Louise Brooks and The Chaperone

The Chaperone by Laura Moriarty combines my two favorite things...reading and vintage film.  Although this is a work of fiction, it is based on the life of real silent film star, Mary Louise Brooks. Amazingly, she is a secondary character in the book, which highlights the life of her chaperone, Cora. I don't want to divulge any other part of the plot, but this book might be the best thing you read all summer.  Everyone I know who has read The Chaperone has loved this story.  A big thumbs-up to the author!

Now, on to Louise Brooks.  Her life is a fascinating tale in itself.  Readers of The Chaperone will be left questing for more information on this dancer, actress and model from America's heartland.  Her film career began in 1925 and ran through the late 1930's. You can still view some of her films (like Pandora's Box) on youtube, but I will warn you that she dealt with very adult themes.
If you're hooked on Louise, try Louise Brooks: A Biography by Barry Paris.  If you're really lucky, you may find a copy of the 1998 TCM documentary, Louise Brooks-Looking for Lulu. In any case, read The Chaperone first...then delve into Brooks' life.