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dmwomack 's review for:
The Ballerinas
by Rachel Kapelke-Dale
As a ballet choreographer myself, I was really looking forward to a book that delves into the unique, intense, magical, cutthroat, indescribable world of ballet. Coming at this book from a strictly ballet perspective, I was genuinely impressed by how meticulously the Paris Opera Ballet, Paris Opera Ballet School, and ballet in general were researched and presented.
As far as the rest of the novel, I ended the book with mixed feelings. I don’t believe the book’s descriptions and comparisons to Black Swan and other novels were accurate; while that’s not necessarily a bad thing, it was disappointing and a bit bewildering. I was expecting and hoping for more drama, suspense, and mystery. Instead, it was all rather straightforward and predictable.
Some elements of the story seemed to thoroughly drag without purpose (for example, getting an excessively detailed history lesson about the life of Alix of Hesse, the future Alexandra Romanov). The writing was compelling enough, but shortening the book by a few chapters perhaps would have aided in the storytelling.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review via NetGalley.
As far as the rest of the novel, I ended the book with mixed feelings. I don’t believe the book’s descriptions and comparisons to Black Swan and other novels were accurate; while that’s not necessarily a bad thing, it was disappointing and a bit bewildering. I was expecting and hoping for more drama, suspense, and mystery. Instead, it was all rather straightforward and predictable.
Some elements of the story seemed to thoroughly drag without purpose (for example, getting an excessively detailed history lesson about the life of Alix of Hesse, the future Alexandra Romanov). The writing was compelling enough, but shortening the book by a few chapters perhaps would have aided in the storytelling.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review via NetGalley.