1867, Omaha. Julius Meyer was kidnapped by the Ponca Indians. Julius quickly picks up the Ponca’s customs and language and becomes their official interpreter. Combine Julius’ story with that of a scandalous soiled dove and Julius’ soon-to-be-famous magician cousin, Alexander Hermann, and you have Magic Words, by Gerald Kolpan.

Kolpan discusses the inspiration and writing process behind Magic Words: The Tale of a Jewish Boy-Interpreter, the World’s Most Estimable Magician, a Murderous Harlot, and America’s Greatest Indian Chief in the clip below.