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A review by ksbooknook
Last Dance on the Starlight Pier by Sarah Bird
4.0
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an advanced electronic copy to review!
July 1932. Height of the Great Depression. Evie is trying to escape her past, but it seems to always be catching up with her. As a result, she falls in with a character named Zane and a crew on the dance marathon circuit, which is exactly where she didn't want to be. But this time, she decides to stay.
I completely binged this book; read it in a day. Probably less than a day. Evie's character really touched my heart, and I loved watching her grow in her confidence, abilities, and love for others. Zane's character was misunderstood, and yet he was always willing to lend a helping hand. Both Evie and Zane wanted to be loved and accepted for who they were without reservations. The dance marathon/vaudeville-esque setting was also fun and unique. I don't think I've ever read a book with that setting before. It sounds like a rough life. Especially during the Depression.
One of the reasons I think I enjoyed this book so much is because I too am a dancer. Pre-pandemic I spent countless hours perfecting vintage swing dances like Lindy Hop and Balboa. There were some obvious {to me} dance references that were really fun - including jokes on “the pretzel” (iykyk - just don't). Evie's character grows so much, and her experiences are still applicable today. I greatly enjoyed this fun, quick read and think that others who enjoy historical fiction will, too.
CW: language, abuse, rape, lobotomy, suicide
July 1932. Height of the Great Depression. Evie is trying to escape her past, but it seems to always be catching up with her. As a result, she falls in with a character named Zane and a crew on the dance marathon circuit, which is exactly where she didn't want to be. But this time, she decides to stay.
I completely binged this book; read it in a day. Probably less than a day. Evie's character really touched my heart, and I loved watching her grow in her confidence, abilities, and love for others. Zane's character was misunderstood, and yet he was always willing to lend a helping hand. Both Evie and Zane wanted to be loved and accepted for who they were without reservations. The dance marathon/vaudeville-esque setting was also fun and unique. I don't think I've ever read a book with that setting before. It sounds like a rough life. Especially during the Depression.
One of the reasons I think I enjoyed this book so much is because I too am a dancer. Pre-pandemic I spent countless hours perfecting vintage swing dances like Lindy Hop and Balboa. There were some obvious {to me} dance references that were really fun - including jokes on “the pretzel” (iykyk - just don't). Evie's character grows so much, and her experiences are still applicable today. I greatly enjoyed this fun, quick read and think that others who enjoy historical fiction will, too.
CW: language, abuse, rape, lobotomy, suicide