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3.45 AVERAGE
3.45 AVERAGE
I’m disappointed with how slow this book started because ultimately I ended up really liking it. I just feel that it could have been better paced.
The novel is told over two storylines - one starting in the late 1990s with three dancers Delphine, Margaux, and Lindsay as they make their way in the elite Paris Opera Ballet. The second is more present day (2018) and focuses on Delphine as she returns to the POB as a choreographer where Margaux and Lindsay still dance. Delphine is holding on to a secret from their past that is slowly exposed through the other narrative and threatens to destroy her friendships and everything she has worked for. Additionally, more drama with other cast members and colleagues at the school also keep her in a precarious position professionally and personally.
I always love a good school setting so this book already had a major leg up in that regard. And what could be better than a super elite school full of perfect humans?! I loved the drama between the dancers at the school, the gossip, and the sordid relationships. I wanted more!!
Delphine was a selfish and self centered individual and I enjoyed the “coming of age” arc with her character. However, I had expected more to come out of the ballets Delphine was choreographing and was a little disappointed in how that all played out. I felt like the big secret was drawn out for too long and could’ve been better exposed. Ultimately it felt a little underwhelming.
The book takes a darker turn about halfway through and that’s when my interest was really piqued. I appreciate that the author was likely setting the scene and creating the image of these used and abused women, but I think if some of the ending scenes had been previewed much earlier, the pacing of the novel would have been significantly better.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for a copy of this novel.
The novel is told over two storylines - one starting in the late 1990s with three dancers Delphine, Margaux, and Lindsay as they make their way in the elite Paris Opera Ballet. The second is more present day (2018) and focuses on Delphine as she returns to the POB as a choreographer where Margaux and Lindsay still dance. Delphine is holding on to a secret from their past that is slowly exposed through the other narrative and threatens to destroy her friendships and everything she has worked for. Additionally, more drama with other cast members and colleagues at the school also keep her in a precarious position professionally and personally.
I always love a good school setting so this book already had a major leg up in that regard. And what could be better than a super elite school full of perfect humans?! I loved the drama between the dancers at the school, the gossip, and the sordid relationships. I wanted more!!
Delphine was a selfish and self centered individual and I enjoyed the “coming of age” arc with her character. However, I had expected more to come out of the ballets Delphine was choreographing and was a little disappointed in how that all played out. I felt like the big secret was drawn out for too long and could’ve been better exposed. Ultimately it felt a little underwhelming.
The book takes a darker turn about halfway through and that’s when my interest was really piqued. I appreciate that the author was likely setting the scene and creating the image of these used and abused women, but I think if some of the ending scenes had been previewed much earlier, the pacing of the novel would have been significantly better.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for a copy of this novel.
I was SO READY to love this book!! I was obsessed with Dance Academy. I was obsessed with Tiny Pretty Things. And this seemed like it had the perfect premise to be similar vibes but just a little more adult. And...it definitely...had vibes.
That is, in fact, all it had for like the first half.
I guess you could say the second half made up for that by having ALL OF THE PLOTS. But also no good payoff for anything that was set up in the beginning??? It was just completely different book. And a worse one.
CW: abortion, abusive relationships, revenge porn, murder, alcoholism, cancer, lots of discussion around weight and diets
That is, in fact, all it had for like the first half.
I guess you could say the second half made up for that by having ALL OF THE PLOTS. But also no good payoff for anything that was set up in the beginning??? It was just completely different book. And a worse one.
CW: abortion, abusive relationships, revenge porn, murder, alcoholism, cancer, lots of discussion around weight and diets
The pacing was horrible between the two timelines. Characters were all horrid people.
This story was such a nice read to have. It’s an easy read but it isn’t boring in the least. The premise of the two friends having a secret between them that involves the third in their trio is built and worked up to steadily but with hints throughout. The story flips from the past and present of the main character and with each switch to the past it gradually moves forward until it catches up with the present, usually I don’t like when this is done in stories but the way it was written was smartly done and kept me engaged. I did feel the ending was a bit rushed and could’ve used maybe a couple more chapters, but it does wrap their stories up and it does give the finality of the trio.
There is a certain point in the book where one of the characters, who I thought was on a redemption road, does a complete 180. I did not see that coming from them and I have never turned on a character so fast before. I left that chapter, chapter 20, and had to leave the room because I was so angry with them. For it to have that level of effect speaks volumes to the author’s writing abilities.
There is a certain point in the book where one of the characters, who I thought was on a redemption road, does a complete 180. I did not see that coming from them and I have never turned on a character so fast before. I left that chapter, chapter 20, and had to leave the room because I was so angry with them. For it to have that level of effect speaks volumes to the author’s writing abilities.
I had to sit on this one awhile before jotting my thoughts down. This wasn't a bad read, but I didn't love it. The dual timelines worked for me, but I thought it took way too long for the "big secret" to come out. When the secret does come out, it just doesn't feel like the way the characters handled it in the moment necessarily matched their development throughout the book (particularly for teenage Lindsay). The characters are extremely unlikeable for a large portion of the book, but they do grow and evolve in the end. And the big surprise at the end.....so did not work for me on many levels. I did enjoy a snapshot into the ballet world and I enjoyed the Paris setting. I would love to chat with someone who has read this one!
We devoured The Ballerinas - filled with strong characters and perfect for our dark academia reading challenge theme.
Find an engrossing story about friendship and loyalty set a prestigious ballet school in Paris.
The juxtaposition of the beauty of ballet against violent acts will have you thinking long after closing the pages.
If our current political climate in regard to abortion in the U.S., this is also a relevant, poignant, and timely novel.
Read our full review on The Uncorked Librarian here: https://www.theuncorkedlibrarian.com/best-dark-academia-books/
Find an engrossing story about friendship and loyalty set a prestigious ballet school in Paris.
The juxtaposition of the beauty of ballet against violent acts will have you thinking long after closing the pages.
If our current political climate in regard to abortion in the U.S., this is also a relevant, poignant, and timely novel.
Read our full review on The Uncorked Librarian here: https://www.theuncorkedlibrarian.com/best-dark-academia-books/
3.5/4 A story of three friends who grew together (and apart) through their experiences as ballerinas in a Paris ballet company/school. I’ve always admired and respected the fortitude that ballerinas must have to train and do what they do. It’s a labor of passion and pain. This story intertwines three friends and how ballet affected their friendships with each other and their relationships with others. The main character goes through personal challenges throughout the story that affect those around her and ultimately shaping herself as a person, professional and as a friend. Satisfying ending.
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
2/5 ⭐️
I loveddddd the ballet elements of this book. It really gave in that aspect. I guess I was just disappointed in the last half of the book. It didn't go where I wanted it to.
I loveddddd the ballet elements of this book. It really gave in that aspect. I guess I was just disappointed in the last half of the book. It didn't go where I wanted it to.