OFFICIAL BOOK DESCRIPTION OF EVERY TIME WE SAY GOODBYE
The author of The Jane Austen Society and Bloomsbury Girls is back with another fantastic novel about love, art, grief, and memory, focusing on coping with the past and looking toward the future.
In 1955, Vivien Lowry faces the biggest challenge of her life. Her latest play, the only one written by a woman on the London stage that season, has been well-received by the audience in the West End. However, critics aren’t as pleased, and their harsh reviews not only shut down the play but also end Vivien’s hopes for a dramatic career. With her prospects in London dim, she follows her friend Peggy Guggenheim’s advice and takes a job as a script doctor for a major film being shot at Rome’s Cinecittà Studios. There, she encounters a lively filmmaking scene with upcoming stars, celebrated directors, and renowned actors, all in a country balancing its historical roots with a promising future, influenced by post-war cinema’s liberation and the Catholic Church’s restrictions.
As Vivien attempts to build a new future for herself, she must also confront the long-buried truths about World War II and the mystery surrounding her late fiancé. Every Time We Say Goodbye dives deep into themes of trauma and recovery, filled with radiant characters, both real and fictional, by the talented author of The Jane Austen Society and Bloomsbury Girls.
EVERY TIME WE SAY GOODBYE BOOK REVIEW
Every Time We Say Goodbye is a moving and gripping historical fiction set in 1950s Rome. The characters, still affected by World War II, are so vividly depicted that you can’t help but feel connected to their stories.
The plot centers on Vivien Lowry, the bookseller and writer from Jenner’s previous novel, Bloomsbury Girls. She seeks to uncover the truth about her fiancé’s death during WWII while trying to revive her failing writing career.
In Rome, Vivien dives into the world of classic Italian cinema, meeting Hollywood stars and filmmakers. This fascinating setting and cast of characters will capture your interest and keep you turning the pages.
Natalie Jenner has quickly become one of my favorite contemporary authors, and this book lives up to expectations. It’s filled with rich characters, vivid descriptions, deep historical research, and a touch of romance. Fans of Old Hollywood, WWII fiction, engaging characters, and heartfelt storytelling will adore this lovely book.
ADAPTATION RECOMMENDATION
While Jenner’s previous novels would suit a TV series to explore their depth and characters, Every Time We Say Goodbye feels more suited for the big screen. The story’s tribute to Old Hollywood films makes it ideal for a feature-length movie, and seeing 1950s Rome portrayed so beautifully would be a treat.
Content Note: There is nothing graphic, only mild adult content, innuendo, and language.
