Happy Endings

By Adèle Geras

Book Overview

"Aspiring thespians will find much to relish in this engrossing depiction of the grit and glamour of the theater."--Publishers Weekly

"A satisfying glimpse of what it's really like to be on stage."--Kirkus

Sixteen-year-old Mel expects a dull summer--until she is cast in a youth production of Chekhov's Three Sisters. When rehearsals begin the director tells them, "You'll begin to feel as though the rest of the world has never existed and does not exist," and it's true: suddenly Mel's life is rehearsing, running lines backstage, painting sets, and hanging around with the other actors, who soon become her friends.

She becomes especially close with Clare, a beautiful set and costume designer with a complicated past. And then there's Mike, who plays the dutiful, philosophical Lieutenant Colonel. His kind smile and quiet presence intrigue Mel, but he never spends time with the other actors, and as she draws closer to him, she wonders what he's hiding.

More and more, the world of the show is all that matters. But when Mel witnesses an intimate encounter between the director and an actress with more ambition than compassion, she fears her new world--and the production itself--will suffer.

"A writer distinguished for her imaginative power and fresh, vivid writing."--Kirkus

Ad le Geras was born in Jerusalem in 1944. As a child she moved frequently and lived all over the world eventually settling in England for boarding school and University. Before becoming a full-time writer, she worked as an actress, singer, and French teacher. She has published more than ninety titles for children and adults including Troy (shortlisted for the Whitbread Book Award and Highly Commended for the Carnegie Medal), Ithaka, and Happy Ever After. She lives in Cambridge, England and has two grown daughters and three grandchildren.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 158988115X
• ISBN13: 9781589881150
• Release Date: October 2016
• Publisher: Paul Dry Books
• Length: 180 Pages
• Weight: 0.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.0" x 7.9"
• Age Range: 13 to 17 years
• Grade Range: Grades 8 to 12

Customer Reviews

Treat yourself to an enjoyable read!

"There must be happy endings: Must must must!" Neither the theater nor romance has ever played an important role in 16-year-old Mel's life, but this summer, that's going to change. When she is cast in a local production of Chekhov's Three Sisters, drama runs high both on and off stage. Sticky romantic entanglements threaten to divide members of the cast, and Mel is caught in the middle of a sea of secrets and betrayal. Is there anything she can do to save her best friend from a broken heart? Interested in theater? Curious about what really goes on behind the scenes? Likable characters, an interesting plot, and intimate theater details make Happy Endings stand out from your typical teenage romance novel. The author brings the stage to life and creates a cast of characters that go beyond stereotypes. Because they behave like real people, the characters are easy to relate to. The reader may find a bit of him or herself in each of them. Best of all, Happy Endings hasn't a single moral issue. No swearing, drugs, or innuendo--the author is careful to keep the book G-rated. The main character forms a romantic relationship with another actor on set, but they physically never go beyond the occasional kiss. Mel discovers that the play manager and another actress are having an affair, but nothing inappropriate is ever shown, and the lovers in question are portrayed in a negative light. Rich in plot, imagery, and detail, Happy Endings is a gem of a novel. Those interested in theater won't want to miss it, and any teen looking for a clean, light-hearted romance won't be disappointed. Armchair Interviews says: Add Happy Endings to your library and treat yourself to a rare and enjoyable read.

happy endings

My expectations were very low for this book, becuase it started out slow, but once you get into it, its a really beautiful story. It depicts the life in the theater, and the hardships and stories that you may never know are going when the curtain falls. Although light reading, the book really captures the unity people find when they all share a common goal. This book is real-- it does not necessarily end with "comeuppance" and shows us that not all things were meant to be. A definite book worth reading!

Beautiful

A beautifully written novel for young adults. Geras explores the magical world of the theatre with fresh characters and heart-warming understanding. Never preachy yet very intuitive. I've read it every summer since I turned 15. I never tire, and always laugh, cry, and am constantly surprised at the beauty Adele Geras finds in the everyday.