San Remo Drive: A Novel for Readers

"One of the four best Hollywood novels ever written." —Elizabeth Frank, New York Times Book Review
"Epstein is a master storyteller at the height of his powers." —Jonathan Kirsch, Los Angeles Times Book Review
"Mr. Epstein effortlessly captures the magic of a Hollywood childhood . . . San Remo Drive is a haunting and deeply affecting book." —Michiko Kakutani, New York Times

Leslie Epstein's latest bestselling novel unfolds through five interconnected episodes, each revealing deep insights from childhood experiences, brilliantly crafted by one of America's finest fiction writers. The narrator, Richard Jacobi, takes us on a reflective journey through the pivotal moments of his early years.

As he reminisces, Richard recounts a significant drive to Malibu, where he is set to meet the man who wishes to marry his mother. During a family vacation in the Mojave Desert, he observes the troubling impacts of his father, the prominent Hollywood figure Norman Jacobi, as he and Richard’s mother, Lotte, grapple with the fallout from Norman's testimony before the House Committee on Un-American Activities.

Richard also delves into a transformative night spent in a bar and brothel in Tijuana – a night that becomes intertwined with his brother Bartie's spiritual evolution. Bartie emerges as one of the most unforgettable and endearing characters in contemporary literature. The narrative captures Richard's ill-fated initiation into sexuality, an experience that will indelibly shape his artistic vision and approach to his work.

This novel is a profound exploration of memory, akin to how Lotte plays the Schubert sonatas on her baby grand piano—not just as notes on a page, but from the very essence of her being. It resonates with the truth of experiences revisited with the clarity that only time can provide.

Through vivid storytelling, Epstein crafts a world that embodies the essence of a Hollywood childhood, immersing readers in the complexities and richness of family dynamics, personal growth, and the unique challenges faced during that formative time. The novel's poignant narratives engage the reader, inviting them to reflect on the impact of their own childhood memories and the ways those experiences shape their identity and creativity.

Whether it's the anticipation of meeting a prospective stepfather, navigating the intricacies of familial relationships in the face of public scrutiny, or the bittersweet revelations that come with growing up, "San Remo Drive" resonates on many levels. Epstein's expert storytelling captures both the whimsical and the weighty aspects of childhood, offering insight into the intersection of innocence and the realities of adult life.

In essence, this book is not merely a tale of nostalgia but a representation of how the past continues to inform the present. It serves as a reminder that our childhood experiences can leave lasting impressions, influencing how we perceive the world and express ourselves as artists. The depth of Richard Jacobi's reflections makes "San Remo Drive" a compelling read, engaging audiences with its emotional depth and rich narrative tradition.

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