New Work of Historical Fiction Sets Coming of Age Story in Old West End; Author to Speak at West End Museum: Story Centers on First Generation, Female, Russian Jewish Protagonist

Boston, MA—“Beguiled” is the story of a feisty, starry-eyed daughter of Russian Jewish immigrants in Boston’s West End in the early 1900s. Influenced by her father’s love of the theater, young Miriam Levine pursues her dream of being a star on New York City’s stages. Author Karma Kitaj (pronounced “KEY-Tie”) saw the vibrant, multi-ethnic, old West End as an intriguing and apt setting for her novel. She turned to The West End Museum and worked closely with former Director Duane Lucia for the historically accurate information she needed.

On September 25, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., The West End Museum will host an evening with “Beguiled” author Karma Kitaj. The event will include a short reading of passages from the book followed by an author interview conducted by Lucia, and an audience Q&A session. Light refreshments will be served, and Kitaj will sell and autograph copies of the book for guests. The event is free and open to the public. (Media note: Download Kitaj and book cover photos here.)

Kitaj’s unlikely muse for “Beguiled” was her own mother, Jeanne Brooks Kitaj, the daughter of Russian Jewish parents who came to the US in the 1880s. After her mother’s death, Kitaj heard new stories of Jeanne’s feistiness, intellectual curiosity, and love of culture. Although there are a few biographical markers of Jeanne’s life, “Beguiled” is a work of fiction that became the story of the life a woman like Jeanne could have lived.

The protagonist’s fantasy of being a theater star is foiled by a nearly fatal misstep. In a testament to her resilience, Miriam Levine recovers by defying convention and doing the unthinkable. Her decision causes anguish and trouble, but also affords the opportunity to live out her dream in New York City as well as Provincetown. Against the backdrop of the flu epidemic, WWI, the Roaring Twenties, and the stock market crash, Kitaj sets the stage for tumultuous happenings that challenge, but never crush, Miriam’s spirit.

About the West End Museum:
The West End Museum is dedicated to the collection, preservation and interpretation of the history and culture of the West End  neighborhood. The Museum’s permanent exhibit, “The Last Tenement,” highlights the immigrant history of the neighborhood through its decimation under Urban Renewal in 1959; two additional galleries feature rotating exhibits. The Museum is located  near North Station at 150 Staniford St. Suite 7. Hours: Tuesday – Friday 12:00pm – 5:00pm; Saturday 11:00am – 4:00pm. Admission is free.