Reviewer: Samantha
Roje Augustin is now on tour with CLP Blog Tours and The Unraveling of Bebe Jones
Summary:
When Desiree Washington ventures into the darkly glittering world of legendary singer Bebe Jones, she gets more than just a job. She gets a family in crisis, a diva meltdown, and a head full of stitches…
The Unraveling of Bebe Jones revolves around the rich and famous Jones family and the people who work for them as they cope through an array of personal dramas. The story begins at the height of the Global Financial Crisis, when 23-year-old Desiree Washington lands a job with her idol, legendary R&B singer Bebe Jones. Desiree quickly discovers that the outwardly perfect Bebe is in fact a troubled and lonely diva reeling from a career in decline and a marriage in tatters, and that behind all the money, glamor and fame, there are skeletons in the family closet. Throughout all of this Desiree seeks support from her best friend Sean Minton, an aspiring music producer who hails from the insulated world of New York’s black elite burdened with secrets of his own. Rounding out the cast are Bebe’s husband, Magnus Chadwick, a British hedge fund manager who cares more about money than family; her disgruntled household staff — all with strange ties to Bebe; and her children, brave casualties of their mother’s nightmare.
Review:
I found this book to be pretty fascinating. I stay up-to-date in the celebrity world, and I’ve ready plenty of books that takes readers behind the scenes into the “real” world the rich and famous lead. Some can be pretty bizarre, and it didn’t shock me (well, that much) to read about Bebe’s life. I felt empathy for her throughout the book. I understand that maybe she didn’t treat everyone the best (bit of an understatement there) but what a different life she lead at the end of her glory days. I’m not saying it’s right or that celebrities have it rough, but I found it difficult not to feel for Bebe at times. To have it all come crashing down around you had to be insanely difficult for her to adapt to. Her story was really the show here, but it was interesting to read about Desiree as well, and her interactions with the Jones family. It was clear to see she truly loved the children, and wanted to help protect them from the downward spiral their mother was on. Her friendship with Sean I did wonder about, he didn’t seem to be much of a friend really, and I thought he was more shady than anything. The ending was almost a little too rushed. I enjoyed reading the snippets about Bebe’s life, but the situation with Desiree didn’t seem to really get resolved. Really strong book other than that, and I one I found myself chatting about to friends.
4 stars
**Everyone who leaves a comment on the tour page will be entered to win a $20 Amazon gift card! Anyone who purchases their copy of The Unraveling of Bebe Jones before October 21 and sends their receipt to Samantha (at) ChickLitPlus (dot) com, will get five bonus entries.**
Connect with Roje!
Blog: onewomansmeat.wordpress.com
Facebook page:facebook.com/rojesbook
Twitter: @rojeaugustin
