Title: The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple
Author: Joanna Davidson Politano
Publisher: Revell
ISBN: 978-0-8007-4297-3
“I was an actress, a professional storyteller, here at the holding cell of a condemned man, armed with naught but a story,” Lily admits in Joanna Davidson Politano’s novel, The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple.
~ What ~
At four hundred pages, this paperback targets those interested in a historical romance in England in the early-nineteenth century involving the life of a silent-film actress and fairy tales. With no profanity, the topics of lying, theft, and death may not be appropriate for immature readers. The ending includes the author’s note, an excerpt for another book by the writer, the author’s biography, and advertisements.
In this story, Lily Temple is an actress who manipulates others both on and off stage through her storytelling and sleight-of-hand. The mesmerizing woman meets Peter Driscoll, an underground investigator, who is hired to find an exquisite gem which some say have healing properties. As the two try to protect those wrongfully punished, Lily seeks the real Truth that sets her free.
~ Why ~
Having read and enjoyed other books by this author, I was looking forward to this read about the cine-cinema. I found the chapters written in first person by the protagonist well described and engaging as she searched and unveiled the truth about her past. There are plenty of interesting, dynamic characters involved who help Lily find herself.
~ Why Not ~
Those who do not believe in God may not appreciate this story that correlates to the Almighty being the Gardener who tends to our lives. Since I do not care for fairy tales, I felt the read bogged down and sometimes displaced, veering off topic at times. I struggled getting through the book because it jumped around too much.
~ Wish ~
While I like tales that interject the Creator into the storyline, even if they are fairy tales, I wish this somehow mentioned Jesus Christ being the only way to eternal salvation as any religion could reference their god into the book’s dialogue. I prefer all pronouns of Deity capitalized for reverence.
~ Want ~
If you like a story that involves a woman hiding from her true self as she animates fairy tales on film and in her life, this one comes full circle to completion. Although it didn’t hold my interest due to the many fables, those who appreciate them might enjoy it.
For my honest opinion, I received a complimentary copy from Revell via Interviews & Reviews. I am under no obligation to give a positive review.
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This book can be found at https://amzn.to/4d3BXKn
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