The Chaperone

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Sometimes ignorance is bliss….

When I started reading The Chaperone by Laura Moriarty I had no idea Louise Brooks was a real person. I am glad I didn’t…. It made me appreciate the story even more – not letting fact cloud the fiction….

As I began to read The Chaperone I had my doubts. I didn’t know how I would feel about reading a book set in the 20’s. I feared that I wouldn’t be able to relate or that it wouldn’t hold my interest. I was wrong. It was amazing – I couldn’t put it down – I even read half of it in one sitting!

This book, which is historical fiction, tells a story of when Louise Brooks traveled to New York from Kansas to study dance. Since she was a minor, her parents hired a chaperone, Cora, to escort her on the journey and keep a watchful eye on their wild child.

While Louise may be the celebrity, Cora is the real star of this show. From the moment you meet her, you see that she is a complicated character. She is ahead of her time in many ways but held back by societal norms. It becomes clear that she has secrets….

These secrets you slowly discover. Some shock you…. Others are the basis for Cora’s life changing events. It is so easy to fall in love with Cora and relate to her – despite the difference in times.

I highly recommend the Chaperone…

For more information on this book check out the posts on BlogHer….

I was compensated for this review, but the opinions are all mine…

Tags: blog her, book review

20 comments

Brian

July 28, 2012 at 8:14 am (UTC -4)

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I don’t know if I need a Chaperone or not, but the book sounds good!
1. hilaryg
  
  July 28, 2012 at 8:21 am (UTC -4)
  
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  Brian – hmm.. I would think that you would be the chaperone – you are so good at looking after everyone!
Susi

July 28, 2012 at 9:59 am (UTC -4)

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I had a phase where I read a lot of historical fiction, almost exclusively. I always liked the way the authors described life in different time periods. I especially liked the roaring 20′s ala Great Gatsby.
1. hilaryg
  
  July 29, 2012 at 8:07 am (UTC -4)
  
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  Susi – then you would love this book…. And I agree.. there is something so special about the roaring 20′s…
Alexis S.

July 28, 2012 at 3:16 pm (UTC -4)

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I have had this book on my list this summer and I’m glad to hear that you liked it!
1. hilaryg
  
  July 29, 2012 at 8:10 am (UTC -4)
  
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  Alexis – it really was a good one
Jackie

July 28, 2012 at 10:57 pm (UTC -4)

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The book sounds good! I am a huge bookworm and love hearing about books everyone is reading. I put this book on my list. Thanks!
1. hilaryg
  
  July 29, 2012 at 8:11 am (UTC -4)
  
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  Jackie – isn’t it fun finding new authors & books? I love it too..
meowmeowmans

July 29, 2012 at 1:09 pm (UTC -4)

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This sounds like a really good book, Hilary. Thanks for the recommendation … we’ll add it to our growing list of books to read.
1. hilaryg
  
  July 30, 2012 at 6:32 am (UTC -4)
  
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  Meowmeowmans – I hope you enjoy it
Shawn

July 29, 2012 at 6:54 pm (UTC -4)

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I came over to check up on you, I hope each day is getting a little easier for you and Marc.
Thanks for the book recommendation, it sounds like something I would enjoy!
Blessings,
Chloe, Cecil, Winston and Shawn
1. hilaryg
  
  July 30, 2012 at 6:34 am (UTC -4)
  
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  Shawn – thanks so much for stopping by… I guess each day is getting easier, but it is still so hard for us. Alex was a huge part of our life and heart. Everywhere we look we see him… We still cry daily… But I know in time it will get easier (i hope). This book was really enjoyable. I hope you give it a try.
Lucy

July 29, 2012 at 7:51 pm (UTC -4)

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I love historical fiction and will be adding this to my ‘to read’ list!
1. hilaryg
  
  July 30, 2012 at 6:35 am (UTC -4)
  
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  Lucy – this was actually the first historical fiction book I ever read… It is pretty cool how fact & fiction are weaved together…
Penelope

July 29, 2012 at 11:23 pm (UTC -4)

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Now that sounds like a book that my Mommy would loves to read!
Kisses
Nellie
1. hilaryg
  
  July 30, 2012 at 6:36 am (UTC -4)
  
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  Nellie – Cool… I hope your Mommy likes it!
Brenda

July 30, 2012 at 10:10 am (UTC -4)

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I love historical fiction and now will have to read this!
1. hilaryg
  
  July 31, 2012 at 6:55 am (UTC -4)
  
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  Brenda – I think you will like it… it was very interesting… although this is the first historical fiction I have ever read…
William Kendall

August 2, 2012 at 2:44 pm (UTC -4)

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Sounds like a good book, Hilary!
1. hilaryg
  
  August 4, 2012 at 9:37 am (UTC -4)
  
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  William – I really did enjoy it…