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A review by tamtasticbooks
Last Dance on the Starlight Pier by Sarah Bird
Did not finish book. Stopped at 33%.
I think in another time and place in my life, this book might be endearing and a fun read. Right now, though, I am having to DNF it. The first section, where our main character, Evie, is studying to become a nurse, was so interesting, and I wished we could have seen more of that story-her friendship with Sofie, the daughter of a pseudo-mobster, maybe?, her run-ins with the director who wanted to see her ousted because of her past, etc. All of that lasted a few chapters, and then we move on to the dance marathon circuit.
But not before an absolutely terrible flashback scene, where Evie's mom basically forces her CHILD to walk the runway at a strip show, complete with pervy guys going to town on themselves in front of kid Evie. I couldn't find content warnings for this book, so I was blindsided when this scene came around, and I was left with an awful taste in my mouth. After that, I had a hard time connecting to any character, and I found the story tedious (some scenes were fun-the first dance hall scene where Evie gets to show off her nursing skills was great.) I couldn't get over the dance marathon runners not cussing, though. There were lots of, "gee-dee"s (which was funny at first, and then a bit cringy) and then I landed on a, "fuggin'" and I couldn't take the book seriously anymore, even if that is how people talked during the Great Depression.
I may try this one out again on down the road, but my honest opinion as of right now is that this is a book with a lot of promise, and if you enjoy historical fiction and powering through some bits (like those mentioned prior), then you might give this one a try! It just wasn't my cup of tea.
Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the e-ARC.
But not before an absolutely terrible flashback scene, where Evie's mom basically forces her CHILD to walk the runway at a strip show, complete with pervy guys going to town on themselves in front of kid Evie. I couldn't find content warnings for this book, so I was blindsided when this scene came around, and I was left with an awful taste in my mouth. After that, I had a hard time connecting to any character, and I found the story tedious (some scenes were fun-the first dance hall scene where Evie gets to show off her nursing skills was great.) I couldn't get over the dance marathon runners not cussing, though. There were lots of, "gee-dee"s (which was funny at first, and then a bit cringy) and then I landed on a, "fuggin'" and I couldn't take the book seriously anymore, even if that is how people talked during the Great Depression.
I may try this one out again on down the road, but my honest opinion as of right now is that this is a book with a lot of promise, and if you enjoy historical fiction and powering through some bits (like those mentioned prior), then you might give this one a try! It just wasn't my cup of tea.
Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the e-ARC.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Pedophilia