'The most sensational woman anybody ever saw. Or ever will.' Ernest Hemingway describing Josephine Baker.

" Historical Graffiti/ACME Teen Books

5.0 out of 5 stars  A fantastic example of the strength of the human spirit

Reviewed in the United States on January 2, 2020Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

Josephine Baker is a fascinating woman who had the chutzpah to rise far above her raising and become not only a famous singer and dancer but a true to life hero. I was familiar with her story so when the opportunity arose to read this book, I was truly excited and the author did not disappoint. Written in a clear and easy format, there is no mistaking what the author has to say. She pulled few punches. Ms. McGinness's description of Josephine's early life was enough to just about make you ill. Life as one of the disenfranchised, poverty-stricken Black Americans in the early 1900s was horrific. No wonder Josephine wanted out! When she took a chance and moved to France where they were much more open-minded with their motto of Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity, she truly came into her own. The author did a spectacular job, however, of showing that it was not all sunshine and roses. The final straw was the response of the hate-filled Nazi soldiers to the fact that she was not part of the Arian race that I believe fueled her decision to join the French Intelligence Service. Some of her experiences were real nail-biters and the author kept me on the edge of my seat throughout this significant portion of the book. In the end, I was truly glad I had read it.
Is this a book for everyone? Absolutely not. Semi nudity and very loose morals are depicted plus although it did indeed happen, not everyone is up for the depictions of the atrocities committed by the KKK or the Nazis so choose wisely. Would I recommend it as a fantastic example of the strength of the human spirit, a powerful woman who did her part to change the world and an excellent piece of literature? Absolutely! Thank you, Ms. McGinness, for a wonderful book!

5❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

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I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
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5.0 out of 5 stars Josephine, an amazing performer and an amazing book!
Reviewed in the United States on December 10, 2019Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
I was finishing another book when the ad for this book popped up on the screen. The description of the book and of the person intrigued me. I, like most people over a certain age, knew the name of the performer, Josephine Baker, but I knew nothing of her wartime activities.
Ms. Baker grew up at a time of lynchings and KKK activities. An infected foot almost led to its amputation, which would have been the end of her dreams, and, in her mind, of her life. The surgery was done, her foot saved, and her future career enabled.
Her performances received incredible publicity, which, in turn, gave her an opportunity to perform in France. For the first time in her life, she saw the French motto - liberty, equality, fraternity - in action.
The outbreak of World War II gave Josephine a chance to aid her adopted country. Her access to powerful people enabled her to raise funds and to learn information from loose lips.
It is at this point that the book becomes gripping, because I knew nothing of this part of her life. I read to the end, with tears in my eyes, and knew I had to recommend it. But for a small ad on my Kindle, I would not have known of this incredible read. It is well-worth your time!"