Curtain Calls: A Novel of The Great War Paperback – Import, 20 July 2015

Curtain Calls unfolds a thoughtful narrative depiction of the moments leading up to World War I as seen through the eyes of 3 outsiders: two men and one woman who happen to be American musicians appearing in the vaudeville houses of Paris. At once detailed and lyrical, Ponepinto's writing will remind you of the work of Henry James, who specialized in laying out the differences between Americans and Europeans in the 19th Century. Here the misadventures of the 3 foreigners circulate around the public figure Jean Jaurès, real-life leader of France's Socialist Party and an activist deeply opposed to the war. The novel weaves together these disparate threads and shows us a Paris on the verge of a cataclysm, and a piece of almost-history that -- had it prevailed -- would have changed the way we talk about Europe or indeed World Powers. Based on actual historical events, Ponepinto's novel engages us through its attention to detail, its interest in everyday life, and its deeply moving portrait of a great leftist politician.

If you love historical fiction or have interest in the history of The Great War this is the book for you. The writing was thoughtful and had me turning the pages with its literary wit and hint of romance. Full of vaudeville intrigue, this novel is just in time for the anniversary of World War I.

Very interesting book. I loved the twists and turns of the relationships along with the historical aspects. Rather edgy, interesting characters. A good read!