I heard about this book on the podcast “This is Love”, in an episode where the author was interviewed. This was the first time I’d ever heard of Charlotte Cushman, “America’s first celebrity.” After the interview, I sought out the book.
Cushman rose to their* celebrity in the early 19th century, ahead of, through, and after the American Civil War. Their rags-to-riches tale is remarkable, as is their society-defying lifestyle. In addition to being a powerful actor in female roles such as Lady Macbeth, Cushman also gave legendary portrayals of male characters, especially as Romeo. They were a champion of Shakespeare and other classical playwrights at a time in American history when many were trying to reject the old-world influence of such literature. Cushman’s celebrity is evident in their fame and favour with Americans, but is also somewhat typical of such celebrity, fading quickly after their death.
I wanted to read this ahead of giving the book to someone (my goddaughter, an aspiring actress herself), and I’m glad that I did, as this telling of Cushman’s remarkable life is uneven and uninspiring. Despite being touted as the “full story (brought) to brilliant life”, there are several gaps and errors throughout that become distracting, and the style of writing ranges from overly journalistic and flat to melodramatic and maudlin. For such a compelling historical figure, there is a lack of excitement in the telling that makes it almost boring to read. Which is a shame, as Cushman is clearly a character worthy of a good story well told.
I do want to share this story with my goddaughter but may seek out a better rendition than this one, whose only advantages seems to be that it is well-sourced and a quick read.
Fate: likely the little book library.
9 – being made into a film
14 – name in title
25 – new author to me
* based on what I learned about Cushman in this book, I am confident that they would prefer the they/them pronouns.
rclr 