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Title: Avalon
Author: Victor J. Banis
Narrator: Martha Harmon Pardee
Format: Unabridged
Length: 10 hrs and 20 mins
Language: English
Release date: 05-21-12
Publisher: Audible Studios
Genres: Fiction, Historical
Publisher's Summary:
It's 1945 on Avalon, Santa Catalina Island, "The coast of Hollywood". Yachts and fishing boats bob in water clearer than crystal, sunbathers bask on the white-sand beaches, and from the legendary Avalon Ballroom, the music of Freddy Martin's Orchestra fills the air. Three beautiful young women prepare to embark upon their life's journeys: Gerri will be an actress, everyone is sure of that; Maria a big band singer; and Maggie, the most beautiful of them all, will "wed" - not just marry, but triumphantly, resplendently wed - the perfect wife to the perfect man, leading the perfect life.
Avalon follows their fortunes over four decades, their friendships enduring through triumph and heartbreak, as they learn about life, and themselves, and what love really is - and isn't. Sometimes wishes really do come true!
Members Reviews:
Three Stories in One Novel
A wonderful story of three friends at the beginning of their lives and how they all end up. One longs to be a singer, the second an actress, and the third only wants to get married. They all appear to get their wishes, but of course things don't turn out as they imagined. The author alternates viewpoints, and each character has a distinctive voice, so it's easy to follow along. Great storyline, great characters, great writing.
Very Fun Page Turner
The author took me back into the the 40's and then through the beat generation. The plot lines are very entertaining and provocative. A truely pleasurable book reading experience.
Fans of fiction will enjoy this one
Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for Reader Views (7 /07)
Set in 1947, "Avalon," by V. J. Banis, tells the story of three young women, following their lives for over forty years. Everyone seemed sure of the friend's future. Things do not always work out the way people expect them to. The three women maintain their friendship and ties through victory and tragedy.
Maria is set to sing with a band. Enrico Calabrese was a talent scout. He recognized Maria's gift when he heard her audition, but mostly he noticed her beauty. He wanted more than her voice; he wanted her body next to his. When she discovered her boyfriend had died in the war, she turned to Enrico for comfort and security. Maria came to realize that Enrico owned more than her contract and body.
Geri was sure to become a great actress. The road to success was not all that Geri thought it would be. On stage, she was successfully able to find the character within herself. She stole the stage from the star, Elizabeth Lowell. Geri and Maria planned to be "career women."
Maggie did not have career plans. Beautiful Maggie planned to marry in an elaborate celebration. She had no idea yet who the man would be. He would have to be rich and handsome, perhaps the head of a company. Maggie was in love with pilot Bill Alexander from the moment he rescued from an unwanted suitor. He was a pilot, strong, handsome and protective, but with a mother who thought Maggie was not good enough for her son. Desperate, pregnant and lonely she rushes to marry someone, anyone. Her husband did not fit any of the criteria she had set for a husband. Through the years, Maggie watched the success and happiness of her friends. While she was happy for them, she was also a little envious.
"Avalon," by V.J. Banis, follows three young friends through their painful heartaches and their triumphs, through their journey from girls to women.
