This book is a fascinating fictional account of the cultural and political events of the year 1939, told in 12 chapters, month by month. The rise of Hitler is followed closely in reports by a fictional war correspondent while entertainment news is tracked by another reporter. We learn about the public and behind-the-scenes details of the 1939 World s Fair. The story progresses through the lives of a cast of characters in New York and Hollywood, including a director, actors, musicians, dancers, poets, and architect, and a patron of the arts who is also an arms merchant. Everyone is affected by the impending war, but some ignore it while others wish to take action. The family of one character is unable to get out of Europe and there is a pall of doom over the future. An innovative novel for teens and adults.
Jewish Book Review 1939 is the uniquely written story of one full year, January through December, of the American experience on the eve of our entrance into World War II. The Great Depression still loomed large in the memories of most Americans and yet the foreshadows of what was to come, not only the war but a shift in the political culture as ominous new policies, such as the House Committee on Un-American Activities, are lurking behind every corner. Told from several points of view, the novel also features brilliant little cameo appearances from a myriad of famous Americans of the time, from Dorothy Parker to Clark Gable. A Reader's Respite loved the time period, the artists and cameos, and even the presentation of the novel which, every few pages, is interspersed with reproductions of critical theater and movie reviews of the time and news dispatches from the war going on in Europe Reader's Respite
Blending actual and fictional characters during a pivotal period of American history, the author explores the end of the Great Depression, the early days of World War II and the cultural and artistic events that took center stage during this time period.Salinas Californian
For the past 16 years, Paula Phelan has built Nadel Phelan to its position as one of Northern California's most successful high-tech public relations firms. Today, she uses her research experience to write inspiring historical novels with her latest success being, 1939: Into the Dark.Santa Cruz Sentinel
I usually stay away from fiction based in the early 20th century, but I chose to read this simply because it sounded so interesting and a bit glamorous being set around artists of all backgrounds in New York City. Once you get comfortable with the characters, most have a charming quality or at least lead an interesting life, and you begin to look forward to learning more about each one. There is a character list in the front of the book to refer to, which I would recommend reading through before you start the novel. Famous names such as Georgia O Keefe, Ayn Rand, Katharine Hepburn and many more give a panoramic view into the culture of NYC during that time. One of the most fascinating events described is the World s Fair. Historical Fiction.com
The focus of Paula Phelan s story, 1939 - Into the Dark, published by ZAP Media New York, takes place over a twelve month period with her characters interacting with famous names of the day in both New York Society's arts and entertainment world. Having no knowledge of how the US greeted the news and events of the opening months of the war, being weaned on The Blitz, rationing and telegrams received by my family from the War Office, this perspective was what attracted me about this novel. Historical Novel Review
--Historical Novel Review
Paula Phelan has captured the mood of New York City in the midst of the zenith of the influence of creative arts and culture in the year 1939. Phelan's writing is informational and relative. Her research and imagination blend to make this an important work of historical fiction filled with little known details of the period covered. Her dialog is stimulating, her descriptions convincing, and her characters genuine. "1939: Into the Dark" by Paula Phelan is a meaningful and entertaining novel for the history buff. --Reader Views
The focus of Paula Phelan s story, 1939 - Into the Dark, published by ZAP Media New York, takes place over a twelve month period with her characters interacting with famous names of the day in both New York Society's arts and entertainment world. Having no knowledge of how the US greeted the news and events of the opening months of the war, being weaned on The Blitz, rationing and telegrams received by my family from the War Office, this perspective was what attracted me about this novel. No one has a free ride in this book, and in their place, I wondered if I would have instantly clamoured to be involved in a conflict everyone hopes will burn out before it becomes too serious.
With the WPA Federal Theatre Project, the Spanish Civil War, and demonstrations by communist unions thrown into the mix, this goes some way to exonerate those who resist involving themselves in a foreign war. Ms Phelan manages to weave them all together in the later stages. Her meticulous research adds depth and colour to her story, as well as references to Mayor La Guardia, Tallulah Bankhead, Katherine Hepburn and others. --Historical Novel Review
