Magic Words: The Tale of a Jewish Boy-Interpreter, the World’s Most Estimable Magician, a Murderous Harlot, and America’s Greatest Indian Chief

Kolpan’s ambitious second novel (after Etta) follows a family of Jewish magicians from the Wild West to the glittering theaters of Victorian London. World famous Compars “the Great” Herrmann retires, passing his act to his younger brother, Alexander, who, with cousin Julius in tow, travels around America. While out west, Julius is taken captive by the Ponca Indians and becomes the tribes’ interpreter, and Alexander meets Lady-Jane Little Feather, a notorious prostitute hiding with the Ponca after burning down an Omaha whorehouse. Alexander transforms Lady-Jane into a phony, sultry Egyptian princess, who scandalizes society. Compars resents Alexander’s changes to the show that is still in his name and plots revenge by returning as the real Great Herrmann. Kolpan’s novel rollicks along with a huge cast, colorful locales, and a jolly sense of fun. The prose is at times overly cute (“If there was safety in numbers, then the Ponca had to be the most endangered people on the Plains”) and several characters seem misjudged, notably Lady-Jane, who’s too sympathetic to comfortably fill her role as a villain. It’s a flawed but entertaining romp through the world of Victorian showmanship of particular appeal to fans of comic westerns. Agent: Kate Lee, ICM. (June 15)