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“Banished From Memory is an example of 20th century historical fiction at its strongest.”

– Midwest Book Review

“The novel’s premise is intriguing, and some of the real-life Hollywood actors who appear here are credibly re-created….Hollywood history buffs might enjoy immersing themselves in the glittering yet slightly ominous world Sheeran has created.”

– Blue Ink Review

“I found this book to be a great read. Sheeran blends punchy writing with a profound respect for the characters in this book.”

– Lucas Eytchison, a Reader

BANISHED FROM MEMORY

Cited as a Distinguished Favorite in Historical Fiction by the 2019 Independent Press Awards

Dianna Fletcher is Hollywood’s sweetheart, but her career becomes entangled with her family’s dark past and involvement in the infamous Hollywood Blacklist. When she’s cast in a movie alongside womanizer Bill Royce, his own involvement begins to surface. Set during Hollywood’s most glamorous, transformative, and turbulent days, this novel highlights the conflicted relationships between co-stars and a city that can make or break them both.

ABOUT THE BOOK

It’s 1960. Sixteen-year-old Dianna Fletcher has been accustomed to the bright lights of Hollywood all her life‐but now they are casting shadows on her family’s past and on her own future.

Dianna fears she is losing her talent and failing to live up to her family’s legacy. When she does land a part, she finds an unexpected enemy in brilliant actor and womanizer, Bill Royce, who not only attacks her confidence but holds a deep grudge against her family. Dianna comes to believe Bill’s resentment is related to her suspicion that her parents harbor a secret linked to the blacklist. But even as their friendship grows despite their misgivings about each other, Bill will not confess what he knows.

As Dianna struggles with her career in a rapidly changing industry, she urges Bill to share his dark past with her, only to discover secrets that could destroy her family’s prestige and power.

Banished From Memory highlights the conflicted relationship between two legacies of the blacklist, the sunset of classic Hollywood, the challenges and gifts of acting, and a determination on the part of one generation to exhume the truth of another’s. But at what cost?

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

  • I loved the film history in this book! I had never heard of the Blacklist before, and following Mary's writing through Cold War Hollywood was enthralling. I highly recommend this to anyone who is a fan of film history, and anyone who wants a fresh take on a period that I feel is never written about!

    JKS Communications

  • I love that Mary was able to create a story around a not-very-known part of history (The Hollywood Blacklist) and tie in all of these relevant and relatable pieces of 2019, like femininity, Me Too, self-discovery, independence. I thought that the characters were interesting and dynamic, and there were so many elements to make the book a really good read: history, romance, some mystery/suspense. Definitely recommend this book!

    Kathryn Notestine

  • I was a big fan of the main character, Dianna. It was refreshing to read a story about a girl coming into her womanhood in a time that was much more restrictive. I thought that Sheeran crafted an honest story that simultaneously gave power to women, and that explored the many ways equality can be reached.

    Marissa DeCuir

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ABOUT MARY SHEERAN

MARY SHEERAN has acted in plays, sung in operas, and created and performed recitals and cabaret shows, all in New York City. She is the author of Who Have the Power (2006), an exploration of cultural conflict, feminism, and Native American history, and Quest of the Sleeping Princess (2012), set in the midst of George Balanchine’s ballets. She has written theater and dance reviews for show business trade publications and for the blog Life Upon the Sacred Stage. Mary lives in the Bronx, holds a BA degree from Saint Mary’s College of Notre Dame, Indiana and a Master of Divinity degree from New York Theological Seminary.