The Electric Hotel by Dominic Smith

A love affair with the genius and passion of the first attempts at cinematography. Claude is one of a handful of masterminds who pioneered the silent movie industry. From its birth in Paris to the early days in New York, to WWI Europe and finally to Hollywood, the glory and stark reality of what it really took is featured here in this sweeping saga. Claude is obsessed with the stage actress Sabine Montrose who will give equal parts joy and anguish over the years but she represents his vision for the future of cinema. It will take one man years later to approach Claude at the old Hollywood hotel where he is in hiding and coax him to share his story and allow his masterpieces to be restored. Just like the vivid images in black and white film, this story illuminates and draws the reader in. For all lovers of the early days of cinematography, the genius innovators and their ruthless business practices or readers who just love an old love story during desperate times, this is for you.