Building a legacy in the entertainment industry can appear hard enough for any artist fresh on the scene. For female creatives, total triumph often seems dismal. In the end, all that can be relied upon is the fact that proper credit will be given when it is due; unless it isn't. 

November's Reading on Writing book of the month, The Lady from the Black Lagoon by Mallory O'Meara, invites readers on an unmapped journey to uncover the hidden history of one of Hollywood's most prolific artists to date, Milicent Patrick. O'Meara brings Patrick's creature creation and film make-up design legacy to the surface. This season, add this decadent slice of herstory to that list of things to be thankful for.

Why I Liked It:

Prior to this book, I had never heard of Milicent Patrick or her contributions to film history. From the very first paragraph, the author's passion for Milicent's story bleeds from the page, and it's infectious. O'Meara takes the tone of a best friend enraged by injustice who is compelled to spread the word. She keeps it real from the header to the footnote on every page. By the end of the book, I was ready to punch the 1950's era patriarchy in the face. 

Throughout the book, O'Meara makes a point to shed light on the parallels of working conditions for females in the entertainment industry in the 1950s to the present day. She pulls examples from Milicent's experiences and her own life as a filmmaker to show the shocking similarities, despite the gap in time. In more than one instance, O'Meara opens up about her experiences with sexual harassment as a film producer and it's blood boiling. Her transparency on these issues is one of the most profound features of the book. 

The thing I love most about O'Meara's approach to this story is that she is willing to admit that Milicent wasn't a perfect human being. In the chapter "Wipe," O'Meara uncovers a major lie Milicent perpetuated during her early years in the Hollywood creative circle. She admits to feeling disappointed by the idea that her hero could be flawed. However, she follows up with a realization that heroine perfection is a common misconception perpetuated by fans everywhere. Milicent could still have been an amazing artist with some personal baggage, and fans are still allowed to love her despite her flaws. 

Constructive Criticism:

This book was an emotional rollercoaster (in a good way), and something I looked forward to was the reprieve of a stunning picture. I am an absolute sucker for historical photos, and when Milicent Patrick is the woman to behold, I double down on enthusiasm.

My only criticism is that I wish there had been more! Particularly in the instances where O'Meara describes a picture of Milicent that wasn't featured in the book. I cherish the ones she did include, but as anyone who has seen any picture of Milicent being her genuine self will tell you, it's inspiring. The more, the better. 

Famous Last Words:

This book is a must read for female creatives in any sect and at any stage of professional success. A significant thing I credit this book for is being candid through the example of one woman's downgraded triumphs. Milicent was a fantastic artist, and she enjoyed a lot of success in the entertainment industry, all to be swept under the proverbial rug in an instant. It's at once a warning and a battle cry: know your worth, but also know what to expect. 

For more from this author: Mallory O’Meara

About the Writer

Mercedes K. Milner is a Co-Founder and Administrator of the Write or Die Chicks and the Writer’s Group Coordinator. She is a staff writer for the WODC Blog and she heads the Reading on Writing column.