Swan Song by Charlotte Wilson – a Review

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Description:
LOVE AND LONGING IN THE BRIGHT LIGHTS OF LONDON

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.

Review:

Sixteen year old Ava Hadley has always lived in the shadow of her mother, Royal Ballet Principal ballerina Beatrice Duvall. It’s been sixteen years since her mother passed away, and she is now in London to represent her family at high profile tribute to Beatrice. Ava realizes that this trip will give her the opportunity to learn more about the mother she has never known. But she isn’t quite sure what London will bring.

Upon arrival in London she is meant to stay with her mother’s best friend,  Thisbe and her two sons – Noah and Seb. But th moment she arrives – everything is strangely familiar to her.  Is she ready to learn things she never would have imagined about her mother? And in learning more about mother, does she find herself? 

I enjoyed the character of Ava from the moment I met her, as she is young, spunky and full of life.  Ava was once on her way to becoming an amazing dancer her like her mother, but she walked away from it all.  Being in London, in the place where her mother was so fabulous and revered,  she learns more about her mother.  She begins to step out of her mother’s shadow and into her own!   Ava explores the woman her mother was, and the reason behind her death, and as the reader, you too want to know.  The story is gut-wrenching and devastating all at the same time;  pulling us in as the story unfolds!

Seb Wright is a wonderful, energetic character. And exactly what Ava needs. When she isn’t sure of her place and where she is supposed to be – he knows exactly where that is and is there to remind her. A friendship that spans the test of time! 

Swan Song by Charlotte Wilson is a wonderful story of finding yourself, stepping out of your parent’s shadows and just being who you are supposed to be!  Highly recommend coming of age, theatrical, magical, ballet romance! I would love if this story continues, if we could continue on with the beauty that Ava becomes. 

Reviewed by Erin

Copy supplied for review

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