Succeeded in every respect

The face on the cover of the paperback edition is part of Louise Brooks. I must confess that I know the name has "The Chaperone" say anything before. I found the person and their story so interesting that I still read after the novel features all of them on the internet and I even their own book ("Lulu in Hollywood") ordered.

Actually, the silent film star is only a minor character in this novel. Protagonist is the titular chaperone Cora Carlisle, who accompanied the 15-year Brooks of the province to dance education in New York. At first glance it seems a bit boring and for her age (mid-30s) rather dowdy. Gradually we learn more about them but: through their hard childhood, her difficult marriage, her fears, dreams and desires for the future. She turns out to be a very complex character who finds her (for that time very unconventional) Fortunately throughout history.

The story takes place mostly in the early 1920, and we learn a lot about the life and morals of the era. I always find it very interesting when you can immerse yourself in reading in an entirely different, strange time. Many issues that have aroused then tempers, to be discussed and form the background of the story - about the Prohibition, the success of 'black' music or the tentative beginnings of female self-determination.

The story is told from Cora's perspective, distinguishing between the real action always a look into the past and is occasionally thrown into the future. I enjoyed the storytelling and language style very much. I have read me in the story relatively quickly and have enjoyed reading it to the end with stress and pronounced. A truly beautiful novel with characters who have surprised me more than once.