The Paris Dancer

LoveReading Says

This historical novel really sings of the importance of family, love, and hope. Author Nicola Rayner has created a fascinating tale, and while it is inspired by a true story, it very beautifully walks its own individual path. When Miriam travels to New York to settle her great-aunts estate, she discovers a different story exists to the one the family has been told.

Set in two time frames, Paris in 1938 and New York in 2012, I found each moment in history equally as interesting. The two time frames are cleverly woven together and appear as one. There are a number of central characters, each feels authentic, offering a depth of intensity and vitality. The sense of place, particularly of the music hall, is colourful and allowed my mind access to dwell within.

The Second World War lurks in the background as the music hall and dancing initially takes centre stage, the reality of fear and desperation for the Jewish community as the Nazis close in sits in vivid contrast. Light and shade, warmth and joy, grief and death, all make themselves known. After I had finished reading, I visited the author’s website and found out a little more about the true story which sits as the incentive for this novel.

While it doesn’t shy away from the horrors of the Second World War, The Paris Dancer offers hope as it thoughtfully shines a spotlight on courage and kindness.

Reviewed by Liz Robinson
Liz has been an Editorial Expert writing reviews for LoveReading since 2014.
More reviews by Liz Robinson

About The Paris Dancer

A heart-wrenching and unforgettable story of courage, friendship and resistance, inspired by the incredible true story of a Jewish ballroom dancer in Paris during WWII, perfect for fans of The Paris Library.

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