Starring Adele Astaire by Eliza Knight #Review

 

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.