This is a book that really dives headfirst into history and place. We're introduced to Redwood as a girl the night her mother is lynched, and follow her as she grows up, flees Georgia for Chicago after an attack and finds success first on the minstrel stage and then silent movies. There's a big cast of characters from all over--Redwood and her family are black and from Georgia, her sister-in-law is a "proper" black lady who means to set a good example, Redwood's true love Aidan Wildfire is part Irish, part Seminole, Redwood's performing partner is Iranian and gay. Redwood herself is also a hoodoo, as is her little sister, and Aidan has his own magic.

One of my favorite parts was when the book describes a movie the cast makes together, The Schoolteacher and The Pirate. You can really see why the movie would be a hit, but it also reads like a real silent movie, especially with the dramatic titles between scenes. The movie's got a lot of tragedy and genuine horror, but ultimately it's got more joy and hope.