"All the Stars in the Heavens" is a novel by Adriana Trigiani that follows the fictional character Alda Ducci, a former novice nun, as she becomes the private secretary to the real-life Hollywood actress Loretta Young. The story is set in the 1930s and explores the challenges of fame and the societal constraints on women during that time.
Alda, originally committed to a life of poverty as a nun, transitions to the luxurious and glamorous world of Hollywood. She becomes indispensable to Loretta Young, a hardworking but dyslexic actress known for her relationships with leading men. As Alda helps Loretta navigate the complexities of the studio system and the Hays Code, she also struggles with the moral dilemmas posed by Loretta's romantic entanglements.
Loretta's affair with the legendary actor Clark Gable, a married man, leads to an unplanned pregnancy. To protect their careers and adhere to their Catholic beliefs, Loretta, Alda, and Gladys (Loretta's family matriarch) devise a plan reminiscent of Alda's experiences in a convent hospital. They go to England under the guise of a vacation, and Loretta gives birth in secret. The child, Judith, is placed in an orphanage until Loretta later "adopts" her.
The novel explores the tensions between ambition and faith, love, and societal restrictions faced by women in the 1930s. It incorporates real-life Hollywood figures and provides a glimpse into the challenges of navigating the film industry and personal relationships during that era.
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