I am thrilled to recommend yet another book from my summer reading list:

Another Side of Paradise: A Novel by Sally Koslow.

This book is a fictionalized version of a romance between F. Scott Fitzgerald and Hollywood gossip columnist, Sheliah Graham. I read this book because I was intrigued by F. Scott, but I ended up liking the book so much because of the interesting female character.

Sheliah Graham’s story starts in a London slum, and then like Gatsby she recreates herself and climbs up the ladder of Hollywood society. She is extremely talented and motivated but while exposing others’ secrets in her column, she keeps her own past a secret from even those who become close to her.

This romance spans several years while F. Scott attempts to recover from alcoholism after his initial successes have faded and he is attempting to write movie scripts (1937 +). F. Scott’s relationship with Sheliah (as envisioned by the author based on memoirs and letters) is passionate both emotionally and physically. (His wife Zelda has been committed to a mental institution.)

In the style of The Paris Wife, this is a compelling book that brought a period of time and characters to life for me. I thoroughly enjoyed it as much as I have any book lately. It was a perfect vacation read!

Shelia Graham wrote a book on this romance: Beloved Infidel, which is also going on my reading list now.

PURCHASE THIS BOOK ON AMAZON