Caitlin Devlin’s Born For This is a gripping, emotionally charged novel that delves into the intoxicating allure of fame, the murky depths of ambition, and the tangled web of family secrets. With a narrative that oscillates between past and present, the novel captures the lives of two women: Rachael Carmichael, a former Hollywood star turned recluse, and her niece, Harley Roth, an aspiring actress desperate to make a name for herself. Devlin’s writing is compelling, her characters complex, and the story brimming with intrigue, yet the novel also leaves room for critique, particularly in its pacing and character depth.
Plot Overview: Two Women, Two Perspectives on Stardom
The novel alternates between Rachael and Harley, offering readers a dual perspective on fame’s seductive and destructive forces. Once a celebrated actress, Rachael inexplicably withdrew from the limelight following her divorce from Greg Foster, a renowned director. While the media speculates wildly about her disappearance, Rachael remains silent—until Harley, her estranged niece, re-enters her life.
Harley has spent years chasing her own Hollywood dreams, frustrated that her industry connections have not propelled her to stardom. When she learns of a biopic about Rachael’s life, she sees an opportunity—not just to finally land a major role but to unearth the secrets behind her aunt’s retreat from fame. As the two women become reacquainted, the novel peels back the layers of their individual struggles, ambitions, and vulnerabilities.
What unfolds is a masterfully crafted exploration of the costs of celebrity—how it manipulates, dehumanizes, and isolates those who enter its orbit. But perhaps more compelling than the novel’s commentary on the entertainment industry is its examination of fractured family relationships, particularly how ambition can both unite and estrange.
Characterization: Complex but Occasionally Unexplored
Devlin’s strength lies in her ability to craft deeply nuanced characters, particularly Rachael. As the novel unfolds, Rachael’s pain, resilience, and bitterness are revealed in a way that feels both raw and real. Her past is littered with betrayals, her relationships marked by power imbalances, and her withdrawal from Hollywood a direct consequence of years of exploitation. The contrast between Rachael’s hardened, world-weary perspective and Harley’s wide-eyed desperation makes for an engaging dynamic.
Harley, however, is a character who elicits both empathy and frustration. Her desperation to succeed, to be seen, and to escape her family’s shadow is relatable, yet her impulsiveness and occasional naivety make her difficult to root for at times. Her motivations, while clear, often feel one-dimensional compared to Rachael’s layered and complex psyche.
The supporting cast, including the elusive Greg Foster, Rachael’s ex-husband, and the enigmatic screenwriter Ahn, add to the novel’s intrigue but occasionally feel underdeveloped. While they serve as catalysts for the central drama, their own arcs remain somewhat underexplored, leaving the reader wanting more depth and resolution.
Writing Style: Sharp and Immersive, Yet Occasionally Uneven
Devlin’s writing is sharp, evocative, and at times breathtakingly intimate. She has a knack for capturing the intoxicating nature of fame—the dizzying highs and soul-crushing lows—with a precision that makes Hollywood’s veneer of glamour feel paper-thin. Dialogue is a particular strength; the banter between characters is natural and biting, laden with subtext that adds richness to every exchange.
However, the novel’s pacing is occasionally uneven. The early chapters are engrossing, setting up the central mystery and the tension between Harley and Rachael effectively. Yet, as the story progresses, some sections feel sluggish, particularly in the middle, where the back-and-forth between past and present becomes repetitive. Additionally, the climax, while emotionally impactful, feels somewhat rushed, leaving certain narrative threads underdeveloped.
Themes: A Deep Dive into the Cost of Fame
One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its exploration of the themes of power, agency, and the price of celebrity. Devlin deftly illustrates how the film industry commodifies young women, how power dynamics shape relationships, and how the relentless pursuit of success can strip people of their humanity.
The novel also tackles the theme of familial estrangement with poignancy. The complicated bond between Rachael and Harley is central to the story’s emotional weight, highlighting how family ties can be both an anchor and a burden. Rachael’s reluctance to engage with her niece, her bitterness towards her past, and Harley’s simultaneous reverence and resentment towards her aunt create a compelling emotional push-and-pull.
Critiques: Where Born For This Falls Short
While Born For This by Caitlin Devlin is a gripping and emotionally resonant read, it does have its shortcomings. One of the novel’s main issues is its lack of resolution regarding some of its major plot points. The biopic storyline, which serves as Harley’s primary motivation, remains frustratingly vague towards the end. Additionally, while the novel delves into Rachael’s past trauma with depth, there is little exploration of her future. Will she continue to hide from the world, or is there redemption in sight?
Moreover, the novel occasionally leans too heavily into exposition, particularly in Rachael’s chapters. While her past is fascinating, some sections feel like an information dump rather than an organic unfolding of events. A more balanced integration of past and present would have made for a smoother reading experience.
Final Verdict: A Thought-Provoking but Imperfect Tale
Born For This is an enthralling read that shines in its character-driven narrative and sharp industry critique. Devlin’s writing is immersive, and her portrayal of fame’s double-edged sword is unflinching. However, occasional pacing issues, underdeveloped subplots, and a somewhat abrupt conclusion prevent it from reaching its full potential.
For readers who love stories that dissect the complexities of fame, power, and family, this novel is a must-read. Fans of books like The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid and Yellowface by R.F. Kuang will find much to appreciate here. Despite its minor flaws, Born For This cements Caitlin Devlin as a writer to watch in contemporary literary fiction.
