73 pages • 2 hours read
Mercury Pictures Presents
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Book Brief
592
Novel • Fiction
Los Angeles, California • 1940s
2022
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Mercury Pictures Presents by Anthony Marra is a tragi-comic historical novel that follows Maria Lagana, an Italian immigrant in World War II-era Hollywood, who becomes an associate producer at Mercury Pictures. The story explores her struggles with professional frustration, her complex relationship with Europe and America, and the impact of political turmoil on her life and art. The novel includes references to racist and anti-gay stereotypes, racial slurs, and suicide.
Melancholic
Dark
Bittersweet
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
13,839 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Anthony Marra's Mercury Pictures Presents has garnered praise for its intricate storytelling and rich historical detail. Readers appreciate the well-drawn characters and the vivid depiction of Hollywood during World War II. However, some found the plot slow at times and the narrative occasionally convoluted. Overall, it's a compelling read with a few pacing issues.
Who Should Read Mercury Pictures Presents?
A reader who enjoys intricate historical novels with rich character development and dark humor would appreciate Mercury Pictures Presents by Anthony Marra. Comparable to Markus Zusak's The Book Thief and Anthony Doerr's All the Light We Cannot See, this book appeals to fans of World War II fiction and storytelling that reveals the resilience of the human spirit.
13,839 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
592
Novel • Fiction
Los Angeles, California • 1940s
2022
Adult
18+ years
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