BOOK BY: Joanna Politano
The latest novel by Joanna Politano takes readers backstage to the world of professional ballet in the late 1800s, in London, England.
Ella’s paternal parentage is a mystery, but from where the deep passion she has for ballet comes from, is not. After a mysterious benefactor allows her the opportunity to study the art in Paris, she comes back to London to dance on contract in the very building where her parents met.
Ella works hard, but still has trouble fitting in with the rest of the dancers. She keeps her mother’s identity hidden from the rest of the troupe (a famous ballerina who danced with red shoes), hoping to gain lead roles on her own merit.
There’s a lot of mystery and intrigue that follows Ella as she tries to uncover details to a tragic fire that her mother used to fake her own death. She discovers that no one is to be trusted, especially ballerinas.
A cast of colourful characters make for an interesting read – divas, principal ballerinas, choreographers, producers, high society, circus people and nurse maids. And I learned a lot about the world of dance through Ella’s eyes.
As always, Ms. Politano throws in a twist near the end that will leave readers contemplating the story in its entirety. Character connections and secret identities abound in the last half of the novel, making it a delightful challenge to figure out.
I received an ecopy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.