Book Review: The Audrey Hepburn Estate by Brenda Janowitz

“As they pulled up the drive, Emma felt as if she were in a dream. The sort of dream where you know exactly where you are, but everything is different somehow.”

Brenda Janowitz, The Audrey Hepburn Estate

Review:

The story goes that the Audrey Hepburn Estate is the one that was used to film the movie Sabrina. Some know the more plausible reason, is that it’s simply because the estate shares an address with the Larabee Estate in the movie. Only a few know the truth. 

Upon hearing that the beloved estate she grew up in is about to be torn down (and by her ex-best friend who had grown up there as well), Emma tries to stop the demolition. If she can’t talk Leo out of it herself, she’s willing to join forces with a local historical society… with mixed results. 

The house once belonged to Henry’s family, the grandson of the owner who grew up with staff kids Emma and Leo. Emma is surprised that Henry is indifferent to Leo’s demolition plans. Emma feels along in her sentimental memories, but she eventually has to realize that not all of her memories are what they appeared to be. 

My mother gave me this book strictly because of the Audrey Hepburn-centric title. I’d never heard of the book prior, and admittedly I was a bit nervous as I feared it was going to be too much of a ‘chick-lit’ book for my taste. It might have been if not for how much I enjoyed the Sabrina inspiration and references. I brought this on vacation with me and it wound up being such a perfect reading experience! Predictable? Yes and no. There was a lot going on in the book which made the pacing inconsistent, but it didn’t hinder my enjoyment. 

Likes & Dislikes:

What I liked:

• The Sabrina references. Although, these references can somewhat spoil the story if you’re familiar with the film.
• I enjoyed the mysterious element. I never would have anticipated it.

What I didn’t like:

• It’s very unclear when this story is set. It feels modern, but it would have to be set somewhere in the mid to late 20th century for the timelines to match up.
• Could use better pacing. There is a back-and-forth timeline trying to answer very different and precise questions that often end up buried.

Afterthoughts:

Thanks Mom!

Where to buy the book: