All About Emily
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4.6 • 23 Ratings
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- $2.99
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- $2.99
Publisher Description
Theater legend Claire Havilland fears she might be entering the Sunset Boulevard phase of her career. That is, until her manager arranges a media appearance with her biggest fan--a famous artificial intelligence pioneer's teenage niece. After precocious Emily's backstage visit, Claire decides she's in a different classic film altogether. While unnaturally charming Emily swears she harbors no desire for the spotlight, Claire wonders if she hasn't met her very own Eve Harrington from All About Eve. But the story becomes more complex as dreams of fame give way to concerns about choice, free will, and identity.
With this long, 17,000 word novelette, acclaimed author Connie Willis combines the glamour of old Hollywood and the eternal allure of Broadway to explore the cutting edge robotics of a richly-imagined near future. All About Emily is sure to join 'The Last of the Winnebagos,' 'Inside Job' and 'All Seated on the Ground' as one of multiple-award-winner Willis' seminal works.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Willis (Blackout/All Clear) works sweet, sentimental magic in this charming novella. Broadway star Claire Havilland realizes that her best youthful roles are behind her and being called a "legend" is career killing. Enter perky teen whirlwind Emily, an avid fan of Claire's with startlingly perfect recall for movie details. Claire wants nothing to do with Emily after realizing her true and potentially sinister nature, fearing that Emily, like the ruthless actress Eve Harrington in All About Eve, will replace Claire despite the girl's protests to the contrary. But eventually Claire succumbs to Emily's wide-eyed charm, and she decides to try to help Emily achieve her heart's greatest desire. This low-key paean to intergenerational collaboration and passionate ambition, stuffed with film and theater references, will appeal to Willis fans, drama buffs, and anyone who likes having their heartstrings tugged.
Customer Reviews
Fun fast read
Great, tight story. It ended too soon but well done!