Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery
Review: Peering Through the Curtains of Vaudeville
What does an abandoned costume trunk, a stolen child, and the allure of the Vaudeville era have in common? Everything—if you’re Carolyn Summer Quinn.
The Haunting Echo of “What If?”
Have you ever gazed at an old family photograph and wondered what secrets lie beneath those sepia tones? Quinn’s narrative begins with a storm—both literal and metaphorical—as a single parent, August La May, grapples with the sudden disappearance of his youngest daughter, Florabelle. Layered with questions about identity, choices, and the sacrifices of an itinerant life, the story grips readers with one unsettling thought: could the past come crashing into the present like an avalanche?
A Theater Not Just for Acts but for Acts of Love
Quinn masterfully stitches the intimacy of familial ties into the grandeur of the vaudeville stage. Behind the sequins and feather boas lies a deeper stage—one where August wrestles with fatherhood, the haunting memory of Violetta (his estranged partner), and societal expectations of the 1920s. Did you know that the 1920s saw the rise of the vaudeville circuit as America’s entertainment hub, accommodating everyone from acrobats to ventriloquists? This historical layer enriches the tapestry of the story.
Psychology Meets Suspense: The Mother Who Left
Statistically, 1920s vaudeville families traveled up to 40 weeks a year. This transience mirrors the fleeting stability in August’s life. But Quinn’s depiction of Violetta raises uncomfortable truths: how often do women, historically, bear the brunt of society’s judgments when breaking from convention? Through anecdotes and flashbacks, Violetta isn’t just a “villain”; she’s a complex figure framed by the very era that stifled her.
Anecdotes of Stagecraft: Life Beyond the Footlights
August’s asides about the backstage politics of vaudeville (the ventriloquist’s unnerving attachment to his dummy or the magician’s sticky fingers) are not mere distractions; they’re windows into a world of artifice and authenticity. The theater becomes a metaphorical mirror for life’s transient joys and sorrows.
The Family-Friendly Yet Heartbreaking Truth
While Vanished on the Vaudeville Circuit steers clear of explicit content, its themes—parental estrangement, child abduction, and the relentless pursuit of purpose—might require delicate handling for younger audiences.
Content Warning
This book involves themes of familial estrangement, child abduction, and emotional tension. While the language and scenes are appropriate for general audiences, the subject matter might be unsettling for sensitive readers.
Wordscape Wonders Award
The book is a recipient of the Wordscape Wonders Award. At Wordscape Wonders, we believe stories are more than just words on a page—they are bridges across worlds. The Wordscape Wonders Award honors books that explore the landscapes of the human spirit, blending diverse voices with themes of love, resilience, growth, and discovery. These works invite us to journey through unfamiliar perspectives, offering a deeper appreciation for the rich kaleidoscope of life.
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