The Biograph Girl

This is far and away one of the best books I have read this year. I recommend this book to anyone who is fan of "Old Hollywood." The story is brilliant and while fiction, parts of it are based in true history. If only the first movie star ever did live until the present and could tell us all her tales! The small facts and details that I have learned while reading this book have inspired me to read more books on other celluloid heroes of the past. Don't pass this one up!

I absolutely loved this book! This is one of the best novels I have read all year. I enjoyed it even more knowing much of the book is based on actual research Mr. Mann did. Flo is my hero... and all of the supporting characters provide added depth in a story I could not put down.This is definite movie material! I am impressed with Mann's ability to tie complex matters in both a serious and yet, lively and at times, hilarious manner. His description is excellent and dialogue is true to life. His portrayal of Oprah was larger than life (by the way, the scene of Flo with Oprah is an actor's dream...I could actually see Gloria Stuart playing the part). My next trip will be to Greece after reading of Flo's romantic escapade there. To be so young and carefree (I am referring to the cute, young Greek god--NOT Flo)! It is a rare grace to be so entertained and to fall in love with one so wise and charmed--even if she is a tobacco tooting broad!I am an admirer of all of Mann's talents, but in The Biograph Girl he has outdone himself.

If one is fond of stories about old Hollywood, or murder mysteries, or simply want a days EXCELLENT entertainment this is the book for you. It tells the fictionalized story of Florence Lawrence, the first movie star. She is 106 years old and discovered by a journalist who, after some good investigating, finds out she is the long 'dead' star who died of eating ant paste in the 30's. I have to say I read this 457 page book non-stop over one lovely Sunday and it kept me from glancing up at the Tv, or any of a number of disctractions...it was wonderful and magical and a thrill to read. I recommended it to anyone--young, old, interested in history or just simply needing a day or twos entertainment!

Florence Lawrence, the world's first movie star. Never heard of her? Well, neither had I, as a amateur film buff, until I picked up William Mann's delightful, compelling book, "The Biograph Girl".In this entertaining story, he weaves fact and fiction together flawlessly, creating a wonderful "what if" scenario that is very realistic. What if Florence Lawrence didn't die after ingesting ant paste, but lived out an entirely new life under another name, only to resurface as a fiesty 106 year old? The older Flo is dynamic, witty, and easy to love. She is both honest and coy, a great character to drive the plot but also maintains her air of mystery throughout the story. All of the supporting characters in the story are wonderfully drawn, have complete lives of their own, and are all consumed by this lady and her story. Mann steers away from stereotyping characters, for example Sister Jean, who is Flo's caregiver, could have been saintly and pristine. Instead, Mann makes her worldwise, and harbors a secret past. Richard's ex-porn star boyfriend is part of a committed relationship. Anita is an aspiring actress who holds her career back for love. Mann avoids the obvious, which is delightfully refreshing.This book is a very easy read, and one that you won't want to put down. In fact, I hope this book propels people to start looking at the early history of film once again, not as an archaic dinosaur, but as a living, thriving, and very real entity as symbolized by the lovely Flo.I heartily recommend this book!

William J. Mann's Flo Lawrence is a wonderful creation. Based on the original silent screen star, she's the perfect window to a forgotten world. Mann's novel is a wonderful read, atmospheric and engaging, with a skillful use of flashbacks; the novel's central narrative strands of Flo's life and the Sheehen brothers' contests works magnificently. William Mann moved us with his powerful first novel, The Men from the Boys. Now he entertains us with the brilliant, evocative, and fast-moving commercial read.