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Taxi Dancer: A Novel
Not yet published
Expected 29 Sep 26240 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication September 29, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
During the Great Depression, Filipino farmworker Eli falls in love with American taxi dancer Lucinda in California, where interracial marriage laws threaten their future together. When Eli is accused of murdering a dance hall owner, Lucinda must uncover a dangerous conspiracy to clear his name before it's too late.
I genuinely had no idea taxi dancers or taxi dance halls were a real part of American history. It was fascinating to get a glimpse into this era and see just how popular these dance halls were, but what really stayed with me was the discrimination Filipino immigrants faced. The novel shines a light on anti-miscegenation laws and the prejudice that shaped so many lives, serving as a sobering reminder of how cruel it is to tell people they aren't allowed to love one another because of their race.
The murder trial was intriguing, though it moved at a slower pace than I expected. The layers of deception and long-buried secrets kept me invested, and I appreciated how the mystery unfolded alongside the historical backdrop. But the ending was pure poetry; equal parts heartbreaking and hopeful—and it brought the story to a beautifully fitting close.
Thank you to Red Hen Press and NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for my review. This book publishes September 29.
I genuinely had no idea taxi dancers or taxi dance halls were a real part of American history. It was fascinating to get a glimpse into this era and see just how popular these dance halls were, but what really stayed with me was the discrimination Filipino immigrants faced. The novel shines a light on anti-miscegenation laws and the prejudice that shaped so many lives, serving as a sobering reminder of how cruel it is to tell people they aren't allowed to love one another because of their race.
The murder trial was intriguing, though it moved at a slower pace than I expected. The layers of deception and long-buried secrets kept me invested, and I appreciated how the mystery unfolded alongside the historical backdrop. But the ending was pure poetry; equal parts heartbreaking and hopeful—and it brought the story to a beautifully fitting close.
Thank you to Red Hen Press and NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for my review. This book publishes September 29.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Marivi Soliven has a talent for bringing history to life in the best way possible. I was immediately drawn into the vibrant Stingaree district in San Diego, California in the 1930s--where on weekends dreams really do come to true for the immigrant community who spend belaboring hours in the fields to earn enough money for a shave and a few dance tickets at one of the glamorous dance halls. The story follows Eli, a Filipino immigrant with a flair for fancy footwork and Lucinda, a young American girl who ran away from an abusive home and supports herself as a taxi dancer.
Given the social climate of the time, the modern reader comes into the book knowing that any relationship that develops between these two young dreamers will face any number of challenges--and from the get-go, we know that the biggest of these is a murder allegation. But watching the plot unfold is not only completely gut-wrenching but also somehow laced with hope around every turn.
A memorable and compelling cast of characters kept me turning pages--including a darling orphan who runs to coat-check at the Rizal dance hall, a wily young reporter, and the terrifyingly smooth woman owner/operator of the Velvet Cafe. Not only was this story an informative depiction of a little-known place and time in history, but also a beautiful love story, an intriguing mystery investigation, and a courtroom drama, all tied into one gripping novel. This may be the best book I've read all year. Bravo!
Given the social climate of the time, the modern reader comes into the book knowing that any relationship that develops between these two young dreamers will face any number of challenges--and from the get-go, we know that the biggest of these is a murder allegation. But watching the plot unfold is not only completely gut-wrenching but also somehow laced with hope around every turn.
A memorable and compelling cast of characters kept me turning pages--including a darling orphan who runs to coat-check at the Rizal dance hall, a wily young reporter, and the terrifyingly smooth woman owner/operator of the Velvet Cafe. Not only was this story an informative depiction of a little-known place and time in history, but also a beautiful love story, an intriguing mystery investigation, and a courtroom drama, all tied into one gripping novel. This may be the best book I've read all year. Bravo!
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews