The Ballerinas

Sometimes I forget that I like a thriller, if it's more psychological than gory, and I don't think it's a stretch to say this is a ballet thriller. It's other things as well (a study of the complexity of long-term female friendships is certainly one of them), and I also love an author who will write a not-particularly-likeable protagonist. It reminded me a bit of Detransition, Baby in the sense that there were times I was cringing at various characters' choices, but because they were believably terrible, not unbelievable. Kapelke-Dale also writes with great precision about the underestimated depth of female ambition and desire in a patriarchy, especially in the particularly strange patriarchal microcosm of professional ballet. This does feel like a first novel in ways that are hard for me to specify, but if you're looking for a quick, evocative read with some interesting themes, it's good.

I have finally come to my last book of the year and I am so glad I stopped with The Ballerinas by Rachel Kapelke-Dale. This was a stunning book I adored it. It is the tale of three friends that unfolds across their lives. All this is wrapped around the unique world of professional ballet. Which if I was coordinated enough I would want to at least do one lesson as a child. However, being as I am 34 I will live my fantasies through books. I will say that this read specifically shows the dark side of the profession which I loved and hated in equal measure, this story somehow captures enduring truths about how women struggle to achieve their dreams and potential. While some struggle to be at the top some struggle to find love. The truth is I think that can be said about any profession and any lifestyle and job. You will love and hate the friendships in this book but you will have one person in your reading circle that you want to share this story with. It is twisty, dark, and a must-read for those who love a thriller. I am so pleased to say that I ended my year at 1033pm with a 5-star read.

Nuanced and insightful narrative revolving around 3 ballerinas in Paris, the book deftly explores issues of friendship, betrayal, male/female relationships, ambition, women's sacrifices and career vs. family conflict. The author doesn't pull punches, exposing both the triumphs and dark challenges her three main characters experience. Her ideas will stay with me.

I haven't read a book with ballet as the primary premise so when I saw this come up on NetGalley I had to request. Surprise of all surprises...I was approved. I'm glad I was.

This is definitely a book that's outside my normal realm of reading and that's saying a lot because I read most anything. I LOVED to hate all three of the main characters, but then I also adored them. It's a twisted type of reader-to-character relatioship. I suspect that was the author's intention. I have heard that ballet is a dangerous form of art to immerse your livelihood in, and if it is anything like this book..I can see why.

This isn't just about the dynamics of friendship in a harsh world where only one can be the “star”. This is also about how women are treated and pushed aside....looked at but not really SEEN. Where youth is worshipped and women in their 30s are ancient. It's also about how the heart and love we have for each other can overcome even the most unthinkable obstacles.

This isn't a fast-paced, grab you by the throat type of read. It is, however, a well written descent into a world most of us could only imagine.

I sincerely appreciate NetGalley and the author for making this E-ARC available. All opinions expressed herein are mine and mine alone.