by Danielle Steel
Publication Date December 12, 2021
Published by Random House Publishing Group
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Genres: Fiction / Family Life / General, Fiction / Romance / Contemporary, Fiction / Women
Pages: 288
Format: ARC
In this riveting novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Danielle Steel, a gifted young woman must grapple with the legacy of a troubled childhood in order to pursue her dreams.
Antonia Adams is the product of a loveless marriage between a beautiful young model and an aristocrat. As a child, she is abandoned in the abyss that yawns between them, blamed by her mother, ignored by her father, and neglected by both. Unprotected and unloved, she learns that the only way to feel safe is to hide from the dangers around her, drawing as little attention as possible to herself, to be "invisible."
In her isolation, books are her refuge and movies her escape. A day spent being carried away by an unforgettable film in a dark theater is her greatest thrill. Her love of the movies turns into a dream to become a screenwriter, and a summer job at a Hollywood studio. There, a famous British filmmaker notices her, and suddenly she can remain invisible no longer. He wants to put her in a movie and make her a star. It is a dazzling opportunity but a terrifying one, as it strips her of the camouflage that made her feel safe. She is suddenly thrust into the public eye--and even more so when they fall in love.
She will never let go of her true dream of becoming a filmmaker, though, and if she wants to make that leap, she will have to expose herself in ways she never has before. When tragedy strikes, she must decide whether she will remain center stage or become invisible again, where she feels safest. Will she face her demons, or run and hide?
In this extraordinary novel, Danielle Steel tells the story of a woman who must decide how high a price she is willing to pay to pursue her passion--and whether it is possible to stay true to herself while she does.
My Review:
Invisible by Danielle Steel is a pleasant story about a young woman who wants to be, and stay invisible. The timespan covers post-war Paris, and modern New York City.
Invisible covers the story of Antonia and follows her from her neglected childhood to her career in film. She’s the daughter of an aspiring actress and a businessman and grew up in a home where she was neglected. Her mother didn’t want a baby and eventually left the family to pursue an acting career. Her father blames her for his wife’s leaving and buries himself in his work, neglecting poor Antonia. She decides it’s best to stay invisible as that keeps her out of trouble. As she gets older she finds refuge in the movies and goes to the movies as often as possible. She decides she wants to be a screenwriter and applies to NYU film school.
I enjoyed Invisible, but it’s not one of my favorite Danielle Steel books. The romance between Antonia and her mentor, Hamish, was just a bit off. I don’t like romances where there is such a huge age gap, especially when the woman is so young at the start of the relationship. I understand that the author has a good reason for setting up Antonia and Hamish, as he’s a father figure for her, but it just didn’t sit right to me. But, others may not be as turned off by the relationship as I was. The story was good, but I never laughed out loud, or cried, or gasped, it was just a pleasant story that was just interesting enough to keep me turning the pages.
I did like the film business background information in the story as well as her time at NYU film school. I enjoyed Antonia’s stepmother, Lara, who tried her best to get her and her father back together. It was a nice book, and I don’t regret reading it. Also, I will continue to read books written by Danielle Steel as she usually writes books I really enjoy. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The entire book felt like a summary! Seventeen years passed in a page! No character build up at any point … barely even any dialogue. Very weird and didn’t enjoy
I’ll agree, it wasn’t one of her better books.
Excellent review, Wendy!
Also, I never knew Danielle Steele had nine children! Wow!
Thanks for your honest review on this one. Danielle Steel is an author I like to read occasionally but based on your review I think I’ll give this one a pass. Thanks for sharing Wendy!
I have read many books by Danielle Steel she is one my favourite authors.
I agree Sue, this one didn’t work to well for me, but I love most of her books.
Sorry to hear this wasn’t as good as you hoped, but at least you don’t regret reading it. It does sound like an interesting story.
Thank you Rachel!
The age gap between Antonia and Hamish would bother me a bit, too.
Thank you Lark. I don’t have many things that turn me off, this does.
Sorry this one didn’t work out as well as you expected but I can understand your reservations on the age gap. It’s something that would make me uneasy as well
Thank you Mallika!