Description

 The Magnificent Esme Wells

                       “Entangled in a Web of Power, Love, and Self Discovery”

In the captivating novel, The Magnificent Esme Wells, readers are transported to the glamorous world of golden-age Hollywood and the early days of Las Vegas. The story revolves around Esme Silver, a spirited young girl who navigates the complexities of family, loss, and love.

Esme’s father, Ike Silver, may be a small-time crook with big dreams, but she remains devoted to him, accompanying him to the racetrack and supporting his aspirations. Meanwhile, Esme idolizes her mother, Dina Wells, and gladly assists her in securing meetings and screen tests with Hollywood’s elite.

However, when Ike seizes an opportunity to move to Vegas and potentially make it big, Esme’s life takes an unexpected turn. Caught between the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas and the allure of Hollywood, Esme finds herself entangled in a web of power, love, and self-discovery.

The Magnificent Esme Wells, narrated by the witty and observant Esme herself, seamlessly weaves together two distinct eras: pre-World War II Hollywood and postwar Las Vegas. During this golden age, where Jewish gangsters and movie moguls often blurred the lines between their worlds, Esme’s story unfolds. As readers delve into the rise and fall of her complicated parents, they also witness Esme’s journey of growth and understanding. With a touch of noir, this coming-of-age tale delves into the complexities of the American dream and the individuals who dare to chase it. Esme’s sharp voice and mordant wit bring the story to life, immersing readers in a world of promise, perils, and the enduring power of love.

The Magnificent Esme Wells is a deeply immersive and compelling novel that captures the essence of a bygone era. Through Esme’s eyes, readers witness the glitz and glamour of Hollywood and the burgeoning excitement of Las Vegas. As Esme navigates the challenges of her unconventional upbringing, she grapples with the complexities of love and life. The novel beautifully explores the intricate dynamics of family relationships, the allure of fame, and the pursuit of dreams. With its rich historical detail and engaging narrative, The Magnificent Esme Wells is a captivating tale that will transport readers to a time when anything seemed possible, and the pursuit of happiness came with its own set of consequences.

About The Author

Adrienne Sharp’s journey into the world of ballet commenced when she was merely seven years old. She embarked on her training at the renowned Harkness Ballet in New York, a prestigious institution known for nurturing exceptional talent. As she delved deeper into her passion for dance, Adrienne’s dedication and commitment became evident.

After her formative years in ballet, Adrienne pursued her academic aspirations and earned her M.A. with honors from the Writing Seminars at the esteemed Johns Hopkins University. Her exceptional talent and dedication to her craft were recognized when she was awarded the prestigious Henry Hoyns Fellowship at the University of Virginia. This recognition further solidified her position as a promising writer and storyteller.

Adrienne’s pursuit of excellence extended beyond academia. She has been honored as a fiction fellow at renowned institutions such as MacDowell, the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts, and the Squaw Valley Writer’s Conference. These experiences provided her with invaluable opportunities to refine her skills and connect with fellow writers, fostering a vibrant and supportive creative community.

Adrienne Sharp’s literary accomplishments are equally impressive. She has authored several notable works, including “White Swan, Black Swan,” “The Sleeping Beauty,” and “The True Memoirs of Little K.” Her forthcoming novel, “The Magnificent Esme Wells,” promises to captivate readers with its compelling narrative and rich storytelling. Adrienne’s multifaceted journey through the worlds of ballet, academia, and literature has undoubtedly shaped her into a remarkable and accomplished artist.

“Adrienne Sharp brilliantly recreates the tawdry magic of twin dream machines, studio-era Hollywood and early Las Vegas, in this tale of . . . the scrappy, precocious Esme Wells, her go-for-broke parents, and the toll these dreams took on their dreamers.” — Janet Fitch, New York Times bestselling author of White Oleander

“How Esme keeps her head, if not her innocence, among these fast-living, fast-dying Vegas and Hollywood stars makes Adrienne Sharp’s novel fascinating and rich with secrets she tells with wit and gusto.” — Rosellen Brown, author of Before and After

“This lovely novel, alternately dark and funny, is a powerful examination of both the nature of love and the will to survive.” — Ayelet Waldman, author of Love and Treasure

“Violent and voluptuous; heartbreaking and profound, The Magnificent Esme Wells is about the losses we endure and the love we keep betting on, despite the odds. Truly, a showstopper.” — Caroline Leavitt, New York Times bestselling author of Pictures of You and Cruel Beautiful World

“Esme is street-smart and tough but vulnerable. . . . a memorable character in an unforgettable era.” — Louisa Ermelino, Publishers Weekly

“In this lush saga of the new American West… Adrienne Sharp has given us a protagonist to hope for and a powerful new version of the American dream.” — Ron Carlson

“Sharp’s novel, like Jennifer Egan’s Manhattan Beach (2017), is propulsive and profound.” — Booklist (starred review)

“Consider it your good luck to join Esme Wells as she comes of age with the glamour, gangsters, and big dreams of Hollywood and Las Vegas of the 30s and 40s. Like its narrator, this novel is magnificent.” — Ann Hood, author of The Book That Matters Most and The Knitting Circle

“Adrienne Sharp sure can WRITE! And her newest novel, The Magnificent Esme Wells, does all the best things: it transports, amuses, delights, and heartbreaks. What a gem of a book.” — Jennifer Gilmore, New York Times bestselling author of Golden Country and The Mothers

“WWII-era LA and postwar Vegas come vibrantly alive in this detailed, noir portrait of a Paper Moon-style childhood.” — People

“This glittering noirish tragedy, with its lushly imagined period landscape and subtle feminist trajectory, is both fun to read and sad to think about.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“Esme’s dramatic and irresistible story sparkles with psychological nuance, sumptuous detail, and vivid historical perceptions as Sharp tracks the high-wattage success and violence of tough Jews building movie and casino empires while Hitler bloodied Europe. With real-life figures, mushroom clouds rising from desert test sites, and arresting insights into the power and vulnerability of a daring woman performer, Sharp’s novel, like Jennifer Egan’s Manhattan Beach (2017), is propulsive and profound.” — Donna Seaman, Booklist (starred review)