⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2

What fun! The stories in this wonderful book are all “backstories” – they tell the tale of someone we know; someone who is famous, (or infamous), for some talent they have, or something they may have accomplished, or in some cases, something that was done to them – long before their very names became legendary.

As clues are dropped along the way, it’s up to the reader to put it all together and figure out just who the heck is being talked about. The characters’ “backstories” are intended to lead you to identify someone you respect, feel sorry for, fear, or maybe even abhor. Anyone is fair game in this tricky little book. And along the way, you can’t help but learn some interesting facts you may not have known, – and if you’re at all like me, this may even lead you to examine more questions (perhaps the backstories of the backstories?).

And of course, it’s great fun feeling smart (or maybe not so smart, in some cases) as the deductive reasoning begins to kick in immediately as the stories unfold. Mulling on the authors mildly fictionalized revelations, I couldn’t help but be fascinated by the way the various backstories must have influenced the real-life characters psychology; marveling at the mysterious twists and turns of subsequent life experiences that must have played into the final creation of the public figures we all recognize today.

Fans of the terrific Wondery podcast “Imagined Life” (one of my very favorites!) will love this book, as the concept is similar. Each of the stories told here is beautifully crafted and interesting in and of itself, and it’s hard not to feel compassion for the characters and the terrible circumstances many find themselves facing. (As appalling as some of the facts may be, without the re-telling, could we ever really hope to understand?)

From the author’s note at the end of the book, it’s apparent that sequel is being planned. It’s a pretty safe bet (no deductions needed!) that when it is released, Backstories Part 2 will be at the top of my TBR!

A great big thank you to the author for an ARC of this delightful book. All thoughts presented are my own.