Book Review: Acts of Violet by Margarita Montimore

Acts of Violet
by Margarita Montimore (Montimore)

Half of Acts of Violet is composed of a missing person podcast, news articles, emails, and similar coverage of a superstar stage magician (Violet Volk) who disappeared mid-act a decade ago. The other half is a more traditional narrative from the point of view of Violet’s sister, Sasha, who doesn’t want attention from Violet’s fans or podcasters. But Sasha has been waking up in strange places. She’s worried about her daughter who idolizes Violet without knowing the whole story. Is it time to tell her side after all?

 

This book kept me up late two nights in a row and snatching time where I could in the middle. I was glued! There’s some good info here about the history of stage magic and Russian American culture. Is it better to know or not know how an illusion is done? This is a question that comes up throughout this book. Personally, I’ll take a little of both.

 

(If you enjoy this, you may also wish to try I Hope You’re Listening by Tom Ryan or The Mysterious Disappearance of Aiden S. (as Told By His Brother) by David Levithan.)

 

( official Acts of Violet page on the official Margherita Montimore web site )

 

Recommended by Garren H.
Bennett Martin Public Library — Public Service

 

Have you read or listened to this one? What did you think? Did you find this review helpful?

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