The Beautiful American
· Written
by: Jeanne Mackin
· Narrated
by: Kate Reading
· Length: 11
hrs and 46 mins
·
· Unabridged Audiobook
· Release
Date:06-03-14
·
Publisher: Blackstone
Audio, Inc.
*Copy received from Audiobook Jukebox for and honest opinion
The Beautiful American by Jeanne Mackin was a beautiful
story. It takes place during the 20th
Century during the 1920s. I’d never
heard of Lee Miller before so I was fascinated to learn about her. She was a photographer and a model. She became very well known for her
photographs under the guidance of Man Ray.
Although Lee is a known historical person Nora Tours is the
protagonists. As the reader we see Lee
Miller and the events surrounding them through her point of view.
Lee Miller comes from a wealthy family. They life in a small town and Nora’s father
works for Mr. Miller. Because they are
the same age Lee and Nora become friends and play together. The class difference is evident in their
lifestyles. Nora explains how she sees
Lee and describes their friendship. A
terrible thing happens to Lee as a young child and the impact sends Lee into
isolation. Although she already seemed
like a sad child she becomes ostracized.
As Lee and Nora develop into their teenager years they are no longer
friends but Nora is still aware of Lee’s life.
Lee is very popular and she is always the talk of the town. Nora’s life also goes through changes as her
father dies and as the bread winner of
the family, she and her mom are left with no option other than to move in with
her aunt.
Nora begins to feel stifled and depressed living with her
aunt and mom, when her boyfriend Jaime suggests that they leave for France Nora
readily agrees. She understands that her
reputation will be ruined and she will never be allowed back with her mom and
aunt.
During her trip to France Jaime and Nora live within very
humble means. Jaime is an aspiring
photographer and he is trying to become well-known. When the stock market crash leaves his father
without the means to send his son any money, he and Nora begin to think about
returning home. During this time Nora
reunites with Lee and as luck would have it Man offers Jaime an opportunity to
work with him. Lee and Nora continue to run into each other during different
times in their lives. Although they are
complete opposites they seem to balance each other.
When Nora and Jaime finally separate she is left without his
support. Nora runs into Lee again years
later when Nora is looking for her daughter.
Lee plays a big role in helping Nora with her daughter.
This was a beautiful story.
Although Nora was fictional, my hear went to her and her daughter. Lee was also a very endearing character. It seemed that many times her fortune and
fame couldn’t save her from very terrifying and cruel moments. Although there are many elements to this
story, ultimately, for me it was about a friendship between two very different women. There are many surprises and betrayals along
the way which made the story that much more engrossing. I really enjoyed the story.
The narrator Kate Reading was fantastic. She was able to
capture the differences between Nora and Lee and also pace the story at a
perfect pace.
I really loved this beautiful story.
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