Allison Pittman’s All
for a Story (Tyndale House) sweeps readers through the streets and snazzy
speakeasies of 1923 Washington D.C., following the tale of journalist Monica
Brisbane. Sassy Monica writes an anonymous column called “Monkey Business” for
the Capitol Chatter, a weekly tabloid
covering all things scandalous in D.C. Each week, she sniffs out hidden
speakeasies and writes about her exploits, leaving subtle hints in her columns
for her readers to follow in her footsteps to hidden clubs, jazz bands, and
lots of strong, illegal alcohol. But when the editor of the Capitol Chatter dies, the late editor’s
nephew, Maximilian Moore, takes over the Chatter.
As a faithful Christian, Max takes the Chatter
in an entirely new direction, citing Philippians 4:8 as his inspiration for
pure, honorable news stories. When Max and Monica meet, it’s as much a clashing
of forces as an instant attraction, and the two are left to navigate their new
and confusing relationship. All for a
Story is an amusing, well-crafted dip into the Roaring Twenties and the
lives of Pittman’s clever, endearing characters.
Pittman’s prose is smooth and easy to follow. Her Jazz-era
D.C. is vibrant and colorful, and her descriptions and imagery of the
speakeasies roll off the page—“laughter tinkling like ice cubes in a glass.”
Her prose is humorous and witty, as evidenced in Monica’s rapid-fire bantering.
Pittman also maintains an even balance of tension throughout the novel—the
story flows along with just enough good and just enough bad to keep readers
interested.
From the first chapter, Pittman’s characters breathe and
feel, their dialogue and desires her greatest assets. Her characters are not carried
along by the plot, but rather act and react to the consequences of their own
choices, fueled by desire and motivation. The characters are not perfect—Max
can be judgmental, and Monica at her worst is vain, critical, and loose. But
rather than driving readers away, Pittman’s portrayal of less-than-ideal men
and women lends believability to her characters, instilling them with life.
The characters grow throughout the novel—at first
squeaky-clean, Max plunges into the world of Roaring Twenties vice with Monica.
He doesn’t harshly condemn her, yet nor does he remain unchanged—there’s a
loosening in his character, if not toward sin, then away from his ideal of
perfection. He realizes that God forgives him just as he forgives Monica; that
the gravity of their sins are equal. Monica struggles throughout the book to
find her worth.
Pittman’s portrayal of Max’s faith is
relatable and realistic—Max feels temptation just as any real person does. As a
credit to Pittman, Max does not save Monica’s soul. Although he encourages her
and hopes to lead by example, it’s ultimately Monica’s choice. Will she choose
faith?
All for a Story, released October 1, 2013, is an
entertaining, light-hearted read with memorable characters and a lovely redemptive
message. Click here to find out more about Allison Pittman.
FamilyFiction’s book reviewing intern, Niki, is
a third-year English major at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California.
She's a fan of reading, writing, drinking tea, and cats.