cover image Actors

Actors

Kevin O'Brien. St. Martin's Press, $16.95 (290pp) ISBN 978-0-312-00393-7

Set against the backdrop of the theater and film worlds, this first novel wavers between taking itself seriously and descending to the level of a trashy read. The book traces the careers of a pair of young actors, Bobby Pierce and Lisa Weller, talented performers whose paths cross briefly before heading in opposite directions. Driven by his ego and desire for stardom, Bobby sees himself as the next Brando, and he is soon selling his body to anybody who might make his dream come true. A Manhattan agent does get Bobby some small parts, and it is in her office that he meets Lisa, eventually moving into her apartment as they both struggle for roles. But Lisa's big break comes first, and they separate, their subsequent careers neatly taking Lisa to the Academy Awards and Bobby to porno films. Neither of the pair is especially likable, and the author has told this rather tired tale in a style that never generates much excitement or drama. (November 17)