Welcome to Litsy!

I loved the author‘s first book and had high expectations for this one. I LOVE reading about Russian ballerinas. I‘m not sure why, but I feel like I was being kept at a remove from these characters. It was difficult to root for them or empathize.

Light pick. This offers a glimpse into the politics of Russian ballet, told in dual timelines from the MC Natasha‘s perspective. There‘s a lot not to like about Natasha, but her determination and perseverance in dance is noteworthy. Natasha slowly tells her story, and for me the slow pace of the story would have been better reading a physical book rather than listening to the audio. Honestly, I struggled with the audio and the voice actress. ⬇️

I stacked this book expecting to read HS inspired by the Russian art world defections. Good thing the MC explained early on she was 7 in 1992 so I could adjust my head to a current story. It was hard to root for the MC, Natalia, because she was so self-involved (as her profession demands). She tells the reader her sweat doesn‘t smell and describes herself among the great artists so it becomes obvious her character is one to simply observe.

In 2 time lines we follow Natasha, Russian prima ballerina, after she has retired and may be drawn back in to dance, and as she grows up to reach the pinnacle of ballet. Overall I liked the story but I suggest sticking with print. The audio reader is awful and nearly made me bail early.