Who Would Like This Book:
If you love immersive historical fiction, savor dual timelines, or have a soft spot for Jazz Age Chicago, you’re in for a treat! This book is rich with evocative atmosphere, pulsing with music, nightlife, ambition, and real-life Black icons. Honoree Dalcour, a fiercely driven jazz dancer, takes center stage in a story that whisks you through secrets, danger, slow-burn romance, and the struggles and triumphs of 1920s Chicago. If you enjoyed "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" or are endlessly drawn to stories where the past impacts the present, you’ll probably adore this heartfelt, mysterious, and sometimes gritty read.
Who May Not Like This Book:
Some readers found the pacing slow, especially at the beginning, and felt disconnected from certain characters - particularly in the modern timeline. The big twists might seem predictable if you’re a seasoned mystery reader. The dual narrative might not work for those who prefer a single, streamlined storyline. And, while the setting is vividly painted, not everyone found the transitions or resolutions as strong as they hoped.
About:
Wild Women and the Blues by Denny S Bryce is a historical fiction novel set in 1920s Chicago, capturing the vibrant yet dangerous Jazz Age. The story follows Honoree Dalcour, a jazz dancer with fierce ambition and a vulnerable side, as she navigates the struggles and violence of her time, including racketeering and mob activity. The plot includes a parallel storyline featuring Sawyer, a film student who seeks to uncover Honoree's secrets, adding depth and emotion. Bryce's writing style immerses readers in the era, using vivid descriptions that bring the music and atmosphere to life, while the dual timelines keep the story engaging and layered.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
The book contains medium content warnings, including themes of violence and crime, which are integral to the historical context.
Has Romance?
There is a medium level of romance present in the book, particularly in the relationship between Honoree and Ezekiel, which develops slowly and is intertwined with the main plot.
From The Publisher:
"Perfect for fans of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo...a dazzling depiction of passion, prohibition, and murder." -Shelf Awareness
"Ambitious and stunning." -Stephanie Dray, New York Times bestselling author
"Vibrant…A highly entertaining read!" -Ellen Marie Wiseman New York Times Bestselling author of THE ORPHAN COLLECTOR
"The music practically pours out of the pages of Denny S. Bryce's historical novel, set among the artists and dreamers of the 1920s." -OprahMag.com
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In a stirring and impeccably researched novel of Jazz-age Chicago in all its vibrant life, two stories intertwine nearly a hundred years apart, as a chorus girl and a film student deal with loss, forgiveness, and love…in all its joy, sadness, and imperfections.
"Why would I talk to you about my life? I don't know you, and even if I did, I don't tell my story to just any boy with long hair, who probably smokes weed.You wanna hear about me. You gotta tell me something about you. To make this worth my while."
1925: Chicago is the jazz capital of the world, and the Dreamland Café is the ritziest black-and-tan club in town. Honoree Dalcour is a sharecropper's daughter, willing to work hard and dance every night on her way to the top. Dreamland offers a path to the good life, socializing with celebrities like Louis Armstrong and filmmaker Oscar Micheaux. But Chicago is also awash in bootleg whiskey, gambling, and gangsters. And a young woman driven by ambition might risk more than she can stand to lose.
2015: Film student Sawyer Hayes arrives at the bedside of 110-year-old Honoree Dalcour, still reeling from a devastating loss that has taken him right to the brink. Sawyer has rested all his hope on this frail but formidable woman, the only living link to the legendary Oscar Micheaux. If he's right-if she can fill in the blanks in his research, perhaps he can complete his thesis and begin a new chapter in his life. But the links Honoree makes are not ones he's expecting...
Piece by piece, Honoree reveals her past and her secrets, while Sawyer fights tooth and nail to keep his. It's a story of courage and ambition, hot jazz and illicit passions. And as past meets present, for Honoree, it's a final chance to be truly heard and seen before it's too late. No matter the cost...
"Immersive, mysterious and evocative; factual in its history and nuanced in its creativity." -Ms. Magazine
"Perfect…Denny S. Bryce is a superstar!" -Julia Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of the Bridgerton series
"Evocative and entertaining!" -Laura Kamoie, New York Times bestselling author
"Wild Women and the Blues deftly delivers what historical fiction has been missing." -Farrah Rochon USA Todaybestselling author
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Wild Women and the Blues?
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