Josephine Baker's Last Dance

A richly imagined biographical novel, this sweeping work of historical fiction brings to life the extraordinary journey of Josephine Baker—legendary performer, civil rights activist, and World War II resistance hero. Born into poverty in the United States, Josephine Baker rose from domestic servitude to international stardom after reinventing herself in 1920s Paris. Famous for her daring performances and iconic banana skirt, she captivated audiences while escaping the racism that limited her opportunities at home. But fame was only one part of her story. As Europe descended into war, Josephine became an unlikely hero, using her celebrity to aid the French Resistance and risking her life to fight fascism. In later years, she returned to the United States to confront segregation head-on, lending her voice to the Civil Rights Movement and standing alongside leaders at the March on Washington. Her personal life—marked by passionate love affairs, heartbreak, and her creation of the “Rainbow Tribe” of adopted children—was as bold and unconventional as her public one. Spanning from Jazz Age Paris to wartime Europe and mid-century America, this intimate and vividly researched novel captures the final chapter of Josephine Baker’s life while honoring the triumphs, sacrifices, and courage that made her one of the most remarkable women of the 20th century.