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A review by bookstorian
Mary's Last Dance by Mary Li
4.0
I had absolutely no idea this book was coming out until a colleague mentioned it to me, I am so glad that she did too as it was a beautiful story that deserves it's own standing ovation. I downloaded this read through Audible and listened to it whenever I can.
Here are my thoughts as I read:
-I really liked listening to Mary's family background and how she become a Ballerina, even though she is from Rockhampton!
-Her ballet school sounded so wonderful and supportive, even within a competitive environment of dance.
-I loved listening about her early career. He move to London in the 70s, a place that would have been oh-so different to Rockhampton and so far away from her family in the days when instant messaging, mobile phones and picture messages were non-existent.
-Her rehearsal and travelling schedule were so gruelling. How awesome to travel around the world doing what you love.
-It felt like I was reliving her moments on stage with her as she described her movements, costumes and feelings of performance.
-Lovely to listen to her side of the love story with Li. So captivated yet I had to Google the photos, a physical copy of the book would have been loaded with them though I bet!
-Great to hear about Li's Chinese culture from Mary's perspective. Learning so much about this part of the world.
-How is it that Mary records her conversations with so much clarity??
-Mary's insight into raising a child with profound deafness is so eye opening.
-Amazed at Li's impact on Queensland Ballet, ashamed that I have never seen a QB show. Need to get onto that pronto in the new year!!
-I adore that the story continually cycles back to the mother-daughter relationship, one that is the most important. Sophie's tenacity in helping Mary write her story just shows the deep drive and determination that Mary instilled in Sophie.
This is a memorable memoir and if you like this genre I would highly recommend. Especially if you work within the arts. Mary's story is so harrowing and inspirational. It is a beautiful story about a mother's relationship with her daughter and the power of ballet. It teaches you so much more than just how to dance and this is a fact that is just too unknown about many of our arts industries.
Here are my thoughts as I read:
-I really liked listening to Mary's family background and how she become a Ballerina, even though she is from Rockhampton!
-Her ballet school sounded so wonderful and supportive, even within a competitive environment of dance.
-I loved listening about her early career. He move to London in the 70s, a place that would have been oh-so different to Rockhampton and so far away from her family in the days when instant messaging, mobile phones and picture messages were non-existent.
-Her rehearsal and travelling schedule were so gruelling. How awesome to travel around the world doing what you love.
-It felt like I was reliving her moments on stage with her as she described her movements, costumes and feelings of performance.
-Lovely to listen to her side of the love story with Li. So captivated yet I had to Google the photos, a physical copy of the book would have been loaded with them though I bet!
-Great to hear about Li's Chinese culture from Mary's perspective. Learning so much about this part of the world.
-How is it that Mary records her conversations with so much clarity??
-Mary's insight into raising a child with profound deafness is so eye opening.
-Amazed at Li's impact on Queensland Ballet, ashamed that I have never seen a QB show. Need to get onto that pronto in the new year!!
-I adore that the story continually cycles back to the mother-daughter relationship, one that is the most important. Sophie's tenacity in helping Mary write her story just shows the deep drive and determination that Mary instilled in Sophie.
This is a memorable memoir and if you like this genre I would highly recommend. Especially if you work within the arts. Mary's story is so harrowing and inspirational. It is a beautiful story about a mother's relationship with her daughter and the power of ballet. It teaches you so much more than just how to dance and this is a fact that is just too unknown about many of our arts industries.