Mercury Pictures Presents

A novel that is funny, verbally inventive, and moving, set in 1940s Los Angeles and based on the life of Maria Lagana, who immigrated to Hollywood to escape her past. The story follows Maria as she navigates the challenges of her personal and professional life, including her mother's silence, her boss's summons to Washington, her boyfriend's typecasting, and the studio's financial troubles. Mercury Pictures becomes a hub for European émigrés, and Maria rises through a maze of conflicting politics, divided loyalties, and jockeying ambitions. When a stranger from her father's past threatens her facade, she must confront her father's fate and her own.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 432 pages
Publication date: 20 July 2023
Publisher: John Murray Press

A captivating novel that has been acclaimed as a BOOK OF THE YEAR by the Sunday Times, Stylist, and Observer, this multifaceted masterpiece weaves a tapestry of humor, verbal inventiveness, and emotional depth. In Mercury Pictures Presents . . . the story seamlessly transitions between the realities of war and the fictional escapades crafted by Hollywood. It oscillates between moments of tragic gravity and infectious laughter, offering a poignant reflection on the human experience.

Karen Joy Fowler,Observer, Books of the Year, praises the novel's prose for its vibrant humor, witty charm, and sincere affection. The Mail on Sunday likens it to an epic tale of resilience, as Maria Lagana, a brilliant woman forced to reinvent herself, embarks on a journey from Mussolini's Italy to 1940s Los Angeles. This captivating story unfolds against the backdrop of love, deceit, and sacrifice, showcasing the enduring power of human connections and the sacrifices we make for survival.

Born in Rome, Maria Lagana's journey to Hollywood is driven by a desire to escape her troubled past. After a childhood misstep leads to her father's arrest, she immigrates with her mother to Los Angeles, where she eventually finds employment as an associate producer at Mercury Pictures. However, her personal and professional lives are in turmoil. Her mother remains silent, her boss is under scrutiny by congressional investigators, her boyfriend faces limitations imposed by the studio's narrow typecasting, and the studio itself teeters on the brink of bankruptcy.

As the darkness descends upon Los Angeles, Mercury Pictures becomes a gathering place for European émigrés seeking new opportunities. Modernist poets, once celebrated architects, and refugee actors find solace and livelihood within its walls. The studio becomes a melting pot of creativity, where dreams are transformed into reality and artists find a platform to showcase their talents.

Through Maria's experiences, the novel explores themes of identity, resilience, and the pursuit of happiness in the face of adversity. It sheds light on the complexities of human relationships, the pressures of societal expectations, and the transformative power of art. Mercury Pictures Presents . . . is a testament to the enduring spirit of human creativity and the resilience of the human soul.

Weight: 304g
Dimension: 129 x 198 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399804417