Hester Fielding was once the leading ballerina of her day - from the early fifties to the mid sixties no one could touch her. Her life is the stuff of drama: a bleak Yorkshire childhood transformed by the discovery of her amazing gifts as a dancer; a dangerous love affair that can only lead to heartbreak; and a secret that would topple her from her pinnacle of fame if it ever came out. Now Hester has returned to Yorkshire, to Wychwood where, each year at Christmas, a ballet is performed on Twelfth Night in the little theatre in Wychwood's grounds. This year, the brilliant young choreographer Hugo Carradine has been invited to direct the ballet Sarabande. Hugo has assembled a starry and temperamental group of dancers to work with him. Claudia Drake is Hugo's lover and the ballet's star - every inch a prima ballerina in style, but is she just a little past her best? Snapping at her satin-clad heels is Silver McConnell, ten years younger and an outstanding talent, some say the next Hester Fielding. Then there's Nick Neary, gorgeous, bi-sexual and altogether too free with his favours. Observing them all is Claudia's teenage daughter Alison, who's sick to death of dancers and would rather be anywhere but here. Just before the company descends on Wychwood to start rehearsals, Hester receives a phone call that brings back memories that haunt her. As the dancers prepare for the opening night of Sarabande, and loyalties shift and tempers flare and tension builds to breaking point, suddenly the past comes crashing into the present in ways that Hester could never have predicted.
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
Review
'The author's warm writing style and her skills with her characters will keep you reading with pleasure. Her first novel, Facing The Light, was a deserved bestseller, and this will surely join it' CHOICE 'The world of international ballet provides colourful characters and is the perfect setting for passion and tragedy in this slick and ultimately likeable novel' EVE 'A spellbinding saga' COMPANY 'a highly enjoyable read for a night in front of the fire' MSLEXIA 'The best kind of comfort reading, this romantic novel blots out all the everyday stresses. GOOD BOOK GUIDE 'Engrossing...one of those exceptional novels that make you want to find a quiet corner and remain there until you have finished reading it. It is light, easily digested, tasty, satisfying and it deserves to be a bestseller' HISTORICAL NOVELS REVIEW 'Spellbinding...Geras's many stories for children are wonderful and now she brings her finely observed gifts to adult readers with an extra emotional punch' OXFORD TIMES 'An always entertaining and absorbing tale' JEWISH CHRONICLE
About the Author
Adele Geras was born in Jerusalem. She has published many acclaimed books for children and young adults. She lives in Manchester.
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More About the Author
I was born in Jerusalem in 1944 and educated at Roedean School, Brighton and St Hilda's college, Oxford.
I've been writing books for children and young adults since 1976 and have published more than 90 titles.
I've also written four adult novels, published by Orion Books.
My website is at http://www.adelegeras.com
I've been writing books for children and young adults since 1976 and have published more than 90 titles.
I've also written four adult novels, published by Orion Books.
My website is at http://www.adelegeras.com
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Sublime... The tale of a Prima Ballerina!,
By
This review is from: Hester's Story (Hardcover)
It's emotional, touching, and strong. Hester's Story is a book I'll never forget. It's private world of International Ballet brings very seductive, colorful, and spellbinding characters to the table and we can enjoy each page with devotion and an open heart.Geras, tells us Hester's story through the eyes of the children and the adults with such ease and tenderness that the end result is to go buy her first novel if you still haven't read it (such is my case, I will order it ASAP) but it also takes you to your own depths and you feel for Hester; you feel her surprises and her falls, you feel her own mind at work. It's an exceptional novel. I recommend you embrace silent corners when reading this book since the smallest sounds may become annoying once you are wrapped up in the story and the stories within it. A superb read!
5.0 out of 5 stars
Ballet world bliss!,
By Cherry Radford (Brighton, England) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Hester's Story (Paperback)
A captivating read for romantics, and anyone fascinated with ballet dancers will have an absolute BALL - she gets right under (and on!) their skin. Unusually for me, I sort of guessed the denouement quite early on - but this didn't spoil my enjoyment at all. Couldn't put it down. Loved it. Sequel, please!
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