Just Literature discussion

The paperback edition of my novel has gone LIVE on Amazon! I'm very pleased. The Kindle version has received 19 reviews, many of them 5-star. In addition, a number of blogs have reviewed it, praising the handling of the subject matter, the historical accuracy, and the "spectacular" way I paint the world of early 20th century show business.

It is about Melanie Daniels, and takes place in 1916. Once part of the cream of village society, her family has been disgraced and her hopes of a brilliant marriage dashed. Now the girl is faced with a loveless marriage or becoming an "old maid" at the age of 23. Melanie spends much of her time in a dream world, imagining herself a great star of the stage or the movies.

That is until she meets James, a handsome stranger. She provokes him into seducing her, and they elope to New York City. There, she finds herself in more trouble than she could have imagined. Eventually she makes a career for herself as an actress, playing small parts. Melanie loves backstage life--that is, until her past returns to haunt her and she has to make some hard choices.

The topic of abortion is not the main thrust of the book, although the title may suggest otherwise. I do not take a stand, I simply present an era when women had no access to birth control, no understanding of their own bodies, and no personal freedom. This is subsidiary to the main plot, which is Melanie's coming of age.

I would like to know what your thoughts about abortion are, as well as the history of the time.