested me but got too little play. I wish she was a third POV to round out this tale.
However throughout the book I realized I didn't really like either of the two mains, Maybelle or Alla. Alla's story was more riveting, as the author went fairly deep with her traumas and history and journey to America. But she continued to make bad choice after bad choice that became frustrating. Maybelle came across as immature and needy. Also every.... single.... male in this book ended up being truly awful.
Overall I liked parts of it but that lack of spark and oomph was real.
However throughout the book I realized I didn't really like either of the two mains, Maybelle or Alla. Alla's story was more riveting, as the author went fairly deep with her traumas and history and journey to America. But she continued to make bad choice after bad choice that became frustrating. Maybelle came across as immature and needy. Also every.... single.... male in this book ended up being truly awful.
Overall I liked parts of it but that lack of spark and oomph was real.
January 3, 2023
This was such an interesting read diving into the lives of Alla, Maybelle, and Joe. What a pleasant surprise to discover Alla Nazimova was indeed a real person (I do not always read descriptions in full before I choose to read a book to be able to fully experience the twists and turns).
This is a tale of strong women and survival and ambition. The dive into the seemingly glamorous life of women of the 1900s was a fun one, but not without some needed trigger warnings. I must say that was unexpected, but I still enjoyed the read and the exposure to some of what the LGBTQ+ community may have looked like in that time and what the glitz and glam of the 1920s was like - including the good and the bad.
*Kindly received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is a tale of strong women and survival and ambition. The dive into the seemingly glamorous life of women of the 1900s was a fun one, but not without some needed trigger warnings. I must say that was unexpected, but I still enjoyed the read and the exposure to some of what the LGBTQ+ community may have looked like in that time and what the glitz and glam of the 1920s was like - including the good and the bad.
*Kindly received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 30, 2023
I adored this book. The story of a real-life film star Alla Nazimova,whose life takes her from her childhood in Yalta, to Moscow and to Hollywood greatness, and the glamorous world she creates around her, and of Maybelle - who runs away from her religious family to join Alla’s circle and get her own taste of Hollywood glamour. Alla’s story is fascinating - the determination and luck that took her so far. I loved the time shifts in the book, that show you Alla both as Grande Dame and ingenue - and the cast of characters who travel with her, and with Maybelle, as their paths cross and intertwine.
September 3, 2023
I don't know what this book was about! It took me so long to get through it because I couldn't work out what was going on. It was beautifully written, and one or two of the characters were engaging, but there didn't seem to be any plot.
Alla's story was the most interesting, but it moved to quickly there wasn't time to savour anything that she experienced.
I don't know about Maybelle. Was it trying to give contrast? Two women on opposite sides of life and how they turned out, but they barely had an interaction between the two women, even though their paths interwined briefly.
And the ending was very rushed!
As I said, I don't know what to make of it.
Alla's story was the most interesting, but it moved to quickly there wasn't time to savour anything that she experienced.
I don't know about Maybelle. Was it trying to give contrast? Two women on opposite sides of life and how they turned out, but they barely had an interaction between the two women, even though their paths interwined briefly.
And the ending was very rushed!
As I said, I don't know what to make of it.
March 25, 2024
i went into this book totally blind. i know, not a great way to start an arc but i think it was for the best. i didn’t know anything about Alla Nazimova and was very moved by this book to look more into her legacy. i though that it was interesting how the book felt so much like a memoir or biography while also having entirely fictional elements in Maybelle’s POV. my favorite aspects were when we would learn things through Maybelle’s eyes. i thought the actual writing was done well and kept me entertained. the parts that hit the hardest were incredibly impactful and made me feel very deeply for our cast of characters, both real and otherwise. i felt it was a smidge too long but i do understand that certain plot beats had to be met in order to accurately tell Alla’s life story. overall, a solid 3.5 star book! big thanks to Harper Collins, One More Chapter, and Netgalley for the arc.
February 22, 2024
Captivating
I had never heard of Alla before. In fact until the end of the book I did not realize the book was based on an actual person. It was a very informative read and hard to put down. Obviously she was paid a lot of money and had a successful career during her lifetime. I am impressed and inspired by women who can make their own way and succeed on their own, especially one who did not know the language or customs in the United States but persevered.
I had never heard of Alla before. In fact until the end of the book I did not realize the book was based on an actual person. It was a very informative read and hard to put down. Obviously she was paid a lot of money and had a successful career during her lifetime. I am impressed and inspired by women who can make their own way and succeed on their own, especially one who did not know the language or customs in the United States but persevered.
February 6, 2023
My thanks to Net Galley and the invitation from Harpers UK to review this book. Unfortunately I don't feel I connected with the book was wowed or felt like it was a page turner. I like the stories of the strong women, but I did not like the cruel abuse story of the one character and things seemed to jump around all over the place.
March 26, 2023
An interesting read about the development of early Hollywood. Most people are not aware of the creative role women had as actresses, producers, writers, etc.
Alla’s childhood in Russia was also very interesting to read about.
Anyone wanting to read about the film industry prior to WWI should check out this book.
Thanks to Harper Collins UK and NetGalley for the early read.
Alla’s childhood in Russia was also very interesting to read about.
Anyone wanting to read about the film industry prior to WWI should check out this book.
Thanks to Harper Collins UK and NetGalley for the early read.
March 27, 2023
A well written and fascinating novel about one of the diva of the 20s, Alla Nazimova. She was a woman who was not shy about her sexuality, a great actress and this book made me travel in time and brought me to mythical places.
I thoroughly enjoyed the characters and the plot.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine
I thoroughly enjoyed the characters and the plot.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine
April 18, 2023
This started well but it quickly started going downhill 😫 nothing happened, and I mean nothing happened. It was told from two POV Alla and Maybeline which was okay until the many side characters were introduced which then got confusing as well as boring 😐
It’s a shame as I usually really enjoy books set in the 1920s but this one didn’t do it for me.
It’s a shame as I usually really enjoy books set in the 1920s but this one didn’t do it for me.
August 9, 2023
3.5 🌟 star's.....I thought this had the potential to be a rip roaring 1920s novel...it had all the right ingredients and the author knew her stuff...the chapters on Alla Nazimova were really good .....but some of the narrative towards the middle and the end was repetitive and lacking in excitement...but overall a good read.
February 23, 2023
Well Behaved Women was a whirlwind of extravagance and glamour.
Of first loves and enduring friendship.
All set in the golden age of Hollywood.
It's beautifully written. It draws you in and holds you close. It's heartbreaking and bittersweet, triumphant and enchanting.
Of first loves and enduring friendship.
All set in the golden age of Hollywood.
It's beautifully written. It draws you in and holds you close. It's heartbreaking and bittersweet, triumphant and enchanting.
April 9, 2023
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Russian Alla Nazimova was discovered on a theatre tour in the US and became a silent movie star, but the story of her beginnings and life was new to me and well presented in this wonderful historical fiction novel.
Russian Alla Nazimova was discovered on a theatre tour in the US and became a silent movie star, but the story of her beginnings and life was new to me and well presented in this wonderful historical fiction novel.
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