By 
Linda Paul, the Author of “The Last Gypsy Queen” has written a memorable, captivating and thought-provoking novel. The Genres for this novel are: Historical Fiction, Romance, Fiction, and Suspense. The timeline is approximately 1942, and goes to the past and future when it pertains to the characters or events. The author visually describes the scenery of the amusement parks, the tents, and the landscape, and vividly describes the colorful, and dramatic characters. The characters are complex, complicated, and flawed. Each of the characters has their own problems, dreams, and wishes. There are some mean-spirited and prejudiced characters, and there are some courageous, strong-willed characters that look and hope for survival. I appreciate the amount of historical research that the author has done. I enjoyed reading this novel, and at times thought of a Romeo and Juliet feel.
Marisol and her Romani family are forced to leave their home and head for Ohio’s Buckeye Lake Amusement Park. Marisol’s family has certain traditions and are faced with prejudicial treatment and discrimination from other people. Marisol has the feeling of “stay with your own kind”. Unfortunately, Marisol is used to emotional and physical abuse, and to be able to survive, works as a fortune teller. People go to amusement parks to escape from the troubles of World War Two, poverty and many problems. Many of the workers are kind at the amusement park. There are some people who are sabotaging the amusement park, and causing dangerous conditions. There is one person who threatens the Romanis and other female workers. There are also some interesting customers. Marisol’s dreams are to heal sick people, and she would love to become a doctor. One of the employees has been helping Marisol learn to read.
One of the visitors to the park, Will Worthington has a manipulative family. Will’s dreams are to become a pilot. Will’s father has other plans for Will. When Will meets Mariol, sparks fly. Will’s parents are negative and and have prejudices. Is it possible for Marisol and Will to break through the prejudice, discrimination and tradition,and find true love?
I appreciate that the author discusses this historical period, and brings to our attention the many people who were looked down as inferior in America. The author does mention the emotional and physical abuse, and the devastation of hate and war. Linda Paul does mention the importance of family, community, friends, love, and hope, and being able to fulfill one’s dreams. I highly recommend this heartfelt book.
Linda's Book Obsession: 