Una and Celineger by Bedeir: A Captivating Tale of First Love

Bedeir's Una and Celineger: A Captivating Tale of First Love

summarizeEditor's Summary

I'm a sucker for romance novels, and Bedeir's Una and Celineger is the real deal. I picked up this book after reading mixed reviews, but it blew me away. The writing is top-notch, and the story's both relatable and engaging. I had the 2015 hardcover edition, which was a beautiful addition to my bookshelf. What I love about this book is how it transports you to another time and place, making it easy to get lost in the story. If you're a fan of historical fiction, you'll love the historical context and the way it's woven into the narrative. I'd definitely recommend Una and Celineger to anyone looking for a captivating tale of first love. With its beautiful writing, well-researched historical context, and relatable characters, this book is a must-read for fans of romance and historical fiction.

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KararMükemmel

HikayeKalitesi8/10

KitapTasarımı7/10

YazarınGörünümü9/10

I stumbled upon Bedeir's name a while back, but things went quiet on that front. However, I recently came across his book 'Love Lives Three Years' and started reading about the author online. I found a mix of glowing reviews and the fact that he considers himself a successful romance novelist. I thought to myself, 'Let's see,' and picked up his books '99 Francs' and 'Una and Celineger.'

'99 Francs' was a total disaster, but 'Una and Celineger' turned out to be a great and even deep book:

About the Book

I had the 2015 hardcover edition. It was first published in Russian:

The book was published by a relatively unknown publisher, 'Azbuca-Aticus':

The paper is a bit gray, but it's light, making the book easy to hold without straining your wrists.

Plot

I really didn't enjoy the official book summary, which I'm pretty sure was written by Bedeir himself. It was a bit of a mess, and I'm not sure if he was sober when he wrote it...

According to his own definition, Bedeir's new book 'Una & Celineger' is a faction – a mix of fact and fiction. The facts are straightforward: 1940, New York. 21-year-old writer J.D. Salinger meets 15-year-old Una O'Neill, the daughter of a famous playwright. The idyllic relationship didn't last long, as the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, Salinger went off to fight in Europe, and Una decided to try her luck in Hollywood. After trying out for a role in Charlie Chaplin's film, she landed the lead in his life as well. Salinger was True to his word, fighting in the war, then struggling to get published, and eventually creating his magnum opus – 'The Catcher in the Rye.' But Bedeir is more interested in the magical encounter between the two characters, which ultimately led to a lifetime of separation and yet defined their lives.

I'd summarize it like this:

This book is about how the author imagines the relationship between two famous historical figures – Una Chaplin O'Neill, the daughter of playwright Eugene O'Neill, and last wife of Charlie Chaplin, and writer J.D. Salinger (author of 'The Catcher in the Rye'). It's written partially based on archival documents and other sources, but the dialogue and letters are purely the author's imagination about a romance that was never meant to be.

My Impressions

What really stands out to me is the strong and interesting portrayal of Una and her relationship with Salvador.

This book shows that Bedeir is a well-read and not stupid person who just acts like a fool (and praises himself for it, calling it all immaturity and a desire to stand out).

It covers topics like- first love (Una and Salvador) - unequal marriage (Una and Chaplin) - painful divorce (Una's parents) - war and suffering (Salvador in war) - dependencies on people and alcohol (Una, her mother, and friends)

It's clear that Bedeir was head over heels in love with Una and their romance with Salvador

What I liked the most

I really loved the first love story of two unique individuals that remained untouched by reality, family, and responsibilities.

Everything I'm writing below is not a plot spoiler. It's all public knowledge and part of their biographies. Una and Salvador are two very well-known people.

Una was famous, wealthy, intelligent, and incredibly beautiful (Bedeir even gives a link to Una's first YouTube audition in the book. I found that video, and I understand that Una is indeed a rare beauty who gave up her acting career to focus on her family with Charlie Chaplin). But Salvador was just a poor, young, and talented author.Out of many admirers, Una chose Salvador. And their first innocent romance was portrayed by Bedeir as beautiful as Una herself. Salvador protected Una from their first physical intimacy. He did it while dying from love and passion, but it probably left Una as a goddess in his mind.

Life ripped the two teenagers apart. And Una ended up marrying Chaplin, whom she loved as a man:

And it wasn't about the age difference, but about the charm and maturity that Chaplin possessed:

***

I personally think about what would have happened if my first innocent romance had ended in marriage. And I come to the same conclusion as Una: nothing good. The past and romance remain dear to us because they've been left untouched, and they're now in the past, giving us access to relationships that are actually suitable for us.

The way Bedeir described Una and Salvador's romance was beautiful.

live_helpFeatured FAQ

What's the book about?

Una and Celineger is a romance novel that tells the story of two young lovers navigating the complexities of first love. The book is set in a historical context, with a strong focus on the relationships and societal norms of the time.

Who is the author?

Bedeir is a Russian author known for his romance novels. He's a successful writer with a dedicated following, and Una and Celineger is one of his most popular works.

When was the book published?

The book was first published in Russian in 2015, and later translated into other languages. I had the 2015 hardcover edition, which was a beautiful addition to my bookshelf.

What's the historical context like?

The historical context in Una and Celineger is well-researched and adds depth to the narrative. The book explores the relationships and societal norms of the time, making it a great read for fans of historical fiction.

Is the book suitable for all readers?

No, the book deals with some heavy themes, including war and loss. While it's a great read for fans of romance and historical fiction, it may not be suitable for all readers.

What's the writing style like?

The writing in Una and Celineger is superb, with a great balance of description and dialogue. The author has a beautiful writing style that's easy to get lost in.

Is the book part of a series?

No, Una and Celineger is a standalone novel. However, Bedeir has written other romance novels that fans of the book may enjoy.

Where can I buy the book?

Una and Celineger is available on various online platforms, including Amazon and Barnes & Noble. You can also check your local bookstores for availability.

check_circlePros

•The writing is superb, with a great balance of description and dialogue.
•The story's both relatable and engaging, making it easy to get lost in.
•The historical context is well-researched and adds depth to the narrative.
•The characters are well-developed and complex, with relatable motivations.
•The pacing is well-balanced, with a good mix of action and quiet moments.
•The themes are timely and thought-provoking, making for a great discussion starter.
•The book's a great read for fans of historical fiction, with a strong focus on relationships and societal norms.
•The author's writing style is beautiful and easy to get lost in.
•The book's a great addition to any bookshelf, with its beautiful cover and well-written story.
•The characters' motivations are relatable and well-developed, making it easy to become invested in their story.
•The book's a great choice for fans of romance, with its focus on first love and relationships.

cancelCons

•The book can be a bit slow-paced at times, but it's worth the investment.
•Some readers may find the historical context a bit overwhelming, but it's worth the effort.
•The characters can be a bit one-dimensional at times, but it's a minor complaint.
•The ending can be a bit predictable, but it's still satisfying.
•The book deals with some heavy themes, which may not be suitable for all readers.
•The writing can be a bit dense at times, but it's a minor complaint.
•The book's a bit long, but it's worth the read for fans of historical fiction.
•Some readers may find the characters' motivations a bit confusing at times, but it's a minor complaint.