reader comments

What a treat to gobble up your book. I found myself so engaged with the characters (of course with the added spice of knowing from whence some of their qualities come.) It was so well constructed- definitely movie material! It's been weeks now since I read it and characters still float across my mind. Congratulations and thank you!
Whidbey Island, Washington State

I went to the library yesterday and they have your book, but there is a waiting list of thirty people!
Toronto, Ontario

I have your epic in my hands and am loving it!! When it first came Len and I sat on the settee in front of our small Christmas tree, he read the first chapter out loud and I read the second, and we decided right there we were going to enjoy it.
Wow! We were both left wanting. And also wanting to see your production of Macbeth. How exciting. We really enjoyed the read. Got choked up at the same place on the news of Bobby's death. What a challenge you set for yourself in weaving together such a large cast of characters. Very well done.
Los Angeles, California

What a treat. Congratulations for a job not only well done, but awesome. The characters are still with me and even invade my dreams.
Nanton, Alberta

I think your book is really terrific and I am surprised that you didn’t start writing books earlier….. I think it was very gutsy of you to do it because in a sense you put yourself more out on a limb now than if you had written it when you were younger, simply because Canadian critics aren’t always eager to see people succeed in more than one area.
Toronto, Ontario

Thank you for a very enjoyable journey into an intriguing world.
Montreal, Quebec

You’re a good painter even when you write.
je suis très heureuse pour toi ma marilyn. Vite un deuxième roman.
Montreal, Quebec

I loved the book. It was marvelous.
St Catherines, Ontario

I've really been enjoying your book. I'm halfway through - eager to know what will happen to the characters! I'm enjoying the writing, and the plot (- it's gripping), and the sudden recognition of some portraits from the past (e.g., Miss Stuart!) I love it.
The book had a life and world of its own and flowed from page to page, with observant descriptions, theatrical insights and superstitions; and with the lives of its characters intertwining and moving along and intertwining again. What came across to me was an interest, love and dedication to the theatrical world and to the people in it. Whatever conflicts emerged, there was an acceptance, love and forgiveness towards all.
Toronto, Ontario

I really enjoyed your book. Just finished it this morning. It is very easy to read and I loved the characters… I hope you sell lots of books. I am certainly going to recommend it to my friends
Buckhorn, Ontario

I read your amazing book over two days straight. Couldn't put it down… I was transported back to my own dear experiences at school, listening to pithy words from wise teachers, sharing passions, joys and pennilessness, starting our careers and the sadness of those who didn't make it all the way. I loved how you drew the past of the characters, so we knew their motivational history.
A great accomplishment.
Toronto, Ontario

An enchanting storyteller
If you are already a theater lover, you will love Marilyn Lightstone's new novel Rogues and Vagabonds. If you are not, she will make you one.
Toronto, Ontariol

You write beautifully. It was an emotional roller coaster ride, full of haunting memories of the theatre... I bet there are a lot of actors who are truly plutzing! I know John Hirsch would have chuckled.
Roman à clef, or capricious figment, it all added up to a great read.
Toronto, Ontario

I've been eating with you, going to sleep with you, waking up with you.... And enjoying every second of it! So, though I'm still in the middle -- with Jeanne applying make up, I love your descriptions of the craft, (the make up cases is a gem!) and your compassion, your love of your characters, is so readily and beautifully transmitted ( I think your Adam is specially moving - so far...) -- I wanted to share it with you. The only fault: you are keeping me away from working on my new novel...
Muskoka, Ontario

I am enjoying every page
Montreal, Quebec

I am savoring every word you have written. I usually swallow books very quickly but this is not the case with yours. I am half way through it and – on purpose- do not finish it quickly. I don’t want to sound too gushy but I am enjoying it immensely.
I love your writing style – it captured me from the first page. How I envy this talent.
Tel Aviv, Israel

It was a fun read, thank you very much. I was at NTS a couple of years after you (my first year was Powys' last), so some of the excitement and a few of the personalities seemed very familiar to me. Thanks so much for (re) capturing all that, as well as leading me into a fascinating story!
Toronto, Ontario

I loved the world you created!
Toronto, Ontario

Many thanks for a fun and entertaining read. I really enjoyed all the varied personalities, both savory and unsavory. Relentless passion is always intriguing.
Toronto, Ontario

It was fabulous! Reminded me of my years in film school… Once I started I couldn't put it down! It was so enjoyable that I abandoned all my script reading, my housework, my cartoons... I’m looking forward to your next book.
Los Angeles, California

I love your book. I read it in two days. To think that at all those lunches and dinners we shared, you never mentioned how savvy you are about the gay world and its specific nuances, obsessions and tics. It was a who-done-it mystery and the last 100 pages, I couldn't get through fast enough. What a great storyteller you are!!!

Can't wait for next installment.
New York, New York

I have read the book from cover to cover. The book warmed my soul. I found it wonderfully readable and very compelling.
Toronto, Ontario