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Set against the dazzling backdrop of Golden Age Hollywood, novelist Anne Girard tells the enchanting story of Jean Harlow, one of the most iconic stars in the history of film
It’s the Roaring Twenties and seventeen-year-old Harlean Carpenter McGrew has run off to Beverly Hills. She’s chasing a dream—to escape her small, Midwestern life and see her name in lights.
In California, Harlean has everything a girl could want—a rich husband, glamorous parties, socialite friends—except an outlet for her talent. But everything changes when a dare pushes her to embrace her true ambition—to be an actress on the silver screen. With her timeless beauty and striking shade of platinum-blond hair, Harlean becomes Jean Harlow. And as she’s thrust into the limelight, Jean learns that this new world of opportunity comes with its own set of burdens. Torn between her family and her passion to perform, Jean is forced to confront the difficult truth—that fame comes at a price, if only she’s willing to pay it.
Amid a glittering cast of ingenues and Hollywood titans—Clara Bow, Clark Gable, Laurel and Hardy, Howard Hughes—Platinum Doll introduces us to the star who would shine brighter than them all.
“A novel of glittering Hollywood, Platinum Doll will entrance readers as Harlow entranced the world.”
—Heather Webb, author of Rodin’s Lover
“A novel as brilliant as the star herself.”
—Marci Jefferson, author of Girl on the Golden Coin
Praise for MADAME PICASSO
“Girard creates a wonderful period piece [and]…successfully captures the essence of an iconic figure.”
—Publishers Weekly
“Gripping.… Written with…heartfelt passion.”
—Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
“Girard…ably marries history, art, and romance here as Eva remains broadly rendered and famous figures shine.”
—Booklist
“Early twentieth century Paris and Picasso’s lost love come to enchanted, vivid life. With a deft eye for detail and deep understanding for her protagonists, Anne Girard captures the earnest young woman who enthralled the famous artist and became his unsung muse.”
—C.W. Gortner, bestselling author of The Queen’s Vow
“A wonderful portrait of the complicated relationship between art, passion and love. Girard is a talented storyteller and historian, drawing readers into the world in which her characters live.”
—RT Book Reviews
Platinum Doll
Anne Girard
In memory of
Marlene Hanke For more than words can express
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