Today's historical novel, Starring Adele Astaire, is based on the life of Adele Astaire, sister of the dancer, Fred Astaire and set in the first half of the twentieth century.I am excited to feature this one as I enjoyed The Mayfair Bookshop by Eliza Knight which featured Nancy Mitford and was set in the 1930's.
A spirited rising stage star…
Adele
Astaire was a glittering, glamorous star, dancing with her brother,
Fred, endearing herself to audiences from New York to London. But
although she is toasted by royalty and beloved by countless fans, Adele
Astaire has dreams of a loving husband and a houseful of children. And
when she meets Lord Charles Cavendish, her wishes may just come true—but
at what cost?
A determined young dancer …
Ever
since Violet Wood could walk she’s wanted to dance on the London
stage. Befriended by Adele, filled with ambition, she is more than
willing to make the sacrifices it will take to becomes a star herself,
and her rags-to-riches hopes are within reach. But the road to fame is
never easy.
Two women with unquenchable spirit …
From
the fast-paced world of roaring 20s New York to the horrors and
sacrifice of wartime London, Adele's and Violet’s lives intertwine, and
each must ask themselves is fame worth the price you must pay?
My Thoughts
Taking you from the 1920's through to the 50's, you get to follow Adele through some fascinating periods of the twentieth century. You see the gaiety and excesses of the pre war days, through the worsening economic conditions, through the Second World War and all the losses incurred, even on the Home Front. Throughput the story, Adele's relationships with her family and her strong friendship with a young dancer, Violet Wood, shine through. Adele's fairly privileged life contrasts with Violet's East End upbringing but they share a burning ambition to dance, even if Adele also hankers after a family of her own.
Adele's private anguishes and personal ambitions were usually well hidden behind her facade of loving life. The period portrayed lent itself to the introduction of so many contemporary people but you always felt that her Americanism set her a little apart. Violet's natural talent and desire to have a life on the stage motivated her, although she never forgot her family. At times, both women have to consider whether their careers on stage are worth the price they pay in other ways. She had some emotional moments to deal with and you truly felt how her life was turned upside down by the War. With period detail, believable characters (both fictional and actual), you are taken on an entertaining journey through the middle of the twentieth century. Highly recommended
In short: putting on the Ritz
About the Author
Eliza Knight is an award-winning and USA Today bestselling
author. Her love of history began as a young girl when she traipsed the halls
of Versailles. She is a member of the Historical Novel Society and Novelists,
Inc., and the creator of the popular historical blog, History Undressed. Knight
lives in Maryland with her husband, three daughters, two dogs and a turtle.You can follow Eliza here: Twitter | Website
Book link: Amazon UK
Thanks
to Eliza Knight, William Morrow Paperbacks for a copy of the book and a place on the tour.
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