Listen to the Nightingale [Paperback]

Rumer Godden (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 1994

When she wins a scholarship to a famous ballet school, Lottie, an orphan reared by the costume mistress for a London ballet company, is torn between her lifelong dream and her love for a puppy.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Only after Madame Holbein's death does 10-year-old Lottie understand her beloved dance teacher's advice to "listen to the nightingale" and make room in her life for other things besides ballet. Lottie's revelation begins when she serendipitously comes to own Prince, a King Charles Cavalier spaniel. But when the girl earns a place at a prestigious boarding school for dancers, she must give up the dog. The dilemma about the puppy is predictably resolved, but subsequent conflicts--including an act of betrayal, a case of blackmail and the heroine's sudden loss of energy--prove more surprising and complex. Besides her imaginative exploration of a young ballet student's character, Godden ( The Story of Holly and Ivy ; An Episode of Sparrows ) offers memorable portraits of Lottie's aunt, neighbors, teachers and acquaintances, among them Violetta, a child crippled by her own mother; prankster Salvador; and rich, spoiled Irene. Readers will willingly forgive the plot contrivances in exchange for Godden's expert narration, her beguiling setting and her heartening celebration of love and happy endings. Ages 10-up.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

Grade 5-7-- Ten-year-old Lottie is a poor but talented orphan raised by a maiden aunt. Through an innocent misunderstanding, she is presumed to be the owner of a valuable dog. Her refusal to return the lovable puppy to its rightful owners leads inevitably to dissembling. Her acceptance at a prestigious ballet school precipitates a crisis, since the boarding school does not allow pets. A blackmail attempt by another student ultimately brings the truth to light, but not before Lottie nearly starves while giving up most of her food to the blackmailer. This is a complexly plotted novel with a cast of over 50 characters. One subplot curiously involves the failure of Madame Holbein's Ballet Company, which tangentially continues Godden's adult title, A Candle for St. Jude (Viking, 1948; o.p.). Unfortunately, it will not have much interest for younger readers. The characters, while clearly defined, may seem a bit dated. Lottie herself, in her white gloves and her coronet of braids, is so thoroughly good as to be unrealistic. Her nemesis, conversely, comes from ``the boys will be boys'' school of malicious pranksters. The vocabulary is advanced; ballet terms, background, and setting are accurate, well integrated, and sure to please balletomanes. The audience, however, is problematic. Children interested in reading about a ten-year-old may have difficulty sticking with it. Still, readers who persevere will have the thrill of indignation at the many injustices that befall the sympathetic little heroine and the satisfaction of an old-fashioned happy ending. --Kate McClelland, Perrot Memorial Library, Greenwich, CT
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Puffin (November 1, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0140360913
• ISBN-13: 978-0140360912
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,080,375 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A beautiful story, real and wise, with people I loved, June 3, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Listen to the Nightingale (Paperback)

This story is happy in deep ways--not superficial. The author understands the world of ballet, and how a girl might feel when poverty and responsibility could keep her from being the fine artist she could be. The story is intriguing and the writing is masterful. IF THIS BOOK WERE REISSUED IN HARDCOVER I WOULD BUY LOADS OF THEM AND GIVE THEM TO EVERYONE I LIKE.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fans of "Ballet Shoes," take note!, February 9, 2001

By 

ATP "santamonicaballetmom" (Santa Monica, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Listen to the Nightingale (Paperback)

If you loved Noel Streatfeild's "Ballet Shoes," you'll be just as passionate about Rumer Godden's "Listen to the Nightingale." Certainly they are very different books, by very different authors. But what I find similar is each author's ability to create vivid, complex characters. Like Streatfeild, Godden isn't afraid to give weaknesses to adults and strengths to children. Charlotte is a very talented dancer - but she tells lies, loses a role to a false friend, has her feelings bruised, and through it all keeps the reader's sympathy and interest. The ballet background is beautifully detailed, but it's the personalities that are so memorable.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Rumer Godden's consummate artistry delights the soul, August 7, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Listen to the Nightingale (Paperback)

"Listen to the Nightingale" is an enchanting work. It revives, in part, the setting of Godden's "A Candle for St. Jude," for Charlotte Tew, who was Lottie in "A Candle for St. Jude," afrer the death of the famed dancer Anna Holbein and the closing of her school,studies at the Royal Ballet School. Lottie's deepening engagement with the dance. her journey from the London streets to the stage, her fascination with Salvador, and the profound impact her time at the school has on her and her aunt, will delight even those who do not yet know Miss Godden's work. Treat yourself!