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Book Review of Every Time We Say Goodbye

Every Time We Say Goodbye
VolunteerVal avatar reviewed on + 646 more book reviews


Every Time We Say Goodbye by Natalie Jenner is the third book featuring characters from The Jane Austen Society, Jenner's debut, but can be read as a standalone story. I enjoyed the audiobook narrated by Juliet Aubrey even though I was sometimes confused by the large cast of characters and dual timelines, separated by just 10 years.

Seeking to escape a career-ending disappointment, playwright Vivien travels to Rome to finesse scripts for an Italian movie studio. In her work she interacts with a wide array of people, including movie producers, future film stars, and cast and crew who become dear friends. Vivien also finds some resolution as she grieves the death of her fiance.

My favorite aspects of this novel were the Rome setting and the "behind the curtain" world of producing movies in 1955. I was very intrigued by the Catholic Church's power to veto certain content in movies being produced in Rome.

Thank you to Macmillan Audio for early access to the audiobook.