Josephine Baker's Last Dance
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Josephine Baker's Last Dance by Sherry Jones
A richly imagined biographical novel, this sweeping work of historical fiction brings to life the extraordinary journey of Josephine Baker—legendary performer, civil rights activist, and World War II resistance hero. Born into poverty in the United States, Josephine Baker rose from domestic servitude to international stardom after reinventing herself in 1920s Paris. Famous for her daring performances and iconic banana skirt, she captivated audiences while escaping the racism that limited her opportunities at home. But fame was only one part of her story. As Europe descended into war, Josephine became an unlikely hero, using her celebrity to aid the French Resistance and risking her life to fight fascism. In later years, she returned to the United States to confront segregation head-on, lending her voice to the Civil Rights Movement and standing alongside leaders at the March on Washington. Her personal life—marked by passionate love affairs, heartbreak, and her creation of the “Rainbow Tribe” of adopted children—was as bold and unconventional as her public one. Spanning from Jazz Age Paris to wartime Europe and mid-century America, this intimate and vividly researched novel captures the final chapter of Josephine Baker’s life while honoring the triumphs, sacrifices, and courage that made her one of the most remarkable women of the 20th century.
Praise for Josephine Baker's Last Dance
“Sherry Jones takes us on a remarkable journey of heartbreak and empowermentJosephine Baker’s Last Dance is a bold and beautiful book about a bold and beautiful life. This book left its mark on me.” -- Susan Crandall, author of The Myth of Perpetual Summer
“The mesmerizing chanteuse who shattered race barriers and hearts across the world is brought to vivid, unstoppable life in Josephine Baker's Last Dance. The champagne swirl of the Jazz Age fuels this amazing, untold story of a defiant woman who fought her way from poverty to become the toast of Europe, infamous for her bawdy act and banana-peel-barely-there skirt. Jones’s Josephine is complicated and human: a courageous artist on a quest for freedom under the haunting legacy of race inequality; she emerges as not only a fantastic icon from the past in her own right, but also as a mirror and example for today. “ -- C.W. Gortner, author of Mademoiselle Chanel
“[An] entertaining portrait of a groundbreaking woman. Hand this to fans of Paula McLain’s The Paris Wife (2011), Liza Klaussman’s Villa America (2015), and other tales of Jazz Age artists.”
* Booklist *
“The extraordinary story of a unique and unrivaled icon…Jones delivers a satisfying life of one endlessly fascinating person.” * Kirkus Reviews *
"If you loved The Paris Wife, you're going to love this... Sherry Jones's new Fall release is an inspiring novel that women everywhere will find to be an important piece of literature in helping to bring about total equality in our current world." * PopSugar *
Praise for The Sharp Hook of Love
"A fresh re-imagining of a legendary romance that breathes insight into the passionate and forbidden relationship between Heloise and Abelard. Jones beautifully evokes the era. Readers will feel as though they are walking the streets of Paris and experiencing the joy that eventually leads to heartbreak." * RT Book Reviews *
"Jones weaves history and passion in a tale full of emotional heft that questions what it means to truly love someone..." * Kirkus Reviews *
"Heloise is the sort of heroine you cannot help rooting for: brilliant and naïve, vulnerable and tough. The Sharp Hook of Love will have you up all night holding your breath as you turn each page." -- Rebecca Kanner * author of Sinners and the Sea *
"Passion and treachery mingle in Sherry Jones's explosive novel The Sharp Hook of Love. Wrenching and erotic, this is a grand romance in every sense of the word." -- Mary Sharratt * author of Illuminations: A Novel of Hildegard von Bingen *
"A sensual journey into twelfth century Paris. With a sharp eye for historical detail, Jones weaves an unforgettable, compelling tale about enduring love." -- Lynn Cullen * nationally bestselling author of Mrs. Poe *
“Sherry Jones takes us on a remarkable journey of heartbreak and empowermentJosephine Baker’s Last Dance is a bold and beautiful book about a bold and beautiful life. This book left its mark on me.” -- Susan Crandall, author of The Myth of Perpetual Summer
“The mesmerizing chanteuse who shattered race barriers and hearts across the world is brought to vivid, unstoppable life in Josephine Baker's Last Dance. The champagne swirl of the Jazz Age fuels this amazing, untold story of a defiant woman who fought her way from poverty to become the toast of Europe, infamous for her bawdy act and banana-peel-barely-there skirt. Jones’s Josephine is complicated and human: a courageous artist on a quest for freedom under the haunting legacy of race inequality; she emerges as not only a fantastic icon from the past in her own right, but also as a mirror and example for today. “ -- C.W. Gortner, author of Mademoiselle Chanel
“[An] entertaining portrait of a groundbreaking woman. Hand this to fans of Paula McLain’s The Paris Wife (2011), Liza Klaussman’s Villa America (2015), and other tales of Jazz Age artists.”
* Booklist *
“The extraordinary story of a unique and unrivaled icon…Jones delivers a satisfying life of one endlessly fascinating person.” * Kirkus Reviews *
"If you loved The Paris Wife, you're going to love this... Sherry Jones's new Fall release is an inspiring novel that women everywhere will find to be an important piece of literature in helping to bring about total equality in our current world." * PopSugar *
Praise for The Sharp Hook of Love
"A fresh re-imagining of a legendary romance that breathes insight into the passionate and forbidden relationship between Heloise and Abelard. Jones beautifully evokes the era. Readers will feel as though they are walking the streets of Paris and experiencing the joy that eventually leads to heartbreak." * RT Book Reviews *
"Jones weaves history and passion in a tale full of emotional heft that questions what it means to truly love someone..." * Kirkus Reviews *
"Heloise is the sort of heroine you cannot help rooting for: brilliant and naïve, vulnerable and tough. The Sharp Hook of Love will have you up all night holding your breath as you turn each page." -- Rebecca Kanner * author of Sinners and the Sea *
"Passion and treachery mingle in Sherry Jones's explosive novel The Sharp Hook of Love. Wrenching and erotic, this is a grand romance in every sense of the word." -- Mary Sharratt * author of Illuminations: A Novel of Hildegard von Bingen *
"A sensual journey into twelfth century Paris. With a sharp eye for historical detail, Jones weaves an unforgettable, compelling tale about enduring love." -- Lynn Cullen * nationally bestselling author of Mrs. Poe *
Author and journalist Sherry Jones is best known for her international bestseller The Jewel of Medina. She is also the author of The Sword of Medina, Four Sisters, All Queens, The Sharp Hook of Love, and the novella White Heart. She lives in Spokane, WA, where, like Josephine Baker, she enjoys dancing, singing, eating, advocating for equality, and drinking champagne. Visit her online at AuthorSherryJones.com and at Facebook.com/SherryJonesFanpage.
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9781501102448 |
| ISBN 10 | 1501102443 |
| Title | Josephine Baker's Last Dance |
| Author | Sherry Jones |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Paperback |
| Publisher | Simon & Schuster |
| Year published | 2018-12-04 |
| Number of pages | 384 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |