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2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
 Chasing Carole: A Review Oct 25, 2009
Though on a much smaller scale, in this novel Barbara Washburn gives us a simplified version of The House of the Spirits (Isabel Allende), set in present-day North America, the Golden Age of Hollywood (1930s and 40s) and the spirit world that connects them. This fine novel calls upon us to open up to spirits not of this world, spirits interacting with very real women of this world.
Here we have interwoven narratives: a remarkably personal view of Carole Lombard -- one of the foremost stars of the depression era screwball comedy -- during her affair with and marriage to Clark Gable. At intervals comes the story of a fictional modern-day granddaughter of Lombard (Cass) and her almost-partner Cameron.
I must admit, the modern-day relationship between college professors Cass and Cameron are my favorite part of the book. While I liked the firsthand stories of Lombard, set in her Golden Age of Hollywood world, Ms. Lombard doesn't come to life the way Cass and Cameron do. Perhaps it's a generational bias of mine -- the characters of Cass and Cameron are my contemporaries, very easy for me as a reader to identify with. These modern parts of the book look very much like real life to me, flesh and blood women facing the challenges of life.
Yet I also like stories that challenge skeptical views of the spirit world. And here, as with Isabel Allende's novel noted above, I found myself wanting to believe in the supernatural elements of the story. This is a strength of the novel for me. I'm one of those spirit world skeptics, but not here. The intimacy of the the portraits of Lombard and Gable are startling; "how could Ms. Washburn know that?" I kept asking myself. The details ring very true. And the Hollywood insider information on their contemporaries strike me as have come from a very accurate source.
With Chasing Carole, Barbara Washburn provides us provides a novel at once fearless in its frankness yet tender and loving at its core.
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
 Compelling to the End Jun 21, 2009
Barbara Washburn takes historical figures and weaves true life events into a fictional setting that makes for a wonderful and compelling novel. The reader comes away feeling kinship and understanding for Carole Lombard, the real life woman, not just the screen persona or media created personality. The book certainly made me look at our celebrity-obsessed world a little differently. You don't have to be a film buff or well versed in the Golden Age of Hollywood to enjoy this novel. The appeal is in the well-told story itself.
7 of 8 found the following review helpful:
True Fiction, Pure Carole May 29, 2009
Several months ago, I was online searching in vain for a biography on Carole Lombard. I have long been a fan, and decided my research of the actress was long past due. To my great disappointment, I could find no non-fictional books, at least none of note, to put in my cart. Then, my eyes landed on Ms. Washburn's book, "Chasing Carole," a fictional account of the actress's life, with its basis in fact. I took a chance, clicked "buy," and waited for my delivery.
To say that I was greatly impressed with Ms. Washburn's novel is a massive understatement! I have seen all of Carole's movies, heard little tidbits along the way, and feel at this point that I "know" her. But to feel the awakening of her true personality, to witness her many dimensions coming to life and being realized was truly something to behold. In this book, Carole is presented honestly, openly, and as herself. While reading, I felt I was listening to Carole in her own voice and in her own words. Being introduced to her humor, her fears, her fire, and her sadness in such an intimate way made me respect and love her all the more. So many bios present you with the hard facts, but they never really let you get close to the flesh and blood subject. This book does, and it left me very pleased and very moved.
It is a fictional novel, but its mixture of true events with a modern story rubbing elbows with the spiritual world never feels phony or forced. It feels real and natural, and there were times when I had to remind myself that the predominant narrator was not a real person, but a fabrication used to take you closer to a being long since gone. I think this book could work for anyone- a Carole fan looking to know her better or a student of history looking for interesting bits and pieces of a life ended far too soon. I enjoyed it very much and recommend it to any and everyone with a love of Hollywood, humor, and strong, independent, interesting women.
2 of 3 found the following review helpful:
Inspired May 28, 2009
On recommendation from my cousin, I picked up this most wonderful book, "Chasing Carole." It is about Carole Lombard, Hollywood's Profane Angel, in a fictional setting that is very genuine and true to Carole's life. It is a really wonderful book and a quick read because it is so incredibly interesting. I highly recommend it to all, even if you are not into Old Hollywood. Truly brilliant story and genius writing. Author Barbara Washburn has a way with words. Check it out! I highly recommend it!
4 of 4 found the following review helpful:
New Fan May 26, 2009
As someone who planned to be far more intrigued with the "Old Hollywood" aspect of this book than its namesake, I was genuinely surprised at how quickly I was taken with Carole (and every other aspect of this book).
One pleasant surprise was finding that this work is an easy read - in a book that contains less than easy content. There's a lot going on here - but it works. The drama of secrets, infidelity, and life-altering decisions create an interesting, if not stark, contrast to the "screwball" personality that that we are used to seeing in Carole Lombard - which makes for a thoroughly satisfying read.
Highly recommended.
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