Juliette Small

Juliette Small is Erica Small’s mother, a famous film reviewer whose public standing contrasts with the unassuming manner Katherine Danziger sees in her. Her brief appearances establish her as a gracious host who makes room for Katherine’s opinions and welcomes her into Erica’s cultural world.

Identity and Introduction

Katherine describes Juliette as famous but says she acts like a regular person, so that her celebrity is not obvious in their company. Juliette works as a film reviewer: Erica explains that most of the roughly twenty-five other people at a private screening were reviewers, like her mother. The screening is not a one-time introduction; it is the third time Juliette has invited Katherine to join her.

The Screening and Katherine’s Opinion

After the film, Juliette asks Katherine personally what she thought of it. Katherine responds that she loves Robert Redford, even though Juliette’s review differs from her view. Juliette checks whether Katherine means that despite the review; Katherine insists that other people’s reviews would not change her opinion. Juliette then says she agrees with Katherine completely. The exchange makes her professional role part of the scene without turning it into a test: she gives Katherine’s response direct attention and accepts the disagreement warmly.

Hospitality and Relationships

After the screening, Juliette puts on her coat and tells Katherine she is available for the rest of the day, suggesting the Guggenheim or the Whitney as possible destinations. Erica proposes lunch instead, and Juliette responds with amused surprise that she is hungry already. Her invitations and open-ended offer give Katherine time with Erica’s mother as well as access to an outing shaped by Juliette’s interests. The contrast between her fame and her ordinary, generous manner is the clearest impression the book offers of her.