The Girls in the Picture

I have been drawn to historical fiction novels lately.  I truly believe that there is a lot to learn from the past, and reading about other people's lives, and knowing that these events happened, is simply fascinating to me.  

Of all the books I've read lately The Girls in the Picture is by far my favorite.

Let me start by saying that Melanie Benjamin is an incredible writer.  I have never been interested in old Hollywood before but Ms. Benjamin had a way of pulling me into this early teens and 20's era and allowing me a glimpse into that world.  She brings to life a story of two women who made incredible strides not only in the cinematic world, when gender barriers abounded, but also in their personal lives, and to show that women were more than just mere housewives and mothers, but could be true voices and make a real difference in the world.

 

It's 1914 and moving pictures, or "flickers" are in their inception.  Frances Marion has just left her second husband and moves to Los Angeles for a fresh start.  She is immediately mesmerized with this new medium and finds herself writing stories for this new, blossoming industry in Hollywoodland.  A young actress catches her attention and before long she befriends the adorable Mary Pickford, who shares her vision for a world where stories could be told and to make art and not just entertain people.

The Girls in the Picture is the story of Mary and Fran's incredible friendship.  Their love for each other runs deep and keeps them bound throughout their entire lives, despite turmoil and heartache.

Photo Credit:  Mary Pickford Company/United Artists [public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Fran deals with fighting to be more than just Mary Pickford's scenarist, and longs to write screenplays that make a difference in people's lives.  Mary, on the other hand, has quickly become America's Sweetheart, and the rush to stardom is a little more than overwhelming, seeing her struggle to adjust to the spotlight.  Both women long for true love and find their soulmates, only for tragedy to strike, just like in the movies.

I couldn't put this incredible book down.  Your heart aches for both Mary and Fran as they fight against gender prejudice in the industry, as well as the waves that each of their personal lives take.  I've never been interested in early Hollywood history or silent movies before but I can truly say that has all changed thanks to The Girls in the Picture.  

I do have to warn that this novel does have adult language but other than that it was an imaginable read.  When I finished, I did some more research on Mary Pickford and Frances Marion to see how much of the story was true and was pleasantly surprised!  Melanie Benjamin was extremely accurate with the exception of omitting some facts about each woman's life, which she explains in her author's note at the end of the novel.  You finish the book with complete satisfaction and thankfulness for these two women who "paved the way for the women working in film today." Mary and Frances, you will not be forgotten.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Random House and NetGalley in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.  All opinions are my own.