Season 10, Episode 2 - Gabriella Saab

Written By Colin Mustful

In this episode of History Through Fiction: The Podcast, host Colin Mustful interviews Gabriella Saab, author of The Star Society. Inspired by Audrey Hepburn’s early life, the novel follows Ada, a Dutch resistance survivor who reinvents herself in postwar America. As Ada’s twin sister, Ingrid, investigates communist influences in Hollywood, the sisters’ bond is tested by secrets and political intrigue. Saab discusses her research, writing process, and the importance of sisterhood and loyalty at the heart of her historical fiction.

History Through Fiction is more than a podcast — it's a home for stories, community, and craft. Explore our growing catalog of historical novels, attend workshops and events, connect with fellow readers and writers, and be part of a mission dedicated to celebrating the power of history through narrative.

Discover more at historythroughfiction.com.

About the Author

Gabriella Saab is also the author of The Last Checkmate and Daughters of Victory. She graduated from Mississippi State University with a bachelor of business administration in marketing and lives in her hometown of Mobile, Alabama, where she works as a barre instructor. She is of Lebanese heritage and is one of the co-hosts of @hfchitchat on Twitter, a recurring monthly chat and community celebrating the love of reading and writing historical fiction.

Two sisters reunite in postwar Hollywood—one a star with a hidden past, the other sent to expose her—forcing them to choose between justice and loyalty.

Inspired by Audrey Hepburn’s resilience, The Star Society follows Ada Worthington-Fox, a Dutch resistance survivor turned Hollywood actress, and her sister Ingrid, a private investigator tasked with rooting out Communism in 1946 Los Angeles. When Ingrid’s investigation targets Ada, the sisters are forced to confront their wartime secrets and loyalties. As Ada hunts a Gestapo agent from her past and Ingrid shields her from mounting threats, both women must decide whether to risk their hard-won new lives for justice and each other. Set against the Red Scare’s paranoia and Hollywood’s glamour, this gripping novel explores sisterhood, survival, and the cost of truth.

Get the Book

Want more from History Through Fiction?

Explore, engage, and support our mission to champion historical storytelling.

Join the Historical Readers Club – monthly virtual author talks, bonus content, and an exclusive community
https://www.historythroughfiction.com/member-area-homepage

Discover Our Titles – shop our catalog and support independent authors
https://www.historythroughfiction.com/store

Attend a Workshop – take the next step in your writing journey
https://www.historythroughfiction.com/virtual-workshops

Advertise on Our Platform – feature your book, event, or service
https://www.historythroughfiction.com/advertise

Follow us on Substack – essays, insights, publishing topics, and more
https://colinmustful.substack.com/

Colin Mustful

Colin Mustful is the founder and editor of History Through Fiction, an independent press dedicated to publishing historical narratives rooted in factual events and compelling characters. A celebrated author and historian whose novel “Reclaiming Mni Sota” recently won the Midwest Book Award for Literary/Contemporary/Historical Fiction, Mustful has penned five historical novels that delve into the complex eras of settler-colonialism and Native American displacement. Combining his interests in history and writing, Mustful holds a Master of Arts in history and a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing. Residing in Minneapolis, Minnesota, he enjoys running, playing soccer, and believes deeply in the power of understanding history to shape a just and sustainable future.

Next

Season 10, Episode 1 - Vanessa Riley