Swan Song

When iconic ballerina Beatrice Duvall died, a nation mourned – and a legacy was born. Sixteen years later, her daughter Ava comes to London to take part in a high-profile tribute to Beatrice, and to learn about the mother she never knew.

There’s just one snag: the tribute is a ballet, Swan Lake. Which is infinitely painful for Ava, because she can’t dance. Won’t dance. Not since she quit the Royal Ballet School last year and walked away from everything that defined her.

But this is London, colourful and crazy, and with actor Seb at her side, there’s so much to discover. Like Theatreland razzmatazz and rooftop picnics and flamingo parties. And a whole load of truths Ava never knew about her mother – and herself.

When the time comes to take the stage, will Ava step out of the shadow cast by her mother’s pedestal? And who will be waiting for her there, in the bright lights?

A coming-of-age novel about family and first love, in the city of hopes and dreams.




My Review

This story starts out with Ava traveling to London for the tribute of her mother. As the story progresses I slowly am provided an insight look into who Ava's mother was. While, I enjoyed that the story started out in the present, it did not help some as it took me a while to form a connection with Ava and the story. The biggest reason is because I did not fully understand the huge influence that Ava's mother's death had on her as well as Ava's passion for dance.

Sebastian (Seb) was good. I liked that he allowed Ava to emerge from her shell but at the same time did not let her just give up on dance. Yet, even he as well as others seemed to not provide much detail about Ava's mother. I went on reading this book because it was a good one but I was not in love with it.

This did change after the half way point. The story shifted and picked up. The connection that I was looking for with the characters was there. Additionally, the passion that Ava had for the ballet and dancing made me fall in love with it. The ending made me smile. Swan Song is a good coming of age story.




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