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The Glimmer Palace Audiobook
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(3.02) - 861 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
A celebration of cabaret in Berlin and the birth of cinema, set against the rise and fall of Germany between World War I and World War II As the clock chimed the turn of the twentieth century, Lilly Nelly Aphrodite took her first breath. The illegitimate, soon orphaned daughter of a cabaret performer, she lands at a Catholic orphanage where she finds refuge and the first in a string of friendships that will change the direction of her life. When fellow orphan Hanne takes Lilly beyond their stone confines, introducing her to the seedy glamour of Berlin’s notorious nightlife, it begins for Lillly a trajectory of reinvention. From urchin to maid, teenage war bride, tingle-tangle bargirl, model, and script typist, Lilly is eventually transformed into one of Germany’s leading film stars and a partner in a remarkable love story that will span decades and continents—and be inextricable from the history unfolding around it. Gripping, seductive, and masterfully written, The Glimmer Palace is a page-turning story of glitter and splendor, drama and love, friendship and identity. The story of an extraordinary heroine living in an extraordinary time, it is vivid and surprising in its telling, intelligent and ambitious in its scope, sad and beautiful and unforgettable.
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"I really enjoyed this - even though at times it was a bit grim. Interesting indeed to see the other side of WW1, ie. how the Germans found it living in Berlin. I found this book by stalking one of my friends books, and was glad I found it! "
— Maryrose (4 out of 5 stars)
The Glimmer Palace Listener Reviews
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" I enjoyed this more in the later parts and thought the atmosphere of Berlin between the wars was well conveyed. "
— Ellie, 2/7/2014 -
" A wonderful book that takes you into the dark world of life during WWII. Loved every minute of this book....mesmerizing!! "
— Ashley, 2/6/2014 -
" This is a great novel - not only is the subject matter fascinating, but Beatrice Colin has a unique way with words. Definitely an author to watch out for. "
— Tara, 2/6/2014 -
" Historical novel dealing with the rise of cinema in the years between WWI and WWII. It also carries over to the United States, telling the story of Lilly Nelly Aphrodite. John and I listened to it during a conference commute. "
— Kim, 1/24/2014 -
" This book follows a German actresses life through both WWI and WWII. The author does an amazing job of creating her character and I learned so much about history and poverty by reading this book. "
— Hilary, 1/10/2014 -
" Berlin before, during and after WWI. Makes me want to read some nonfiction about Berlin during that time period. "
— Elizabeth, 11/27/2013 -
" I liked it for the most part. Historical fiction is not usually my thing but this had a very strong story and the main character was unforgettable. "
— Lorna, 3/7/2013 -
" I don't mind depressing books, but this was beyond my palate. The main characters' lives were so horrible after awhile I just stopped caring... I guess there was some interesting history in there but not enough to redeem it for me. "
— Haley, 12/24/2012 -
" too much stuff in the begining about a little orphan girl.. that stuff makes me nervous .. so i put the book down. back to the library mostly unread. "
— Ruth, 4/28/2012 -
" this book known in the Uk as The Luminous Life of Lily Aphrodite "
— Jane, 4/20/2012 -
" Go read this! "
— Samantha, 3/24/2012 -
" Definitely one of the better books I read this summer.Well written and well researched. "
— Cathy, 3/24/2012 -
" Moves at a good speed. Easy read even if it does bounce around a bit. Not the best book I have ever read but very far from the worst. Good historical fiction. "
— B, 3/11/2012 -
" Loved it at the start but thought it had lost it's way towards the end. "
— cassie, 6/4/2011 -
" tooooo loooong. Pretty good read but just goes on forever. I'm actually listening to it, not reading and it's still LONG.I now have Erik Larson's new book on hold. I'm interested in comparing the two. "
— Terrymensching, 4/28/2011 -
" I knew that this was not a happy-ending fairytale sort of story from the onset. But, right at the end I was twisted into believing that there is a glimmer of hope. "
— Charlotte, 4/23/2011 -
" I really really liked this book!! At first I thought, "1920's Berlin during WW1-depressing"...and it is. But I could not put it down. I really got into the characters and the history. Highly recommended. "
— Amanda, 4/19/2011 -
" Another hearbreaking story of the hardships of Berlin in the 20's & 30's. But a good, though long book, with lot's of history of the time. "
— Jessica, 4/2/2011 -
" Really enjoyed this. I learnt a lot about Germany's history too. <br/> <br/>Great to follow a character through childhood and into adult hood through such an interesting time in history. "
— Lucy, 1/24/2011 -
" This book follows a German actresses life through both WWI and WWII. The author does an amazing job of creating her character and I learned so much about history and poverty by reading this book. "
— Hilary, 1/17/2011 -
" Whilst this was set during very interesting times I found the story a bit muddled. "
— Manda, 12/9/2010 -
" I absolutley loved this book. <br/>Kept me reading long into the night. Tragically romantic and sad. One womans struggle through world war 2 in Berlin. <br/>Highly recommended. "
— Joanna, 11/14/2010 -
" Set in Germany during the beginning of 20th century, it covers WWI, the Cabaret era and WWII from the German citizen's point of view. "
— Janet, 10/4/2010 -
" I tried this on audio book, and it just couldn't hold my attention while I was working out. However, I liked reading about Berlin and I think I could pick it up again and finish it in print someday. "
— Rebecca, 9/20/2010 -
" I liked this book well enough, but it didn't stick with me. I had to look up the description to remember what it was about. However, the fault probably lies with me and not the book. I see that many other readers rated The Glimmer Palace very highly. "
— Joann, 9/1/2010
About Beatrice Colin
Beatrice Colin is a novelist and an author of radio plays and adaptations for BBC Radio 4. Her novel The Glimmer Palace, set in Berlin in the early twentieth century, was translated into eight languages, was a Richard and Judy pick, and was shortlisted for several major awards.
About Justine Eyre
Justine Eyre is a classically trained actress who has narrated many audiobooks, earning the prestigious Audie Award for best narration and numerous Earphones Awards. She is multilingual and known for her great facility with accents. She has appeared on stage, with leading roles in King Lear and The Crucible, and has had starring roles in four films on the indie circuit. Her television credits include Two and a Half Men and Mad Men.