S. F. Prescott

Gripping and emotional!

Ella Berman grew up in both Los Angeles and London, where she studied psychology before working at Sony Music. Her debut novel, The Comeback, was selected as a Read with Jenna book club pick, and her follow-up, Before We Were Innocent, was a Reese’s Book Club pick. Raised by two former hippies on the music and art of the 1960s and 70s, she lives in London with her husband, their senior dog, and their daughter. Her third novel, L.A WOMEN is out in August, 2025.

Branching out from my regular mix of thrillers and suspense, I picked up Ella Berman’s new novel, LA Women, and couldn’t put it down. I LOVED the glamorous setting—1960s Old Hollywood—and the two female protagonists, Lane and Gala. The story is full of heart and I enjoyed following both characters on their paths of unlikely friendship and eventual destruction.

I enjoyed how character-driven the story was, including how emotionally charged the scenes were. The complexities of both characters, Lane and Gala, were intriguing and kept me hooked, desperate to know what made them the way they were. I found Lane to be cold and cruel at times, with an inflated sense of self importance. The way she made others feel was uncomfortable to read, including the state of her marriage to Scotty, and her lack of presence with her best friend, Charlie. Completely absorbed in her own life and career, she couldn’t even be happy for Gala when she attained some success with her writing, even after she’d pushed her to do it.

Gala, on the other hand, felt very insecure, always over-extending for others and never prioritizing herself. Her complicated friendship with Lane was also heartbreaking to read about, including a scene where she arrives at one of Lane’s parties dressed up as her. Her attempt at humor taken completely out of context and Lane’s reaction was truly awful. Including the betrayal that turned Gala’s life on its head, causing her to abandon her life and everyone she knew. I definitely felt more sympathy toward Gala’s character.

This is the first time I’ve been hooked by historical fiction, and I feel more confident going forward when picking up the genre. Even though the story was character-driven, it didn’t affect the pace. It also painted a clear picture of just how difficult life was in that era for ambitious women, and the lengths they’d go to in order to achieve success. Berman did an exceptional job crafting these characters and the world they inhabit, and I’m very curious to read her other books.

For readers who enjoy stories about frenemies, stories set in the 60s in Hollywood, and complex female characters.

Synopsis:

After a steady descent from literary stardom, Lane Warren is back. She’s secured a new book deal based off the life of her sometimes friend and more often rival, notorious free spirit and muse, Gala Margolis. Lane’s only problem is that Gala has been missing for months…nobody can find her.

Ten years earlier, Gala was a charming socialite and Lane was a Hollywood outsider amidst the glittering 1960’s LA party scene. Though never best friends, Lane found Gala sharp and compelling. Gala liked that Lane took her seriously. They were both writers. They were drawn to each other.

That is until Gala’s star began to rise, and Lane grew more envious. Then Lane decided to do something that she wouldn’t ever be able to take back…changing the trajectory of both their lives.