Unfortunately, “Belladonna in Hollywood” is even more uneven then the heroine’s road to stardom.
Despite Belladonna’s beauty, casting directors only want one thing from her — and it’s not to cast her in Dracula. The author’s view of early Hollywood is deeply cynical, and Belle is one step away from prostitution when Vivant swoops down and makes her into an immortal. Their relationship is rocky, and unfortunately it’s not very well developed. One minute they’re throwing things at each other, and the next they’re declaring eternal love. We’re meant to believe that such hate is a sign of love, but unfortunately we’re told that — repeatedly — instead of seeing it in the characters’ heads.
Telling, rather than showing, is a problem throughout the book. We learn things through infodump, rather than interaction or dialogue. The novel’s structure is a bit bumpy, as well. It takes too long for Vivant and Belladonna to meet, then they resolve their relationship issues too quickly. Then the plot shifts entirely to focus on Belle’s brother Cal, who comes to LA and falls into the clutches of drugs and one unsavory woman.
The story draws you in despite the weak spots — but with the narratives balanced a bit better, Belladonna in Hollywood could have been truly compelling.
Reviewed by Kelly Faircloth
Has worked in test prep, movie production, and online content production. Books are her passion. BA in Folklore and Mythology. Wrote a college admissions essay on Lord of the Rings. Devoted Star Trek fan since the age of 5. Her writing has appeared at Inc., io9, and The Big Money.