By 
Kerry Chaput, the Author of “Wild As Stars” has written an electrifying and magical novel. The genres for this book are : Historical Fantasy Fiction, Historical Fiction, 20th Century Historical Romance, Women’s Literature, Magical Realism, and Sisterhood. The timeline for this novel is set around 1925 in Seattle. This takes place around Prohibition, when alcohol, and exotic dancing were outlawed. Many of the dancers and performers were talented with unique and creative skills, that would cause panic, and these unusual dancers and acrobats were referred to as ‘witches”. Some were placed in asylums, and others were imprisoned.
Eleanora washes dishes, and can only dream of magic tap-dancing. Her secret is that she can create fire with her passion. After seeing her mother with such talents die after treatment in an asylum, Eleanora fears dancing in public. The only place such dancing is allowed is “The Luminaire”, which has protection from the police. Eleanora auditions there and meets the owner’s son. The owner of “The Luminaire” has his own agenda. Eleanora does meet other women with other magical unique talents. Her own fears cause major panic attacks, where she could get hurt. When “The Luminaire” creates a new environment that spotlights the entertainers, and causes them physical and emotional pain, the women decide to try to work together to make a free environment, where they can enjoy their talents without fear.
I appreciate that Kerry Chaput discusses mental issues such as panic attacks, loneliness and isolation, depression, self-worth, alcoholism and suicide. There are twists, turns, suspense, magic and surprises. I highly recommend this enlightening novel.
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