42 pages • 1 hour read
Laura MoriartyThe Chaperone
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2012A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Chaperone by Laura Moriarty follows Cora Carlisle, a 36-year-old woman from Kansas who chaperones 15-year-old aspiring dancer Louise Brooks to New York in 1922 while secretly searching for her birth family. Throughout, Cora contends with the era's social expectations, her husband's sexual orientation, and her own romantic fulfillment, ultimately becoming an advocate for progressive causes. The book portrays themes of sexuality, ambition, and social change. The book includes themes of LGBTQ+ identities, adoption, and intimate relationships.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
The Chaperone by Laura Moriarty is praised for its engaging portrayal of historical events and character development, specifically the evolving relationship between the protagonist and the young Louise Brooks. Critics laud its well-researched backdrop and emotional depth. Some reviewers find the pacing uneven and certain plot twists less convincing. Overall, it offers a compelling mix of historical fiction and personal growth.
Who Should Read The Chaperone?
Readers who enjoyed The Paris Wife by Paula McLain or Rules of Civility by Amor Towles will appreciate The Chaperone by Laura Moriarty. This historical novel, set in the 1920s, appeals to those who relish rich, character-driven stories, strong female leads, and the exploration of social norms and personal growth.