"The Inventor and the Dancer" is an eccentric, imaginative tale that invites readers into a world of self-discovery, longing, and invention. Through the eyes of Jacques, a charming and enigmatic storyteller, the narrative weaves the lives of two very different women, each struggling with their own sense of invisibility and yearning for more.

The first is a young Hindu woman from the German Orient, a brilliant inventor with grand aspirations of creating a machine that will bring her both fortune and escape from her harsh circumstances. Her story is one of ambition thwarted by time, money, and an overpowering sense of martyrdom.

The second woman is a French Athenian dancer at the famed Folies Bergère, a woman trapped in a physical and spiritual limbo, unable to truly dance because her soul has been mysteriously taken from her. Desperate to regain her soul and her freedom, she embarks on a quest to reclaim her true self.

As their stories unfold, the two women find that their journeys are intertwined in unexpected ways, suggesting that perhaps they are both in need of each other to heal and become whole. Rich in art nouveau, impressionism, and symbolism, the novel explores themes of identity, self-worth, and the quest for personal fulfillment.

"The Inventor and the Dancer" is a whimsical and thought-provoking read. The author deftly blends elements of fantasy, historical fiction, and philosophical musings, creating a narrative that is as enchanting as it is introspective. Jacques, the narrator, provides a playful and reflective tone, guiding the reader through the twists and turns of the women’s intertwined destinies.

For those who enjoy literary fiction with an artful touch, filled with layers of history and introspection, this novel offers a unique and intriguing journey.

DNF @ 19%
I don’t know if I can really pinpoint a specific reason why I dnf’ed this book, it just wasn’t clicking. While I did sympathise with Nayla, I couldn’t quite get invested in her story, which left me unwilling to continue reading. The random bits of oftentimes incorrectly phrased German weren’t helping, always took me out of the story.

I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

Paul Bauman’s Spitfire and the Objects of Desire is a fantasy novel that feels like an intricate blend of invention, mysticism, and human longing. The story introduces two compelling protagonists—a young Hindu woman from the "German Orient" who dreams of escaping her harsh life by inventing a machine, and a Parisian dancer who has lost her soul and must retrieve it to truly live. Though their lives seem worlds apart, both women are on parallel journeys of self-discovery, driven by the same desire: to be free and whole.

The young inventor is an intriguing character. Her determination to create a machine that will bring her wealth and freedom is driven by a mix of practicality and an almost martyr-like belief in her own suffering. She’s tough to connect with at first, but as her struggles unfold, her ambition and resilience begin to feel deeply relatable. In contrast, the dancer’s quest to reclaim her lost soul feels more dreamlike and symbolic. Her story, steeped in Parisian art nouveau and mystical realms, captures the frustration of losing touch with one’s true self and the desperate need to reclaim it.

Bauman’s writing shines in his vivid descriptions. The novel oscillates between the sweltering, oppressive heat of the steel mill and the ethereal, art-filled world of Paris with an almost hypnotic rhythm. There’s a lyrical, even poetic, quality to the way he paints these settings, immersing the reader in both the harshness of industrial life and the fantasy of spiritual questing. However, the novel’s slower, more introspective pacing might not be for everyone—it’s less about action and more about the characters’ inner journeys and the philosophical questions they grapple with.

Ultimately, Spitfire and the Objects of Desire is a contemplative, character-driven story that explores the tension between material and spiritual fulfillment. It’s a book that invites readers to reflect on their own desires and the lengths they would go to find wholeness. If you enjoy rich, atmospheric storytelling and don’t mind a narrative that takes its time, this book offers a rewarding experience. But if you’re looking for fast-paced adventure or traditional fantasy tropes, you might find it challenging to connect with. Either way, Bauman’s imaginative world is one worth exploring.

Ich habe mich über das Buch sehr gefreut. Es ist nicht nur fließend zum lesen sondern auch sehr spannend.

Spitfire and the Objects of Desire by Paul Bauman was a great story!
The world building is fantastic.
It had my interest from the first page, which had me hooked until the end.

Thank You NetGalley and Flower City Press for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

What a unique adventure this was!

This book was a fantasy mixed with some historical fiction and mythology and adventure with a steampunk vibe. All things that I love.

Here we meet Jacques, our narrator, and Nayla & Céleste, the nouvelle nymphs. They all must find the objects that they desire to reach immortality and in this journey they find their true selves.

I gave the book 4 stars but really I would have given it 4.5 stars if Goodreads let me put in half stars. My only criticisms of the book were that I wish there was a bit more explanation about the world and some passages got a bit too metaphorical to the point where I wasn’t sure what was going on. Otherwise, I loved the story and just how unique and creative it was. I can’t think of another book that is even remotely similar.

I do need to add some trigger warnings though. The book does deal with the topics of suicide, rape and substance abuse.

The author did a wonderful job with this book and I am really looking forward to the sequel and anything else that he writes. Well done!

I fell in love with the gorgeous cover and loved the well plotted and gripping story. Good world building and character development, intriguing plot, good storytelling.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

um excuse me?!?! when i tell you that this book is perfection LISTEN UP. i need more. i am so madly in love with the characters and the entire story. the author wrote this so beautifully and i cannot wait to get a physical copy when it releases!

Written in a way that helped the reading experience flow smoothly, with a fun and well done magic system. I enjoy reading through this book and thought the narration was fun.

This book was very good! It was very well thought out and I loved the writing. The magic system was very well done!