The Light of the Star: A Novel

"The Light of the Star" by Hamlin Garland is a story set in the bustling world of theater at the beginning of the 1900s. It follows George Douglass, a young playwright, as he becomes completely captivated by the famous actress Helen Merival. The book looks at their complex relationship and how it changes over time, focusing on themes like dreams versus reality and what it means to chase your ambitions. George is first presented as someone who is fascinated with the actress, creating an idealized image of her in his mind based on her performances, but is also scared of actually meeting her. When they do meet, Helen’s genuine nature surprises him, which makes their relationship even more complicated as they navigate their personal and professional desires.