Souls for Sale is a captivating novel by Rupert Hughes that delves into the world of Hollywood during its Golden Age. The story follows the journey of a young, ambitious actress named Remember Steddon as she navigates the complexities of the film industry. The novel expertly blends elements of drama, romance, and satire, painting a vivid picture of the glitz and glamour of Tinseltown.

Hughes' writing is both insightful and entertaining, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the inner workings of the movie business. The characters are well-developed and engaging, each with their own unique motivations and flaws. Remember's transformation from a naive girl to a savvy businesswoman is particularly well-done, showcasing the harsh realities of pursuing fame and success in Hollywood.

The novel also touches on deeper themes such as the commodification of talent and the sacrifices individuals make in pursuit of their dreams. Overall, Souls for Sale is an engrossing read that will appeal to fans of both historical fiction and Hollywood lore. Hughes' sharp wit and keen observations make this novel a must-read for anyone interested in the glitzy world of show business.

Book Description:
Perhaps the most commercially successful Hollywood novel of the 1920s, Rupert Hughes' Souls for Sale is a direct response to contemporaneous charges of the film industry's moral laxities and predilections toward vice. Remember "Mem" Steddon, the pious and steadfast daughter of a religious firebrand who preaches about the sins of Hollywood, is forced to migrate to the west coast after discovering that she's become pregnant out of wedlock. On her journey, Mem runs into the inhabitants of a movie colony and soon befriends many of these delightful (if somewhat peculiar) "film folk." She finds temporary employment as a film extra and soon develops aspirations to become a star herself. But Mem soon discovers that Hollywood is a far different place than she had originally imagined and that the road to film stardom is not straightforward or easy to navigate. This novel was the basis for the popular 1923 film adaptation, which starred an up-and-coming Eleanor Boardman and was directed by Rupert Hughes himself.