Book Review: A Map to Paradise by Susan Meissner

“1956, Malibu, Something is not right on Paradise Circle…”

Goodreads blurb for A Map to Paradise

Review:

Blacklisted from Hollywood in the Cold War climate and suspected of consorting with Communists, Melanie has little company anymore aside from her neighbor, Elwood. Given Elwood is agoraphobic and doesn’t leave the house, Melanie finds cause for concern when she suddenly can’t find him. Because of this, Melanie forges an unexpected friendship with June, Elwood’s sister-in-law, and also Eva, a maid and immigrant with secrets of her own. 

I enjoyed the time and setting of this book as the novels I typically read involving Hollywood are set in the Golden Age. It was a complex era for not only Hollywood but also America. The plot itself was intriguing, too, albeit I struggled with the plausibility of it. 

It felt like this book was trying to explore a lot of different areas which made it a bit hectic, but it thankfully was written in a way where the reader isn’t yanked back and forth between it all. What, unfortunately, hindered my enjoyment the most is the political tension which is to be expected, of course. Had I realized (and I should have) from the synopsis, I likely would have passed on this one as much as I enjoy Susan Meissner’s writing. Absolutely a personal thing and not the fault of the book! 

Thanks to Berkley and NetGalley for providing a free digital ARC of the book!

Likes & Dislikes:

What I liked:

• The time period and setting.
• It’s a unique plot.

What I didn’t like:

• The brand of tension surrounding the setting.

Afterthoughts:

Perhaps at another time I’ll revisit this with a different mindset.

Where to buy the book: