Author(s): Anne Enright

Fiction

'Written with all the ingenuity and twisty tautness of a thriller' The TimesFrom the Booker-winning Irish author, a brilliant and moving novel about fame, sexual power, and a daughter's search to understand her mother's hidden truths. This is the story of Irish theatre legend Katherine O'Dell, as told by her daughter Norah. It tells of early stardom in Hollywood, of highs and lows on the stages of Dublin and London's West End. Katherine's life is a grand performance, with young Norah watching from the wings. But this romance between mother and daughter cannot survive Katherine's past, or the world's damage. As Norah uncovers her mother's secrets, she acquires a few of her own. Then, fame turns to infamy when Katherine decides to commit a bizarre crime. Actress is about a daughter's search for the truth- the dark secret in the bright star, and what drove Katherine finally mad . . .

CONSTANT READER STAFF REVIEW: SOPHIE

From the very first page, I remember thinking to myself, “this woman is a master of her craft”. Layered and complex, yet also compulsively readable, Actress is a beautiful story about love, celebrity, aging and the bonds of family.

Set in 20th century Ireland, Actress tells the story of a mother-daughter relationship burdened by fame. The narrator is a novelist named Norah recalling the tumultuous life of her mother: Katherine O’Dell, the late, great star of stage and screen.

There’s scandal, family drama and plenty of old Hollywood glamour. Perfect for fans of Sarah Waters, Maggie O’Farrell and Colm Toibin.