"Josephine Baker's Last Dance," by Sherry Jones

"Josephine Baker's Last Dance," by Sherry Jones

Discover the fascinating and singular life story of Josephine Baker—actress, singer, dancer, Civil Rights activist, member of the French Resistance during WWII, and a woman dedicated to erasing prejudice and creating a more equitable world—in Josephine Baker’s Last Dance.

In this illuminating biographical novel, Sherry Jones brings to life Josephine's early years in servitude and poverty in America, her rise to fame as a showgirl in her famous banana skirt, her activism against discrimination, and her many loves and losses. From 1920s Paris to 1960s Washington, to her final, triumphant performance, one of the most extraordinary lives of the twentieth century comes to stunning life on the page.

With intimate prose and comprehensive research, Sherry Jones brings this remarkable and compelling public figure into focus for the first time in a joyous celebration of a life lived in technicolor, a powerful woman who continues to inspire today.

Although I knew that Josephine Baker was a dancer, and a famous one at that.  I didn't know she was a Civil Rights activist and a member of the French Resistance during World War Two.  This book highlights so many different facets to Josephine's life that it was a true discovery learning the many different sides of her.

However the overall feeling after reading this book; was that all Josephine wanted was to be loved, have a loving husband and a bunch of children.  I am sure she would have given up the fame and fortune to have had all that.

She struck me as a very lonely lady despite being surrounded by all the famous people of the time.  Even having all the material things with the fame, didn't quite give her everything she wanted.  I actually felt sorry for her.  One thing though I did admire was her bravery dealing with the Nazi's and trying to overcome racial prejudice in her home country of the USA.  Her rough and tumble childhood forced her to grow up fast and made me think how good of a childhood I had, had.

Stars out of 5 : 4.5  I don't read many biographies, but after reading this I think I will make an effort to read more.  The only thing with biographies, is you never know how much of the book is "romanticized" to make the book more sale-able?  Well worth the read though and I would recommend borrowing it from your local library.

This is my own review; I borrowed the book from my local library.