Invitation to the Waltz (Virago Modern Classics) [Paperback]

Rosamond Lehmann (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 2006 | Series: Virago Modern Classics

A diary for her innermost thoughts, a china ornament, a ten-shilling note, and a roll of flame-coloured silk for her first evening dress—these are the gifts Olivia Curtis receives for her 17th birthday. She anticipates her first dance, the greatest yet most terrifying event of her restricted social life, with tremulous uncertainty and excitement. For her pretty, charming elder sister Kate, the dance is certain to be a triumph, but what will it be for shy, awkward Olivia? Exploring the daydreams and miseries attendant upon even the most innocent of social events, Rosamond Lehmann perfectly captures the emotions of a girl standing poised on the threshold of womanhood.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'A novelist in the grand tradition, and, more than this, an innovator, the first writer to filter her stories through a woman's feelings and perceptions' Anita Brookner 'Lehmann has always written brilliantly of women in love, of mothers, of daughters, of suffering' Margaret Drabble 'No English writer has told of the pains of women in love more truly or more movingly than Rosamond Lehmann' Marghanita Laski

About the Author

Rosamond Lehmann (1901-1990) was educated at Girton College, Cambridge and wrote the bestselling DUSTY ANSWER in her twenties. She is one of the most distinguished novelists of the last century and was awarded a CBE in 1982.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Virago UK (March 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1844083055
• ISBN-13: 978-1844083053
• Product Dimensions: 0.8 x 5.2 x 8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #380,208 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Rainy afternoon reading, January 17, 2002

By 

Not quite rabid (Finland) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Invitation to the Waltz (A Harvest book ; HB 316) (Paperback)

This is the kind of novel that might be called slight. It's short, light in tone and content, but readable and atmospheric.

The book is written from the point of view of the girl herself, a quiet, thoughtful home-loving character who is socially overshadowed by her attractive and more wordly sister. It tells the story of a young girl going to her first formal dance. The action takes place in middle-class England somewhere in the early part of the twentieth century. It vaguely recalls the world described by Jane Austen, writing about a similar social scene 100 years earlier. The writing also has some of the delicate observation of Austen but lacks Austen's ironic touch.

One of the merits of the book is the author's carefully-observed and convincing characterisation. Another - as with P G Wodehouse - is the evocation of a time gone by. No masterpiece, but an enjoyable piece of writing for a rainy Sunday afternoon in front of a log fire.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Sometimes Good Is Good Enough, August 2, 2006

By 

C. Norris (Mesquite, TX United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Invitation to the Waltz (Virago Modern Classics) (Paperback)

As other reviewers have observed, this is not a great book, but it's a good one, and I enjoyed it.

The tale is told through the viewpoint of Olivia Curtis, who lives with her parents and sister Kate in rural England. The Curtis sisters have been invited to a ball at the home of wealthy but kind neighbors. Lovely, self-assured Kate anticipates the event eagerly, but Olivia, less sure of herself, broods about all the things that could go wrong. To assure themselves of at least one partner, the girls take the rather drastic step of inviting a friend-of-a-friend, sight unseen, to be a houseguest and accompany them to the ball.

Of course, nothing turns out as planned. Both girls make it through the evening, experiencing a mixture of successes and minor disasters. A long-held dream of Kate's comes true, while Olivia learns that the most socially "desirable" people are not always the best company. Fairly lightweight but not dull, this book is a good choice when you just feel like reading.

5.0 out of 5 stars What a delightful read!, October 18, 2011

By 

Misha - See all my reviews

This review is from: Invitation to the Waltz (Virago Modern Classics) (Paperback)

I came across this book due to comparisons with I Capture the Castle, another wonderful coming-of-age book and a favorite of mine.

Invitation to the Waltz is told from the POV of Olivia, 17 year old protagonist, who has been invited to her first dance. The first half covers the morning of her birthday, and the preparations for the dance. The second half is the dance itself. This book is definitely not for those who like plot-driven, action-packed or fast-paced novels. In fact, plot-wise hardly anything happens. So why the 5 stars? The characters, that's why. They are the most vibtant and memorable set of characters I have come across in any book. Though this book is mostly from Olivia's POV, we are also given a glimpse into Kate's - Olivia's beautiful older sister - POV as well. I loved Olivia! Overshadowed by her sister, Olivia often lacks confidence, is sometimes naive, and sometines extraordinarily mature for her age. The authors gives her readers a chance to see the world from Olivia's eyes. We experience her hopes, fears, sadness. I loved how Olivia is so awkward and scared about her first dance. She is often childish and then admonishes herself for being so. There are no end to the humourous moments. The experiences of our lovable heroine before and after the dance, and her often awkward encounters with different people are laced with hilarious moments. The author's beautiful prose makes these encounters and the people come alive.

The best part of the book is the dance itself. We get to see each new acquaintance through Olivia's eyes. Each meeting is described in detail, and each person leaves something to ponder upon, both for Olivia as well as the readers. Maurice, who is so kind; Archie, who is so charming yet snubs her; Peter, the overly sensitive poet; the handsome, enigmatic Rollo Spencer and so on. At the end of the dance, Olivia looks upon everything with a new maturity and insight. The naive young girl grows up.

The ending is a hopeful yet sad one, as Olivia realizes that one dance has changed everthing. Kate is no longer the same, and neither is she. One night has changed the dynamics of their relationship completely.

Invitation to the Waltz is a deeply satisfying read, recommended for fans of Jane Austen, Dodie Smith and Nancy Mitford.