The Chaperone

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Author: Laura Moriarty 

Publisher: Riverhead Books 

Summary: Louise Brooks was to become the most famous silent movie star but her first venture outside of Kansas was to study at the Denishawn School of Dancing. Cora Carlisle, a married middle-aged woman from Louise's hometown, volunteers to chaperone the young teenager in New York City and also to get some answers from her own past. Once they arrive it is very clear that Cora underestimated Louise's drive and rebellious spirit, as well as her own sheltered views of how the twentieth century was changing.


Review: The Chaperone is a pleasant if not particularly memorable historical fiction-ish book. The plot focuses mainly on Cora and her desire to find out more about her past, which is based on true event of the time. The side story of Louise and her antics while at the Denishawn Company serve as a backdrop and almost a catalyst for Cora to shake up her life.

The strategy works until the end of the book, once Cora returns to Kansas and Louise becomes a star. Then the chapters almost seem hurried as we fast forward through the rest of Cora's and Louise's life. If the book had ended with New York and perhaps a short afterword on what happened to both women I think it would have been better.

For me this was a good summer "beach" read, light and enjoyable.

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