To be fair, the book is good. There are some good characterizations and some (shocking) revelations. However, I was left unconvinced of the main protagonist; she just wasn't interesting enough for me.
From the moment Louise Brooks enters, however, the page the story takes on a whole new dimension. Here is someone who is determined, ambitious, challenging, engaging - alive!
The setting is 1922 and Moriarty sets the scene spectacularly, introducing the various characters and the places and situations well. There are some tense scenes that make gripping reading.
The scenes involving Brooks are quite amazing and its through her interactions with Brooks that the main character Cora, comes to life.Cora's background and reasons for acting as chaperone are slowly revealed and you do get a sense of someone who could be interesting but remains passive throughout the majority of the novel.
I felt that once both parties went their separate ways then the story could have wrapped up - but it didn't.
Once Louise is out of the picture we are left with Cora to see us through til the end. Cora herself is not unlikable, she's just too dull.
The story itself is basically a journey of self discovery, whereby Cora finds out more about herself through her time with Louise and returns home to Kansas a different woman. A good, solid plot that worked well but went on a little too long and took away the magic for me.
But if you are a fan of Louise Brooks then I would recommend this as it captures much of Brooks' strong personality through good writing.
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