The Cinema of Lost Dreams

Score: 4/5 Bookmarks

Thank you to Alli Sinclair for sending me a review copy of her book, The Cinema of Lost Dreams.

This is the first of Alli Sinclair's books that I've read and I'll definitely be reading more! The Cinema at Starlight Creek is set in both 1950’s Hollywood and Queensland, Australia in 1994.

In 1994 we're following Claire, who is working on a TV mini-series about architect Amelia Elliott, but when the filming location falls through she's forced to look elsewhere, namely a neglected theater in Starlight Creek. The theatre is owned by a local recluse who has no interest in participating, and Claire desperately needs to bring her (and her great-nephew) around.

In the 1950s timeline, we have Lena Lee, who's trying to make it in Hollywood, after a series of disapointments.

To me this book is a story about reaching your dreams, especially as a woman in a world that doesn't recognize your full worth. It was a little slow to draw me in, but once it did I became invested. I particularly loved the 1994 timeline, and the characters, who felt very real and multi-dimensional.

Being an Australian living in the USA the book also tugged at my sentimental heartstrings and made me homesick for the place and its people.

Synopsis:

In Alli Sinclair’s moving story of love, loss, and ambition, two independent women, born decades apart, strive to fulfill their dreams.

In the movies, anything is possible. But as location manager Claire Montgomery knows, real life offers constant challenges, especially in an industry dominated by men. For her new project, Claire needs access to a beautiful Art Deco cinema located in Starlight Creek, a small town in northern Australia wine country. Though the movie theater and its elderly owner, Hattie, are both charming, Hattie’s handsome great-nephew isn’t so easy to convince. Claire must win their trust and permission, though even if she succeeds, she’ll face more complications that she could have anticipated . . .

1950s Hollywood: Lena Lee has worked hard to get ahead in Hollywood without getting caught up in backstabbing and infighting like so many other actors. In an era when censorship is rife and accusations of communism are rampant, Lena sees her star on the rise. But with increased visibility comes a greater awareness of what’s expected from women in her position. Lena is not willing to stay silent and go along with the game. Will she risk her career—and a newfound love—to stand up for what she thinks is right?