lisastreeter's review against another edition
emotional
informative
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.25
shellbell102186's review against another edition
3.0
There were parts of this that I loved, and parts that seemed a little over dramatic. I was hoping that actual ballet would be a bigger part of the story.
mary412's review against another edition
3.0
I have been fascinated by the world of ballet for a long time so this was a must-read for me. I suspected that Arslan, the Russian dancer, was based on Mikhail Baryshnikov, but I didn't know until checking Wikipedia that Baryshnikov had defected, with the help of a female friend, in Toronto in the mid-seventies.
I have read that Maggie Shipstead's previous book, Seating Arrangements, is totally different than this, her second novel. I do want to give it a try.
I have read that Maggie Shipstead's previous book, Seating Arrangements, is totally different than this, her second novel. I do want to give it a try.
jedbird's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I tend to read dance/ballet stories whenever I come across them, and I was excited for this because I so loved Ms. Shipstead's later THE GREAT CIRCLE. This story is a big paternity soap opera that's somewhat lighter on dance detail and character development than I would've preferred, and it strains credulity, but it isn't terrible by any means.
fluffy1st's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Death of parent, Sexual content, Pregnancy, Drug use, and Suicide
madrtz's review
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
I think this is well written and it does have an interesting plot but it was just sort of weird and parts unnecessary and not well explained.
antidietleah's review against another edition
4.0
I kind of loved this book. It's quietly profound. I was drawn to it because I practiced ballet when I was young though I wasn't serious about it and don't follow it now. I think I've only ever been to the ballet once in my adult life. So it was a book full of reminiscing for me, so I get it if others don't feel the same. I really enjoyed the characters. They were all believable and I loved them each in their own way, even the vile mother of the girl next door - they were just all so honest. The last chapter made my heart flutter in satisfaction. I will definitely be looking for more of Shipstead's books.
dianawhit's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5