Book of the Week: “Vanished on the Vaudeville Circuit” by Carolyn Summer Quinn

Content Warning: While family-friendly in tone, parents should be aware of the following: a child abduction by a non-custodial parent and brief mentions of inappropriate adult behaviour backstage.

Genre: Historical Fiction, Family Drama

Behind the Velvet Curtain: The Vaudevillian Saga You Didn’t Expect

How do you protect your family in a world where the show must always go on? Carolyn Summer Quinn’s Vanished on the Vaudeville Circuit plunges readers into the glitzy yet grueling life of 1920s vaudeville, where the stakes are as high backstage as they are under the spotlight.

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The Heart of the Story: A Family Split by Stardust

Quinn crafts a poignant narrative about August La May, a father tackling life as a vaudeville performer while raising his two talented daughters. When his youngest daughter, Florabelle, vanishes, it’s not just a family tragedy but a crisis entwined with their nomadic, spotlight-chasing existence. At its core, this novel is about resilience—both as a parent and performer.

The narrative intricately weaves historical details about the vaudeville circuit with a deeply personal story. August’s dual identity—a caring father and a consummate entertainer—echoes a famous Groucho Marx line: “There is one way to find out if a man is honest—ask him; if he says yes, you know he is a crook.” Quinn’s writing similarly challenges our perceptions of honesty, love, and loyalty.

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The Allure and Isolation of Vaudeville

Quinn’s detailed portrayal of backstage life feels alive. Did you know that during the 1920s, vaudeville performers traveled so frequently they referred to their lives as being “in transit”? This transient existence heightens the tension as the story explores themes of identity and belonging. The vibrant depictions of costumes, theatre jargon, and historical references lend authenticity to the drama.

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Closing Thoughts

Quinn’s novel isn’t just a historical look into vaudeville—it’s a lens on family bonds stretched to their limits. Through tragedy and triumph, Vanished on the Vaudeville Circuit reminds us that sometimes, the real show is the one we live, not the one we perform.

This book is a winner of the Book of the Week Award.

About the Book of the Week Award

Discover our carefully chosen Book of the Week—a compelling read that offers fresh perspectives and enriches the human experience. Here, we highlight a unique book that captures the essence of storytelling, whether through gripping narratives, thought-provoking themes, or inspiring characters. Get into our selection and explore why it’s a must-read for book lovers across the globe. Don’t miss out on our picks that celebrate the power of literature to connect, uplift, and transform.

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