Invisible by Danielle Steel – a Review

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Description:
Antonia Adams is the product of a loveless marriage between a beautiful young model and an aristocrat. As a child, she is abandoned in the abyss that yawns between them, blamed by her mother, ignored by her father, and neglected by both. Unprotected and unloved, she learns that the only way to feel safe is to hide from the dangers around her, drawing as little attention as possible to herself, to be “invisible.”

In her isolation, books are her refuge and movies her escape. A day spent being carried away by an unforgettable film in a dark theater is her greatest thrill. Her love of the movies turns into a dream to become a screenwriter, and a summer job at a Hollywood studio. There, a famous British filmmaker notices her, and suddenly she can remain invisible no longer. He wants to put her in a movie and make her a star. It is a dazzling opportunity but a terrifying one, as it strips her of the camouflage that made her feel safe. She is suddenly thrust into the public eye–and even more so when they fall in love.

She will never let go of her true dream of becoming a filmmaker, though, and if she wants to make that leap, she will have to expose herself in ways she never has before. When tragedy strikes, she must decide whether she will remain center stage or become invisible again, where she feels safest. Will she face her demons, or run and hide?

In this extraordinary novel, Danielle Steel tells the story of a woman who must decide how high a price she is willing to pay to pursue her passion–and whether it is possible to stay true to herself while she does.

Review:

Invisible by Danielle Steel is another one of her fabulous standalone novels. Invisible follows the life of Antonia Adams, starting with her childhood, where her parents totally ignored her, since their marriage was a total failure. Her mother left when she was very young, wanting to be an actress, and her father neglected her, especially with his hatred of his wife.  Antonia always hid when they argued, and learned to make herself “invisible”, by reading books and later when she was older, going to movies, which was her escape and eventual love.  It was her love of movies and the stars, the led to her dream of being a screenwriter.  Her father, who was wealthy, was always willing to give her money to have what she needed, and when she graduates, he pays for her to go to NYU film school.  In her late teenage years, Antonia allowed herself to be happy, when her father remarried, Lara, and they became very close; though he still constantly expressed his hatred of the mother, giving Antonia a hard time.   

Antonia gets a summer job at a studio in California, being a gofer for the most part, but ended up meeting assistants of a famous British filmmaker, who began to notice her simple beauty.  She returns the following summer to work for the filmmaker, and he pushes her to make cameo appearances in his movies, since he feels she would be a star.  Thrust into the public eye, does not sit well with Antonio, as she still wants to be “invisible”.  In a short period of time, Antonia and Hamish (filmmaker) fall in love and get married.  He totally understands her need to disappear for a few hours, when the need arises, and helps her make her dream to be a screenwriter & director behind the scenes a reality.  Antonia ends up having two children, and tragedy will strike that will once again change her life.

What follows is a wonderful story that is emotional and heartwarming, with a wonderful heroine, and fantastic characters. Antonia despite her hard life early on, and her need to always be safe, learned to become a well-known director and screenwriter, as well as allowing herself to be happy and loved. Invisible was very well written by Danielle Steel, and I wholly suggest you read this poignant story.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher