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ilovereading4683's review
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
bookish_wanderer's review
5.0
One of my favorite book as a child. I read it in french and didn't even know it was only the second of a series... I didn't even know there was more of them. I think there translated only 4 of them.
Anyway, the first book I read about ballet, and which fed my weird obsession about it.
Anyway, the first book I read about ballet, and which fed my weird obsession about it.
theodoraihs's review
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
As the second instalment of the Sadlers wells trilogy "Veronica at the Wells" beautifully develops the characters we came to love in "A Dream of Sadler's Wells". While Veronica's characteristic determination is everpresent, she has an added air of maturity about her. Instead of dreaming she is doing. Hill is careful not to glamourise the life of an aspiring ballet dancer but instead presents challenges to which Veronica must rise; unfriendly rivals, small pond syndrome, long painful hours. Her story promotes the view that there is nothing more fulfilling than a life in the creative arts, providing one is prepared to earn it. In turn, Hill condemns finishing schools and those who marry rich as Fiona has done.
Sebastian also retains his boyish charm only now his serious side is much more established. In revealing his true ambitions he has made himself vulnerable yet he does not quite possess the same stubborn self-belief that Veronica does; the very person who inspired him to pursue his dreams. When Veronica prioritises her role over his concert not only is it a punch in the gut from his muse and the person he is in love with, it's a reminder that at this point she is more successful than he.Â
As her elder and a man, he feels emasculated by her rejection and falls on patriarchal values to defend his resentment. I don't think Sebastian really believes his career is more important than Veronicas but his intention to marry her puts even more pressure on himself to be just as successful, and in that moment he would have said anything to wound her the same way she has him.
I think this interaction is the most important one in their story because while Veronica has matured she is still hopelessly naive in love. Two years isn't much but at 15 and 17, it's worlds apart; while Sebastian is self-assured in his affections, Veronica hasn't begun to articulate her feelings for him. The subsequent years where they are both pursuing their dreams are essential for both of their growth so that when they reunite at Covent Garden they are equals.
Sebastian also retains his boyish charm only now his serious side is much more established. In revealing his true ambitions he has made himself vulnerable yet he does not quite possess the same stubborn self-belief that Veronica does; the very person who inspired him to pursue his dreams. When Veronica prioritises her role over his concert not only is it a punch in the gut from his muse and the person he is in love with, it's a reminder that at this point she is more successful than he.Â
As her elder and a man, he feels emasculated by her rejection and falls on patriarchal values to defend his resentment. I don't think Sebastian really believes his career is more important than Veronicas but his intention to marry her puts even more pressure on himself to be just as successful, and in that moment he would have said anything to wound her the same way she has him.
I think this interaction is the most important one in their story because while Veronica has matured she is still hopelessly naive in love. Two years isn't much but at 15 and 17, it's worlds apart; while Sebastian is self-assured in his affections, Veronica hasn't begun to articulate her feelings for him. The subsequent years where they are both pursuing their dreams are essential for both of their growth so that when they reunite at Covent Garden they are equals.
cathyannjohnston's review
5.0
I read this when I was about BalletDaughter's age (11) and absolutely loved it! I wish I could find it for her!
siofradelaney's review
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
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