April 2022

I completely devoured SISTER STARDUST, Jane Green’s first historical novel. For years, Jane has been interested in Talitha Getty, the second wife of John Paul Getty Jr. This book reimagines her life in the '60s during her time in Morocco, which were some very hedonistic days. A famous model and actress, Talitha is rich, exuberant and universally loved. The story is told through the eyes of Claire, who renames herself Cece. She moves from her small English town to London and is swept up in Talitha's world. The closer they grow, the more Claire learns about the dark past of this mysterious and revered woman.

The book captures a particular time and place and transports you there. There are cameos from famous rock stars. There are visits to the fabulous colorful bazaars. And there are clues as to how some of these people will later implode. The party cannot go on forever. There is a terrific line from Benji, who has befriended Cece and cautions her about staying on in Morocco. He talks about vacations and how magical they are, but then they end and you go back to your real life. Staying on vacation means that they turn into something else. Wise words.

SISTER STARDUST would be a fun summer book for book groups. Pull out caftans, place pillows on the patio, and chat about these characters and days gone by.

» Watch my "Bookreporter Talks To" interview with Jane Green and listen to the podcast.