In 1962, in a village so small it’s not even on the map of Italy, a woman arrives by boat in search of quiet and discretion. Pasquale Tursi, owner of the only hotel in Porto Vergogna, is creating a beach in hopes of attracting tourists, and instantly falls for the tall blonde American. Dee is an actress working on Cleopatra, filming in Rome, has been told she has stomach cancer, and is waiting for a man to come and meet her.
Fast forward to Hollywood in the present day. Claire Silver has to deal with her strip club-loving boyfriend, her boss, a Hollywood legend whose surgically altered face doesn’t match his aging body, and pitches for movies and reality TV shows from anyone who has ever met the man. When an old Italian man presents a signed Michael Deane business card, the ticket to gaining an audience with Claire, she thinks he’s just another pitch, but he turns out to be searching for the actress from so long ago.
Beautiful Ruins, now out in paperback, jumps around from the past and the present, following a large cast of characters (including Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor) that come together seamlessly. Interspersed between third person narratives are a pitch from a hopeful screenwriter for a movie about the Donner Party, and the first chapter of Michael Deane’s memoir that was never written, but fills in some of the holes in the story not told elsewhere. The unique storytelling devices add to an already wonderfully written story. Walter throws out bits of information that he comes back to later, leaving the reader to enjoy the journey just as much as the destination. The final chapter closes the book, so to speak on not only the main characters, but all of the minor ones introduced throughout.
Win it! We have 1 copy of Beautiful Ruins to giveaway (US/Canada only). Leave a comment below to enter and the winner will be announced in our regular giveaway column on April 24.The giveaway is closed.
Thanks to the TLC Book Tour for the review copy and giveaway.
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Sounds like an intriguing love story!
someluckydog at gmail dot com
I was so surprised that the author could successfully bring all the crazy, different plotlines together – very well done!
Thanks for being on the tour.
What a great cover. It looks just like a vintage postcard. Even thefont is right!
I was JUST thinking of you as I read over the list my daughter’s freshman English teacher sent out. They are starting an independent reading Sci Fi/Fantasy unit, so there’s a big list for them to choose from. LOTS of fun titles. I know you think they should be able to read fun stuff. They just finished Tale of Two Cities, so a little escapism is probably in order.
Sounds like a pretty interesting premise! Looks like something I would like to read.
Your review has me intrigued about how all fits together. Please enter my name.
You won it Liz! Please reply to this info with your shipping info.
I have read so many really great and positive reviews about this book, and am taking it as a sign that I must read it soon!
This novel would be fascinating and unique.
I would enjoy this captivating story.
A great review which interested me.
I’d love to read this! Thanks for the chance to win!
I have heard a great deal about this book. Thanks for this opportunity.
In love with the cover! Would love to win!
I’d like to read this love story. Italy is a wonderful setting.
This is our book club selection next month. I’d love to win it! Thank you!
I’d love to read this!
Great giveaway! Would love to share with my friend in Italy.
I’d love this for my summer reading!
Sounds like a really good book with some great characters. I would love to read it. Thanks for the chance.