When it comes to movie critics Violet Epps is a powerhouse voice. Equally unafraid of big Hollywood names and public opinion, her biting reviews are widely quoted.
But when it comes to her own life, Violet finds herself unable to speak up—paralyzed by crippling social anxiety. When a chance encounter at the famous Algonquin Hotel unleashes the feisty spirit of the long-dead Dorothy Parker, the famous literary critic of the 1920s, Violet thinks she is going crazy. But as the rematerialized Mrs. Parker helps her face her fears, Violet realizes how much she has been missing by keeping quiet. It turns out though, that the shade has problems of her own, not the least of which include equal portions of narcissism and pessimism and the inability to move on to her afterlife.
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"I was reading this in public and someone asked me what I was reading. She said she had to pick it up because I had a huge smile the entire time I was reading. Meister has some fantastic juxtapositions with Dorothy Parker and a contemporary theater critic who is a beast on the page and a mouse in her personal life. Together the two of them each sort out their own unfinished business."
— Lisa (4 out of 5 stars)
" I love Dorothy Parker and found this story of her ghost appearing to a timid movie critic and helping her with her life extremely readable and quite enjoyable. I wish it had expected a little more of its audience. Every reference is explained explicitly to the reader. When Mrs. Parker, for example, chose "Daisy Buchanan" as her alias, sure enough, we get an explanation of exactly who that is. Even character actions are spelled out where they don't need to be: the emotions related to a closing of the eyes or looking away are specifically detailed. Not necessary. Still--still--fun and quick to read. "
— Ian, 2/15/2014" This book was so much fun. I read it in two days (quick for me!) and loved seeing Dorothy Parker come to life, not as a mythologized writer, but as a real person--refreshing and inspiring. "
— Mary, 2/6/2014" A charming, well written love story with Dorothy Parker's ghost. So you get Parker's acerbic wit along with a good story that develops well and ends (sort of) happily. "
— M, 2/1/2014" Charming little bit of fluff if you can l et yourself suspend reality. "
— Rita, 1/27/2014" Ellen Meister creates a light-hearted romantic romp featuring the ghost of Dorothy Parker taking center stage. The novel begins strongly, but unfortunately dwindles and becomes as cliche as Dorothy's dog. The book is a definite chick flick in the making, but does manage to tug on the reader's heart- "cue the violins and the angelic ethereal last scene!" Farewell, Dorothy Parker is lesson in grieving, forgiveness and finding one's voice; however, one wonders Dorothy Parker's reaction and review of this work.........perhaps, FAIR and not Swell, Dorothy Parker?????? or her stinging barb: "This is not a novel to be tossed aside lightly. It should be thrown with great force." "
— Suzanne, 1/22/2014" I loved this! I want more Mrs. Parker. "
— Annette, 1/20/2014" With Dorothy Parker in the book, how could it be bad? ? It wasn't 'bad', but it wasn't all I'd hoped, either. Dorothy Parker isn't a well known name, but with her biting wit and her ability to turn a phrase, she should be. I hope this novel will broaden her 'fan base'. "
— Barbara, 1/15/2014" A movie critic who has trouble standing up for herself runs into the ghost of her hero, Dorothy Parker. Cute; poignant in parts. "
— Susan, 1/1/2014" Good clean fun. Would make an excellent beach/plane read. Fluffy, but fun. "
— Margie, 12/24/2013" Can't put it down! Acquired the book at the Book Launch at the Corner Bookstore in NYC. Plan to finish it today! "
— Sue, 9/27/2013" A fun little romp! "
— Neal, 8/3/2013" Sweet, clever, funny, entertaining. Reminded me of the old Hollywood movies, where mischievous ghosts cause all sorts of trouble. Will definitely check out Ellen Meister's earlier novels. "
— Cheryl, 7/20/2013" Nice integration of incorporating a fantasy plot in a normal person's life. I must have liked it because I could not put it down. "
— Sharon, 6/10/2013" Interesting concept, well done. I have enjoyed the few things I've read by Dorothy Parker; this book makes me want to find more. The predictable ending did not diminish my enjoyment! The author is clearly a fan, and created a Dorothy Parker both believable and loveable. "
— Jan, 5/20/2013" An entertaining premise, but a little less substance than I'd hoped for. Still, an enjoyable way to kill a couple of hours. "
— Laura, 4/18/2013" Read this one on the recommendation of a board member at my former place of employment - and I really liked it! Family drama with a fantastical twist, as Dorothy Parker comes to life to interfere in the life of a movie critic. Very well done. "
— Jennifer, 3/27/2013" This author keeps getting better, and if you didn't love Dorothy Parker already, you will after you get to know her as she haunts Violet Epps. A quick light read that will remind you to sit up straight and speak up for yourself. "
— Georgiana, 2/14/2013Ellen Meister is the author of several novels, including The Other Life, The Smart One, and Secret Confessions of the Applewood PTA, as well as numerous short stories. She teaches creative writing at Hofstra University and runs an online mentoring group for women authors. A former advertising copywriter, Meister currently curates for a literary radio program. She lives on Long Island with her husband and children.
Angela Brazil is an AudioFile Earphones Award–winning narrator and a professional actor who is proud to be a long-standing member of the Resident Acting Company at Trinity Repertory Company. She also teaches at the Brown/Trinity Conservatory.