Book cover of Sybil Thorndike

Book description

Outside the theatrical profession Sybil Thorndike is no longer the household name she once was; she has become a historical figure. Yet her combative, inspiring life, her passionate concern for the state of the world as well as for her art, resonates with any age. As the actor Michael Macliammoir…

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Why read it?

1 author picked Sybil Thorndike as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

I find this a compelling biography of a 20th-century theatrical legend who was also a compassionate, progressive woman. I’m deeply impressed by Sybil Thorndike’s skill and stamina. Her performances covered a staggering 65 years, encompassing more than 300 parts.

She magnetized those who saw her on stage, from London’s West End and the mining valleys of South Wales to war-torn Europe, America, and Australia. Bernard Shaw wrote ‘Saint Joan’ for this actress who took Shakespeare and Euripides to the people. Jonathan Croall’s biography is thoroughly researched, yet he wears his scholarship lightly in this eminently readable book.

If you love Sybil Thorndike...

Book cover of December on 5C4

December on 5C4 by Adam Strassberg,

Magical realism meets the magic of Christmas in this mix of Jewish, New Testament, and Santa stories–all reenacted in an urban psychiatric hospital!

On locked ward 5C4, Josh, a patient with many similarities to Jesus, is hospitalized concurrently with Nick, a patient with many similarities to Santa. The two argue…

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