angelajzhu 's review for:

The Ballerinas by Rachel Kapelke-Dale

2.0

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This book had such potential: a hidden-from-the-reader mystery, the competitive backdrop of professional ballet in Paris, and feminist themes. Unfortunately, the execution was subpar for me. The mystery didn't feel impactful or loom large enough to hook me, the characters were all insufferable and clueless, poor pacing (the first half of the book was set-up), and the number of side plots were distracting. I think focusing the story on the feminist themes could've made this more compelling for me.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.