imreadden's review
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
5.0
locoemsky's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
misslisa11's review
5.0
McCann does historical fiction so well. He does an excellent job of depicting Rudi through so many different voices. McCann is keenly talented at giving each of his characters their unique voice.
bibliobethreads's review
I really enjoyed the early parts of this story then felt it tailed off. This wasn't helped by the multiple narrators although in hindsight that was quite interesting. Might still read the biography of an obviously colourful character.
janettedv's review
2.0
Interesting but not gripping. Nureyev’s story is told through the eyes of the people he is close to. The multiple viewpoints can make it disjointed. I enjoyed the early parts of his life more than the later chapters
castlelass's review
4.0
Dancer is historical fiction based on the life of Rudolf Nureyev. The events covered in the novel are true to the facts, however, some of the supporting characters were combined or fictionalized. The author provides a full portrait of one of the most accomplished ballet dancers in history, from his early years in Russia to his defection to his life in various cities afterwards, along with the decline that led to an early death from AIDS. It shows Nureyev's love of dance, his discipline and his pursuit of perfection. It conveys his impatience, volatility and impulsivity, along with his loyalty and generosity. This book contains a number of narrative perspectives and one stream-of- consciousness chapter. It's not for children or those uncomfortable with descriptions of the gay scene in the 1980s.
emmylou52's review
2.0
In many ways I enjoyed the way this book was set up - Nureyev’s story was told not directly focusing on the dancer himself but by visiting the many tangential characters in his life. But I also found myself frustrated ... I read an entire book about Nureyev but am walking away without any confidence of which pieces were or weren’t true to his life. Perhaps if I was a bigger fan of the ballet this would’ve been a more enjoyable read.
elvenavari's review against another edition
2.0
I wanted to love this book so badly...but that just did not happen. I love stories about Russia and dance so putting those two together would seem like an automatic win right? Wrong. The lack of dialogue marks and the changing of POVs with no warning threw me and kept me confused throughout the book. I wanted to like the main character but urgh, he was such a butthole.
jason461's review
5.0
I can't imagine anyone rendering this life as well as McCann. He follows the main character - Rudolf Nureyev from a bleak and tiny Soviet town to Paris, London, and an especially vibrant and dirty New York. He captures the transformation from earnest boy to arrogant, but still tender, man wonderfully. Not a bad thing to say about this book. Beautifully done.