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The One and Only Dolly Jamieson

By Lisa Ireland
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
In The One and Only Dolly Jamieson by Lisa Ireland, the narrative delves into the life of Dolly, a once-celebrated actress who finds herself at a turning point. Amidst the backdrop of personal reinvention, Dolly navigates friendship, love, and the unexpected complexities of starting afresh later in life. The book is a heartwarming exploration of resilience and the power of second chances.
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this warm-hearted tale if you're drawn to stories of unexpected friendships and personal transformation. It offers a charming portrayal of a woman rediscovering herself and the world around her, woven with themes of resilience and the beauty of human connections. Perfect for readers who appreciate character-driven narratives with a touch of humour and emotion.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Life is full of downs and ups . . .

A compelling feel-good novel featuring a proud and gutsy heroine, for anyone who believes in the resilience of the human spirit.

A RESILIENT SPIRIT
Dolly Jamieson is not homeless; she's merely between permanent abodes. The 78-year-old spends her days keeping warm at the local library, where she enjoys sparring with the officious head librarian and helping herself to the free morning tea. It's not so bad, really.

A FORGOTTEN STAR
But it's certainly a far cry from the 1960s, when this humble girl from Geelong became an international star of the stage. As the acclaimed lead in the Broadway production of The Rose of France, all Dolly's dreams had come true. So how, in her old age, did she end up here?

AN UNLIKELY FRIENDSHIP
When Jane Leveson, a well-to-do newcomer to the library, shows an interest in Dolly, the pair strike up an unlikely friendship—and soon Jane is offering to help Dolly write her memoirs. Yet Dolly can detect a deep sadness in the younger woman's eyes. Perhaps by working together to recount the glittering highs, devastating lows, and tragic secrets of Dolly's life, both women can finally face their pasts and start to heal . . .

'From the glamour of Broadway in the 1960s to the realities of life for the unhoused today, this is a riveting and heartbreaking story of friendship, second chances, and hope.' — KELLY RIMMER

'This novel had me from the first page. It's been years since a book has made me feel like this.' — SALLY HEPWORTH

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780143779889

Publisher: Penguin Random House Australia

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 10 January 2023

Country: Australia

Imprint: Michael Joseph

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 26.0mm

Width: 202.0mm

Height: 246.0mm

Weight: 453g

Pages: 368

Collections

Fiction General Fiction Lisa Ireland Literary Fiction Penguin Books

About the Author

After working for many years as a teacher (and a brief stint as a professional organiser - before Marie Kondo made it cool), Lisa Ireland is now a full-time writer. Lisa lives with her husband in a small town in Gippsland, Victoria. When not writing, she spends her days mentoring aspiring authors, drinking coffee and playing minion to her incredibly spoiled dog, Lulu. Lisa's eighth novel, The Studio Girls, will be published in April 2024.

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