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Such a powerful story! The book delves into the intense romance between two ballerinas while capturing the chilling reality of a time filled with fear and the harsh control of the Soviet regime. Katarina is portrayed as a cold, almost untouchable “ice queen,” seemingly detached, yet treated as nothing more than a puppet in the hands of the Soviet system. Despite her icy exterior, she slowly opens up and falls deeply in love with Juliette, whose innocence and passion bring a beautiful contrast to the story. Juliette is charmingly naive, a little oblivious to the dangers surrounding them.
The book touches on the harsh issues of the time, such as homophobia, the AIDS crisis (labeled the “gay plague”), and the freedom that Paris represented—and still represents—as a place to truly be yourself. All of this is woven into a story of two ballerinas performing Black Swan, one of ballet’s most iconic pieces.
Reading this reminded me of my younger sister’s love for ballet. Her passion has made me more familiar with this world—I’ve even watched Don Quixote and Black Swan performances with her—and it’s such a beautiful, intense art form. But fair warning, if you don’t know much about ballet, you might find yourself looking up a few terms along the way.
This story’s blend of love, art, and the struggle for freedom makes it deeply moving. I highly recommend it for anyone who wants a story as haunting as it is beautiful.
The book touches on the harsh issues of the time, such as homophobia, the AIDS crisis (labeled the “gay plague”), and the freedom that Paris represented—and still represents—as a place to truly be yourself. All of this is woven into a story of two ballerinas performing Black Swan, one of ballet’s most iconic pieces.
Reading this reminded me of my younger sister’s love for ballet. Her passion has made me more familiar with this world—I’ve even watched Don Quixote and Black Swan performances with her—and it’s such a beautiful, intense art form. But fair warning, if you don’t know much about ballet, you might find yourself looking up a few terms along the way.
This story’s blend of love, art, and the struggle for freedom makes it deeply moving. I highly recommend it for anyone who wants a story as haunting as it is beautiful.