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Dancing in the Ring
Detroit in the 1920s proved to be the Paris of the West for many—including Catherine McIntosh and Robert Sage. These two law school students are as passionate about each other as they are their dreams. From a poor family in the neighborhood of Corktown, Catherine learned early on, the necessity of being resilient. She becomes one of the first women in Detroit to obtain a law degree. Bob, the 'battling barrister,' boxes in order to pay for law school. Despite his gruff and tough-boy personality, he is a friend to judges, cops, and even a couple members of the notorious Purple Gang. The couple becomes legendary in legal circles for their commitment to social justice causes—as well as notorious in the local speakeasies and dance halls. At first, their optimism seems boundless, as it had for many following an era of trauma and challenges that included the 1918 flu pandemic. It isn't long before their passionate courtship turns into a tempestuous marriage. Then the Great Depression hits and their lives are forever changed.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
349 pages, Paperback
First published June 21, 2023
28 people are currently reading
2152 people want to read
About the author
Susan E. Sage
4 books296 followers Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Susan E. Sage is an American novelist and poet. Three of her books are published with a fourth to be released in December 2024. She has received has received the Literary Titan Book Award for her novel, DANCING IN THE RING. It was also a 2024 finalist in the Global Book Awards, and a 2023 finalist in the American Writing Awards.
Susan received an English degree from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. During her college years, she began publishing her poetry, and was a recipient of WSU’s Tompkins Award in Creative Writing.
After moving to the Flint area, she became a certified teacher in Language Arts, and also completed graduate coursework at the University of Michigan-Flint. An educator for over twenty years, Susan has worn many hats: an adult education teacher, educational coordinator, as well as an academic interventionist at both the elementary and secondary levels. During her years at Carman-Ainsworth High School, she served as both sponsor of the creative writing club, as well as editor of its annual magazine. She has also been active in a group of local authors, Writers as Instructors.
Her novels include INSOMINY (2010), A MENTOR AND HER MUSE (2018), and DANCING IN THE RING (2023). Susan's fourth novel, SILVER LADY, will be available for pre-order in the fall of 2024.
Susan enjoys travelling and stargazing. She lives in Flushing, Michigan, with her husband, Tom, and two cats. They have a daughter, Sarah, who is also an author.
Susan E. Sage is an American novelist and poet. Three of her books are published with a fourth to be released in December 2024. She has received has received the Literary Titan Book Award for her novel, DANCING IN THE RING. It was also a 2024 finalist in the Global Book Awards, and a 2023 finalist in the American Writing Awards.
Susan received an English degree from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. During her college years, she began publishing her poetry, and was a recipient of WSU’s Tompkins Award in Creative Writing.
After moving to the Flint area, she became a certified teacher in Language Arts, and also completed graduate coursework at the University of Michigan-Flint. An educator for over twenty years, Susan has worn many hats: an adult education teacher, educational coordinator, as well as an academic interventionist at both the elementary and secondary levels. During her years at Carman-Ainsworth High School, she served as both sponsor of the creative writing club, as well as editor of its annual magazine. She has also been active in a group of local authors, Writers as Instructors.
Her novels include INSOMINY (2010), A MENTOR AND HER MUSE (2018), and DANCING IN THE RING (2023). Susan's fourth novel, SILVER LADY, will be available for pre-order in the fall of 2024.
Susan enjoys travelling and stargazing. She lives in Flushing, Michigan, with her husband, Tom, and two cats. They have a daughter, Sarah, who is also an author.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
July 8, 2023
“Dancing in the Ring” by Susan Sage is a fantastic memoir. The author writes beautifully, and her descriptions of characters and locales draw the reader into the story centered around Detroit in the 1920s and 1930s.
The historical fiction novel commences in the 1920s, and the story evolves over decades. The book's focus is the author’s great aunt, Catherine, and great uncle, Bob, who were most definitely unique characters. In one sense, Catherine and Bob were born at the wrong time. Yet, simultaneously, their extraordinary narrative needed the political and social climate of the 1920s-1940s for their story to be told.
Catherine was a highly educated woman and a die-hard feminist. She was one of the few women of her time to attend and graduate from law school in the 1920s. Bob and Catherine met while attending law school in the 1920s. Catherine’s academic abilities far surpassed her future husband, Bob’s, academic achievement. Yet, the story unfolds around a time when bigotry and sexism were rampant. The novel addresses religion, racism, sexism, elitism, motherhood, sisterhood, and most importantly, the ramifications for women who did not conform to the rigid expectations of being subservient to a white male privileged reality.
If you love genealogy, excellent writing, love stories, and historical fiction—or just a wonderful story… “Dancing in the Ring” is the one to read! This is the second book by Susan Sage that I have read, and the author’s writing is wonderful. Her ability to envelope the reader with her language and storyline is superb!
The historical fiction novel commences in the 1920s, and the story evolves over decades. The book's focus is the author’s great aunt, Catherine, and great uncle, Bob, who were most definitely unique characters. In one sense, Catherine and Bob were born at the wrong time. Yet, simultaneously, their extraordinary narrative needed the political and social climate of the 1920s-1940s for their story to be told.
Catherine was a highly educated woman and a die-hard feminist. She was one of the few women of her time to attend and graduate from law school in the 1920s. Bob and Catherine met while attending law school in the 1920s. Catherine’s academic abilities far surpassed her future husband, Bob’s, academic achievement. Yet, the story unfolds around a time when bigotry and sexism were rampant. The novel addresses religion, racism, sexism, elitism, motherhood, sisterhood, and most importantly, the ramifications for women who did not conform to the rigid expectations of being subservient to a white male privileged reality.
If you love genealogy, excellent writing, love stories, and historical fiction—or just a wonderful story… “Dancing in the Ring” is the one to read! This is the second book by Susan Sage that I have read, and the author’s writing is wonderful. Her ability to envelope the reader with her language and storyline is superb!
June 27, 2023
Dancing in the Ring by Susan Sage is a wonderful trip through Detroit of the 1920s-1940s with characters you will never forget. Drawing upon her family history, Sage brings to life two people who should not be remembered. Catherine McIntosh Sage (who was one of Detroit’s first female attorneys) met her husband Robert Stage (who was a prominent boxer) when they were both students in law school. Their lives were never easy—both had uphill battles that needed to be overcome. Their relationship was tumultuous but passionate as they built their careers and enjoyed a hedonistic life in the 1920s and while they struggled through the depression years that followed. This book is more than just a love story of two people who are at the same time, so right and so wrong for each other. It is a social commentary on women’s lives at the time—including issues such as discrimination in employment and education, birth control, financial independence, and double standards for men and women. I strongly recommend setting aside an afternoon or two to immerse yourself into this fascinating world.
July 3, 2023
Susan E. Sage has travelled to 1922 Detroit, stayed for twenty-odd years and has brought back the enthralling story of her ancestors to the pages of ‘Dancing in the Ring’.
The two protagonists, Susan’s great uncle, Robert Sage, and her great aunt, Catherine McIntosh, meet at law school. Robert pays his fees with the winnings from boxing matches; Catherine has a wealthy and generous Uncle Gerry to pay for her education. They enjoy a passionate courtship, pass their law exams and embark upon a tempestuous marriage.
Both are members of intriguing Irish Catholic families. Catherine’s parents are still alive, as are her two sisters and her brother. Uncle Gerry lives with her paternal grandmother, Grammy. Robert’s father is dead, but his mother, known as ‘Nana’, lives to head the Sage clan. Three of Robert’s brothers have died; Eugene, Susan’s grandfather, is his only living sibling. Eugene and Susan’s grandmother, Violet, have a child, Bobby Gene, who will one day become Susan’s father.
The couple establish a successful law practice: Sage & Sage. Life is good! Whilst they leap into the hedonistic vortex of glitzy, glamorous 1920s Detroit, time is also made for unpaid work: coaching young boxers, offering legal advice, generally using their skills and money to tackle poverty and injustice within the community.
By the early 1930s, the Great Depression is particularly savage in Detroit, and our protagonists are not left unscathed. Life is not so good! Both Robert and Catherine seek solace in extramarital affairs and excessive quantities of alcohol. By now, the reader is not expecting that emotionally satisfying and optimistic ending that comes with novels in the ‘romance’ genre.
People in real life are flawed – in the case of Robert and Catherine seriously so. This makes them more interesting than any fictional character merely created by an author’s imagination. Catherine is ambitious, sharper than Robert, but deeply troubled. Robert is passionate, caring, but has an unfettered temper. Their joint sense of justice and the loving bond they have with some family members is endearing. However, I find them as people more fascinating than agreeable.
Susan judiciously selects details from her research to re-create the 1920s and 30s, including the social attitudes of the period. The reader gets a taste of the misogyny, the prevalent discrimination against Black people and the persecution of the gay and lesbian community. Through the realistic construction of issues such as these, which are faithful to historical fact, Susan brings the past to life.
Just as in ‘A Mentor and Her Muse’, Susan showcases her amazing talent for character portrayal. Importantly, the characters in this novel are not given ‘modern values’ so emerge as truly authentic. ‘Dancing in the Ring’ is accessible, impeccably researched and a delight to read.
The two protagonists, Susan’s great uncle, Robert Sage, and her great aunt, Catherine McIntosh, meet at law school. Robert pays his fees with the winnings from boxing matches; Catherine has a wealthy and generous Uncle Gerry to pay for her education. They enjoy a passionate courtship, pass their law exams and embark upon a tempestuous marriage.
Both are members of intriguing Irish Catholic families. Catherine’s parents are still alive, as are her two sisters and her brother. Uncle Gerry lives with her paternal grandmother, Grammy. Robert’s father is dead, but his mother, known as ‘Nana’, lives to head the Sage clan. Three of Robert’s brothers have died; Eugene, Susan’s grandfather, is his only living sibling. Eugene and Susan’s grandmother, Violet, have a child, Bobby Gene, who will one day become Susan’s father.
The couple establish a successful law practice: Sage & Sage. Life is good! Whilst they leap into the hedonistic vortex of glitzy, glamorous 1920s Detroit, time is also made for unpaid work: coaching young boxers, offering legal advice, generally using their skills and money to tackle poverty and injustice within the community.
By the early 1930s, the Great Depression is particularly savage in Detroit, and our protagonists are not left unscathed. Life is not so good! Both Robert and Catherine seek solace in extramarital affairs and excessive quantities of alcohol. By now, the reader is not expecting that emotionally satisfying and optimistic ending that comes with novels in the ‘romance’ genre.
People in real life are flawed – in the case of Robert and Catherine seriously so. This makes them more interesting than any fictional character merely created by an author’s imagination. Catherine is ambitious, sharper than Robert, but deeply troubled. Robert is passionate, caring, but has an unfettered temper. Their joint sense of justice and the loving bond they have with some family members is endearing. However, I find them as people more fascinating than agreeable.
Susan judiciously selects details from her research to re-create the 1920s and 30s, including the social attitudes of the period. The reader gets a taste of the misogyny, the prevalent discrimination against Black people and the persecution of the gay and lesbian community. Through the realistic construction of issues such as these, which are faithful to historical fact, Susan brings the past to life.
Just as in ‘A Mentor and Her Muse’, Susan showcases her amazing talent for character portrayal. Importantly, the characters in this novel are not given ‘modern values’ so emerge as truly authentic. ‘Dancing in the Ring’ is accessible, impeccably researched and a delight to read.
June 30, 2024
Susan E. Sage’s historical fiction, Dancing in the Ring presents also as memoir with two historical figures and ancestors with an unforgettable story. I cannot easily walk away from this novel without feeling somewhat haunted from the characters and that makes Dancing in the Ring a distinct text for me that I recommend for other lovers of historical fiction, especially for the literary community based out of the Detroit area.
Set in Detroit in the 1920s and up until the second world war, the reader is pulled into the passionate and often volatile romance of Catherine McIntosh and Robert -Bob- Sage. Catherine and Robert are law school students studying together, but their uniqueness lies in Catherine being one of the first women to successfully pass the bar and practice law in Detroit. Robert is a boxer -The Battling Barrister- and supports his schooling with these fights. Interestingly, this plot is based as closely as possible as Sage could write it on the lives of two real people, relatives of Sage, a great aunt and great uncle. “My story’s based on my actual great aunt and uncle—both lawyers in the 1920s and 30s. It is their love story with each other, as well as with Detroit, considered to be Paris of the West back in its heyday. My father used to tell me about them a lot over the years. He always encouraged me to write their story. I now understand the meaning of ‘never say never’ because I finally did write about them in this work of Historical Fiction.” The couple are a part of the tonne legal circles of judges, cops and even some members of the Purple Gang who congregate in the local speakeasies and dance halls. Known for their work in social justice and having started their own legal practice, Sage & Sage, what is rifling among their careers, the boxing and commitment to human rights and equality is an extremely human relationship of hardship and personal sabotage.
Susan E. Sage is known for her fiction and poetry. Her stories are enmeshed within her locality having been born and raised in Detroit. She earned a degree in English from Wayne State University. She began publishing her poetry, and was a recipient of WSU’s Tompkins Award in Creative Writing while a student at University. She is an experienced educator and taught for 23 years while working in positions of coordination and student success. Sage has published two novels prior to Dancing in the Ring, Insominy (2010) and A Mentor and Her Muse (2017). She has appeared in Five on the Fifth, Arlington Literary Journal, Illuminations, Twisted Vines Literary Journal, The Birds We Piled Loosely, Referential Magazines, Storyacious, E.T.A. Literary Journal, Digital Papercut and Back Denim Lit. She resides now in Michigan.
Sage has accomplished bringing the 1920s Detroit social and legal spheres to life with full and human characters orienting through it. The reader can enter societal spaces exhibiting ideologies of the time and, from our retrospective reading might be made uncomfortable with character behaviour and conduct. The setting is edged in an eye for detail of streetcars and speakeasies. Character dress, slang and abuse of illegal alcohol during a time of prohibition shows just how chained the characters are to their own flaws, despite glamorously. “Neither the bride nor the groom would remember much about the day. They could blame it on their nerves and the whirlwind of the wedding, but the simple truth: they’d both gotten smashed.” Sage navigates the discrimination against people of colour in society and the legal world as well as the dynamics between Robert and Catherine herself. A play on the title exudes that both main characters are indeed dancing together in their own boxing ring. “When Catherine didn’t answer, Bob went back to his car without even looking back at her. He delivered a blow that would knock her flat and he wasn’t about to help her stand back up in the ring.” They spare, square off, retreat to corners and come back to the centre again and again. The romance is cyclical and shows a sticking together despite challenge to the relationship.
Each character throws themselves into alternative outlets as their relationship becomes tumultuous. Catherine focuses on social justice cases and Robert coaches’ younger boxers and councils those struggling within society. They are both champions of the underdog. Sage plugs in expert foreshadowing that builds throughout that sets a foreboding tone. There exists a looming sense of catastrophe and risk of demise. “She burned her finger lighting a match, as she reached for her next Lucky Strike.” This foreshadowing plays well in parallel with the character of Robert’s Grandmother who I enjoyed. Nana is a woman of Irish Catholic descent whose spiritual and religious fabric blends with the old ways of premonitions, superstition and the importance of dream-work. Overall, she is a witty and sharp woman who balanced out Catherine’s academic and new world modernism.
This novel has left me jilted in a way but the depth of the world these character’s spiralled through remains distinct and almost touchable, which makes for a good book. The characters are relatable and not out of reach and Sage shines with her historical groundwork.
Thank you to Susan E. Sage, Black Rose Writing and Coffee & Thorn in request for an honest review!
Set in Detroit in the 1920s and up until the second world war, the reader is pulled into the passionate and often volatile romance of Catherine McIntosh and Robert -Bob- Sage. Catherine and Robert are law school students studying together, but their uniqueness lies in Catherine being one of the first women to successfully pass the bar and practice law in Detroit. Robert is a boxer -The Battling Barrister- and supports his schooling with these fights. Interestingly, this plot is based as closely as possible as Sage could write it on the lives of two real people, relatives of Sage, a great aunt and great uncle. “My story’s based on my actual great aunt and uncle—both lawyers in the 1920s and 30s. It is their love story with each other, as well as with Detroit, considered to be Paris of the West back in its heyday. My father used to tell me about them a lot over the years. He always encouraged me to write their story. I now understand the meaning of ‘never say never’ because I finally did write about them in this work of Historical Fiction.” The couple are a part of the tonne legal circles of judges, cops and even some members of the Purple Gang who congregate in the local speakeasies and dance halls. Known for their work in social justice and having started their own legal practice, Sage & Sage, what is rifling among their careers, the boxing and commitment to human rights and equality is an extremely human relationship of hardship and personal sabotage.
Susan E. Sage is known for her fiction and poetry. Her stories are enmeshed within her locality having been born and raised in Detroit. She earned a degree in English from Wayne State University. She began publishing her poetry, and was a recipient of WSU’s Tompkins Award in Creative Writing while a student at University. She is an experienced educator and taught for 23 years while working in positions of coordination and student success. Sage has published two novels prior to Dancing in the Ring, Insominy (2010) and A Mentor and Her Muse (2017). She has appeared in Five on the Fifth, Arlington Literary Journal, Illuminations, Twisted Vines Literary Journal, The Birds We Piled Loosely, Referential Magazines, Storyacious, E.T.A. Literary Journal, Digital Papercut and Back Denim Lit. She resides now in Michigan.
Sage has accomplished bringing the 1920s Detroit social and legal spheres to life with full and human characters orienting through it. The reader can enter societal spaces exhibiting ideologies of the time and, from our retrospective reading might be made uncomfortable with character behaviour and conduct. The setting is edged in an eye for detail of streetcars and speakeasies. Character dress, slang and abuse of illegal alcohol during a time of prohibition shows just how chained the characters are to their own flaws, despite glamorously. “Neither the bride nor the groom would remember much about the day. They could blame it on their nerves and the whirlwind of the wedding, but the simple truth: they’d both gotten smashed.” Sage navigates the discrimination against people of colour in society and the legal world as well as the dynamics between Robert and Catherine herself. A play on the title exudes that both main characters are indeed dancing together in their own boxing ring. “When Catherine didn’t answer, Bob went back to his car without even looking back at her. He delivered a blow that would knock her flat and he wasn’t about to help her stand back up in the ring.” They spare, square off, retreat to corners and come back to the centre again and again. The romance is cyclical and shows a sticking together despite challenge to the relationship.
Each character throws themselves into alternative outlets as their relationship becomes tumultuous. Catherine focuses on social justice cases and Robert coaches’ younger boxers and councils those struggling within society. They are both champions of the underdog. Sage plugs in expert foreshadowing that builds throughout that sets a foreboding tone. There exists a looming sense of catastrophe and risk of demise. “She burned her finger lighting a match, as she reached for her next Lucky Strike.” This foreshadowing plays well in parallel with the character of Robert’s Grandmother who I enjoyed. Nana is a woman of Irish Catholic descent whose spiritual and religious fabric blends with the old ways of premonitions, superstition and the importance of dream-work. Overall, she is a witty and sharp woman who balanced out Catherine’s academic and new world modernism.
This novel has left me jilted in a way but the depth of the world these character’s spiralled through remains distinct and almost touchable, which makes for a good book. The characters are relatable and not out of reach and Sage shines with her historical groundwork.
Thank you to Susan E. Sage, Black Rose Writing and Coffee & Thorn in request for an honest review!
July 11, 2023
When Susan Sage first introduced me to Robert Sage and Catherine McIntosh I had a feeling that this would be a wonderful love story. Perhaps I imagined a tale of two smitten, righteous characters who would be perfect for each other. But boy, was I wrong. This story set in the 1920s to 1940’s was hard hitting and the characters so flawed that sometimes it was difficult to decide whom I disliked more – Bob or his Kate but that’s the beauty of the author’s writing , telling it like it was instead of embellishing and white washing and turning two imperfect and damaged individuals into angels.
Take a bow Susan, that’s an ability many authors don’t have – to tell the truth no matter how harsh it sounds.
I loved the title Dancing In The Ring because while it alluded to the fact that Bob was also a boxer in addition to an attorney it also defined their marriage where there were continuously dancing around each other, moving apart but then coming together again.
So often it felt like the two of them would have been happier apart but good or bad Bob and Catherine seemed to drawn to each other whether through infidelity, drinking or loss of faith in each other. Now if it’s time to choose favorities let me tell you it’s Catherine all the away- she is everything that women in her time were not meant to be – ambitious, brash, putting herself before others. We are so used to the mythical self-sacrificing woman that to meet a woman who always considered herself first made me pause in wonder.
Kudos again to Susan Sage for writing such a powerful characters albeit based on a real life models.
If you are looking for a perfect love story and a bright and cheery happily after this book is not for you but if you are one who believes reality bites and sometimes quite harshly, go ahead and dive into Dancing In The Ring.
Take a bow Susan, that’s an ability many authors don’t have – to tell the truth no matter how harsh it sounds.
I loved the title Dancing In The Ring because while it alluded to the fact that Bob was also a boxer in addition to an attorney it also defined their marriage where there were continuously dancing around each other, moving apart but then coming together again.
So often it felt like the two of them would have been happier apart but good or bad Bob and Catherine seemed to drawn to each other whether through infidelity, drinking or loss of faith in each other. Now if it’s time to choose favorities let me tell you it’s Catherine all the away- she is everything that women in her time were not meant to be – ambitious, brash, putting herself before others. We are so used to the mythical self-sacrificing woman that to meet a woman who always considered herself first made me pause in wonder.
Kudos again to Susan Sage for writing such a powerful characters albeit based on a real life models.
If you are looking for a perfect love story and a bright and cheery happily after this book is not for you but if you are one who believes reality bites and sometimes quite harshly, go ahead and dive into Dancing In The Ring.
June 18, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley and Black Rose Writing for the ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Detroit, 1922. Catherine is on her way to becoming a female lawyer in the 1920s. She’s one of only four women in her graduating class when she meets Robert (Bob) Sage, a boxer who is also pursuing his dream of becoming a lawyer. The two start to see each other, falling for each other madly, though they deny they’re together. While Catherine is blazing her career, Bob is having difficulty finding his footing and where he belongs. Though his boxing career is going steady, there have been a few too many knockouts. When the 1930s Stock Market Crashes, Catherine and Bob must figure out how to survive and what needs to be done.
This book was a great read and I flew though it, not being able to put it down. Though some of the characters drove me nuts (Catherine’s parents for one), Nana and Catherine’s grandmother were a great cast of supporting characters. Though from the outside, Catherine and Bob’s marriage seemed like a fairytale, it was anything big and that was portrayed realistically throughout the book.
If you’re looking for a great book about the 1920s/1930s Detroit with a love story for the ages, look no further than this book. Highly recommend if.
This book was a great read and I flew though it, not being able to put it down. Though some of the characters drove me nuts (Catherine’s parents for one), Nana and Catherine’s grandmother were a great cast of supporting characters. Though from the outside, Catherine and Bob’s marriage seemed like a fairytale, it was anything big and that was portrayed realistically throughout the book.
If you’re looking for a great book about the 1920s/1930s Detroit with a love story for the ages, look no further than this book. Highly recommend if.
July 12, 2024
In "Dancing in the Ring," Susan E. Sage orchestrates a masterful symphony of narrative complexity, weaving together a tapestry of love, justice, and resilience set against the kinetic backdrop of 1920s Detroit. This historically inflected novel constitutes a riveting exploration of the human experience, as two protagonists, Catherine McIntosh and Robert Sage, navigate the labyrinthine complexities of their relationship and the tumultuous era in which they find themselves situated.
Catherine, a trailblazing law student, embodies the paradigmatic fusion of intellectual rigor and unwavering determination, defying the societal norms that seek to constrain her. Her trajectory is a testament to the era's paradigmatic shift towards innovation and progress, as she negotiates the precarious terrain of her own identity and agency. Sage's meticulous recreation of 1920s Detroit, replete with jazz clubs, soup kitchens, and speakeasies, creates a veritable mise-en-scène that immerses readers in the sights, sounds, and smells of a bygone epoch.
Robert, a boxer-turned-lawyer with a reputation for fearlessness in both the ring and the courtroom, proves to be Catherine's equal in every respect. Their shared commitment to social justice injects a sense of urgency and purpose into their relationship, as they confront the multifaceted challenges of their time.
Sage's prose is distinguished by its remarkable ability to conjure up the sights and sounds of a vanished period with remarkable fidelity. Her research is nothing short of exhaustive, providing a richly detailed portrayal of the time period that is at once both informative and evocative. The characters are rendered with a high degree of nuance and complexity, their struggles and triumphs depicted with sensitivity and compassion.
"Dancing in the Ring" constitutes a narrative that probes the very fabric of human existence, exploring themes of identity formation, social justice, and resilience in the face of adversity. It is a testament to the enduring power of love to transcend even the most formidable obstacles and a reminder that hope can be found even in the darkest of times.
This novel is an absolute masterpiece. Sage's writing is unparalleled in its mastery of language, character development, and historical context. The story is engaging, thought-provoking, and emotionally resonant. The characters are complex and multifaceted, their relationships nuanced and authentic. The historical setting is meticulously researched and recreated with incredible attention to detail. This novel is a must-read for anyone who appreciates historical fiction or is simply looking for a compelling story well-told. 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
Catherine, a trailblazing law student, embodies the paradigmatic fusion of intellectual rigor and unwavering determination, defying the societal norms that seek to constrain her. Her trajectory is a testament to the era's paradigmatic shift towards innovation and progress, as she negotiates the precarious terrain of her own identity and agency. Sage's meticulous recreation of 1920s Detroit, replete with jazz clubs, soup kitchens, and speakeasies, creates a veritable mise-en-scène that immerses readers in the sights, sounds, and smells of a bygone epoch.
Robert, a boxer-turned-lawyer with a reputation for fearlessness in both the ring and the courtroom, proves to be Catherine's equal in every respect. Their shared commitment to social justice injects a sense of urgency and purpose into their relationship, as they confront the multifaceted challenges of their time.
Sage's prose is distinguished by its remarkable ability to conjure up the sights and sounds of a vanished period with remarkable fidelity. Her research is nothing short of exhaustive, providing a richly detailed portrayal of the time period that is at once both informative and evocative. The characters are rendered with a high degree of nuance and complexity, their struggles and triumphs depicted with sensitivity and compassion.
"Dancing in the Ring" constitutes a narrative that probes the very fabric of human existence, exploring themes of identity formation, social justice, and resilience in the face of adversity. It is a testament to the enduring power of love to transcend even the most formidable obstacles and a reminder that hope can be found even in the darkest of times.
This novel is an absolute masterpiece. Sage's writing is unparalleled in its mastery of language, character development, and historical context. The story is engaging, thought-provoking, and emotionally resonant. The characters are complex and multifaceted, their relationships nuanced and authentic. The historical setting is meticulously researched and recreated with incredible attention to detail. This novel is a must-read for anyone who appreciates historical fiction or is simply looking for a compelling story well-told. 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
May 15, 2023
I was given an ARC copy of Dancing in the Ring. Sage has written a historic novel based on the lives of her great-uncle, Robert (Bob) Sage, and his wife, Catherine (Kate) McIntosh Sage.
It’s the Roaring Twenties, and in the time of prohibition and speakeasies, the two meet in law school. For Bob, it’s love at first sight, and he does his utmost to charm the feisty, young Kate. An attractive young couple, they spend their weekends dancing and drinking. When not in school or working, Bob is a boxer, who then becomes an attorney (the Battling Barrister), and later in life, a judge in Detroit, Michigan. Against all odds, Catherine becomes one of Detroit’s first female attorneys.
After marriage, they eventually start their own law firm, Sage & Sage. They have noble dreams and good intentions—they will defend the less fortunate and, to some extent, they do that. However, that plays a small part in the story as we, the readers, are mostly focused on their relationship, which is anything but stable. Bob is a ‘lady’s man’, and although he has a gentle side and some redeeming qualities, he is not an easy man to warm up to. At times, I found Catherine to be self-absorbed and petulant; that’s understandable—she fought hard to get where she is and it isn’t easy being a woman in a man’s world. It seems the poor girl continually sabotages her own happiness, but isn’t that what readers want every great heroine to do? And although the couple are deeply in love, they are forever battling with each other—hence, ‘Dancing in the Ring.’ Throughout the book there is an eerie undercurrent of foreshadowing: visions through Bob’s mother, Nana, who has the gift of sight, and Bob and Catherine’s nightmares which predict the tragedies that befall the young couple.
Overall, this story is about family, choices, and the effect those choices have on a person’s life. Sage’s Dancing in the Ring is an interesting read and a realistic portrayal of the very imperfect lives of a young couple living during the tumultuous years of the Roaring Twenties.
It’s the Roaring Twenties, and in the time of prohibition and speakeasies, the two meet in law school. For Bob, it’s love at first sight, and he does his utmost to charm the feisty, young Kate. An attractive young couple, they spend their weekends dancing and drinking. When not in school or working, Bob is a boxer, who then becomes an attorney (the Battling Barrister), and later in life, a judge in Detroit, Michigan. Against all odds, Catherine becomes one of Detroit’s first female attorneys.
After marriage, they eventually start their own law firm, Sage & Sage. They have noble dreams and good intentions—they will defend the less fortunate and, to some extent, they do that. However, that plays a small part in the story as we, the readers, are mostly focused on their relationship, which is anything but stable. Bob is a ‘lady’s man’, and although he has a gentle side and some redeeming qualities, he is not an easy man to warm up to. At times, I found Catherine to be self-absorbed and petulant; that’s understandable—she fought hard to get where she is and it isn’t easy being a woman in a man’s world. It seems the poor girl continually sabotages her own happiness, but isn’t that what readers want every great heroine to do? And although the couple are deeply in love, they are forever battling with each other—hence, ‘Dancing in the Ring.’ Throughout the book there is an eerie undercurrent of foreshadowing: visions through Bob’s mother, Nana, who has the gift of sight, and Bob and Catherine’s nightmares which predict the tragedies that befall the young couple.
Overall, this story is about family, choices, and the effect those choices have on a person’s life. Sage’s Dancing in the Ring is an interesting read and a realistic portrayal of the very imperfect lives of a young couple living during the tumultuous years of the Roaring Twenties.
October 18, 2025
I admire writers who can capture an era in style, language and movement. Susan Sage does a terrific job in the historical fiction, Dancing in the Ring. The attitudes, prejudices and lifestyle of Americans from the roaring 20s to the Great Depression ring true as she tells the story of the rocky relationship between her great uncle Bob Sage and wife Cathryn. The romance is fiery hot between the pro boxer who becomes a judge and the fashionable female attorney, Cathryn, but the characters are not romanticized. We see their shortcomings along with their accomplishment. Themes revolve around honor, perseverance, forgiveness, introspection, and the importance of family and tradition. The depiction of a bustling opulent Detroit as the setting adds glamor to their tragic story.
July 7, 2023
If you were a pre-teen or teenager coming of age in the early 1960's and your thoughts of Detroit, Michigan have you reminiscing about the Motown sounds, the time has come to also ruminate about Corktown!
Corktown, an Irish immigrant community and Detroit's oldest neighborhood, is the setting for DANCING IN THE RING, Susan Sage's latest page-turning novel exploring and exploding the history of two Irish Catholic families from the early 1920's through 1940. Though the novel centers around the tempestuous love life of its two main characters, Robert Sage and Catherine McIntosh, Sage introduces many other titillating personalities whose stories lend a rich, vibrant undercurrent to this "jazzy, flapper era." While the story follows the successful graduation of Bob and Kate from law school and their career paths, the "side-bars" the author includes are powerful narratives unto themselves!
Bob's career as a boxer has him nicknamed the "Battling Barrister" while Kate is one of only four women to graduate law school in the class of 1923. Though she easily passes the bar exam, Kate and her fellow female graduates don't necessarily find the road to success as practicing attorneys to be one "paved in gold."
It's the time in American history that Sage do skillfully underscores that makes the success of her characters so intriguing. women were just winning the right to vote; the Great Depression zapped a booming economy; Prohibition was in full swing; there were auto factories, but no labor unions; crime bosses controlled much of the city; speakeasies and jazz were all the rage.
Bob and Kate's story floats seamlessly above, under and through all of these historical issues, as well as the "spirit" or dream world Sage introduces as an element with which they also contend. Theirs is a story of triumph and the good life in spite of it all, though there is an eerie feeling that dreams may be life's greatest prognosticator!
A movie based on DANCING IN THE RING would be as exciting to watch as any saga about the days of Motown! Detroit, Michigan - "The Way You Do The Things You Do" - in Corktown and Motown!
Corktown, an Irish immigrant community and Detroit's oldest neighborhood, is the setting for DANCING IN THE RING, Susan Sage's latest page-turning novel exploring and exploding the history of two Irish Catholic families from the early 1920's through 1940. Though the novel centers around the tempestuous love life of its two main characters, Robert Sage and Catherine McIntosh, Sage introduces many other titillating personalities whose stories lend a rich, vibrant undercurrent to this "jazzy, flapper era." While the story follows the successful graduation of Bob and Kate from law school and their career paths, the "side-bars" the author includes are powerful narratives unto themselves!
Bob's career as a boxer has him nicknamed the "Battling Barrister" while Kate is one of only four women to graduate law school in the class of 1923. Though she easily passes the bar exam, Kate and her fellow female graduates don't necessarily find the road to success as practicing attorneys to be one "paved in gold."
It's the time in American history that Sage do skillfully underscores that makes the success of her characters so intriguing. women were just winning the right to vote; the Great Depression zapped a booming economy; Prohibition was in full swing; there were auto factories, but no labor unions; crime bosses controlled much of the city; speakeasies and jazz were all the rage.
Bob and Kate's story floats seamlessly above, under and through all of these historical issues, as well as the "spirit" or dream world Sage introduces as an element with which they also contend. Theirs is a story of triumph and the good life in spite of it all, though there is an eerie feeling that dreams may be life's greatest prognosticator!
A movie based on DANCING IN THE RING would be as exciting to watch as any saga about the days of Motown! Detroit, Michigan - "The Way You Do The Things You Do" - in Corktown and Motown!
May 14, 2024
“Dancing in the Ring” by Susan E. Sage is a captivating and immersive historical fiction novel that takes readers on a journey through the bustling streets of 1920s Detroit. Set against the backdrop of a post-traumatic era brimming with optimism and energy, the story delves into the passionate and tumultuous love story of Catherine McIntosh and Robert Sage, two law school students with aspirations for social justice and personal fulfillment.
The novel is particularly notable for its portrayal of Catherine, a character who embodies resilience and defiance against societal norms. As one of the first women in Detroit to earn a law degree, Catherine’s journey is an inspiring testament to the spirit of the era. The author brings to life the vibrant atmosphere of the 1920s, from the speakeasies and dancehalls to the challenges posed by the onset of the Great Depression. This historical context adds depth and richness to the narrative, making the story both engaging and educational. Robert, known as the ‘battling barrister,’ is another compelling character, balancing his boxing career with his legal ambitions. The couple’s shared commitment to social justice causes adds a layer of complexity to their relationship, illustrating the societal and personal challenges they face.
Sage’s writing style is both vivid and evocative, skillfully transporting readers to a bygone era. Her meticulous research is evident throughout the book, providing an authentic and detailed portrayal of the time period. The characters are well-developed, with their struggles and triumphs depicted in a manner that resonates with the reader.
“Dancing in the Ring” is more than just a love story; it’s a narrative about navigating the challenges of a rapidly changing world, the resilience of the human spirit, and the pursuit of dreams against all odds. The novel’s exploration of social issues, combined with its historical accuracy, makes it a compelling read for fans of drama and historical fiction. It’s a thought-provoking and highly enjoyable book that I would wholeheartedly recommend to readers who appreciate rich, character-driven stories set against the backdrop of significant historical moments.
The novel is particularly notable for its portrayal of Catherine, a character who embodies resilience and defiance against societal norms. As one of the first women in Detroit to earn a law degree, Catherine’s journey is an inspiring testament to the spirit of the era. The author brings to life the vibrant atmosphere of the 1920s, from the speakeasies and dancehalls to the challenges posed by the onset of the Great Depression. This historical context adds depth and richness to the narrative, making the story both engaging and educational. Robert, known as the ‘battling barrister,’ is another compelling character, balancing his boxing career with his legal ambitions. The couple’s shared commitment to social justice causes adds a layer of complexity to their relationship, illustrating the societal and personal challenges they face.
Sage’s writing style is both vivid and evocative, skillfully transporting readers to a bygone era. Her meticulous research is evident throughout the book, providing an authentic and detailed portrayal of the time period. The characters are well-developed, with their struggles and triumphs depicted in a manner that resonates with the reader.
“Dancing in the Ring” is more than just a love story; it’s a narrative about navigating the challenges of a rapidly changing world, the resilience of the human spirit, and the pursuit of dreams against all odds. The novel’s exploration of social issues, combined with its historical accuracy, makes it a compelling read for fans of drama and historical fiction. It’s a thought-provoking and highly enjoyable book that I would wholeheartedly recommend to readers who appreciate rich, character-driven stories set against the backdrop of significant historical moments.
July 4, 2024
DANCING IN THE RING by Susan E. Sage
A Book Review by AZ Perez
July 04, 2024
Bittersweet tales are unforgettable and life lessons are abundant!
This is a historical fiction centered on the bittersweet tale of two individuals living in Detroit during the aftermath of World War I and The Great Depression.
The book tells of the lives of Kate and Bob, in their passage to build their identities and worth in society, while simultaneously discovering the nature and temperament of their romantic love, marriage and relationship.
Though financially challenged of their means and coming from immigrant families, Bob and Kate leave an indelible mark and impression on society. Kate becomes the first female lawyer of the place and Bob is a well-known, fierce boxer and much later a judge. Both are passionate about what they do and what they believe in. They give their all when they do something. Their love and marriage are adoring, indulgent and all at once, heartbreaking.
Bittersweet tales have always unforgettable characters. Bob and Kate in this book are no exception. They represent and give us a glimpse of ‘what is great’ as well as ‘what is not so great’ in their time and generation. Their individual choices and chosen journeys in the context of the realities of 20s and 40s, where poverty and crime, gender inequality, racism and abusive marriages are tangible and have double standards, are showing us how to live our lives better and to strive harder to be the better version of ourselves given our current context and somehow achievement on higher consciousness.
The narratives are well-written in a fashion that is vivid, clear to its intent and easy to comprehend.
The plot and story arc are well- distributed among the pages. It intensifies in the middle part where both of the main characters’ good and bad ideals as well as their practices are entangled and are exposed for confrontation and resolution.
While reading this book, I have been reminded that human nature, if left by itself unattended, without clear thinking and rationalization, without grasping good judgement, and the awareness of choosing healthy practices, our human psyche is naturally tempestuous and pleasure-seeking. The main characters have concluded their lives still so young and yet having to live their lives to the fullest.
Indeed, bittersweet tales are unforgettable and life lessons are abundant!
Thank you so much and congratulations, author Susan E Sage, for writing and sharing this marvelous story! Truly, a remarkable read!
A Book Review by AZ Perez
July 04, 2024
Bittersweet tales are unforgettable and life lessons are abundant!
This is a historical fiction centered on the bittersweet tale of two individuals living in Detroit during the aftermath of World War I and The Great Depression.
The book tells of the lives of Kate and Bob, in their passage to build their identities and worth in society, while simultaneously discovering the nature and temperament of their romantic love, marriage and relationship.
Though financially challenged of their means and coming from immigrant families, Bob and Kate leave an indelible mark and impression on society. Kate becomes the first female lawyer of the place and Bob is a well-known, fierce boxer and much later a judge. Both are passionate about what they do and what they believe in. They give their all when they do something. Their love and marriage are adoring, indulgent and all at once, heartbreaking.
Bittersweet tales have always unforgettable characters. Bob and Kate in this book are no exception. They represent and give us a glimpse of ‘what is great’ as well as ‘what is not so great’ in their time and generation. Their individual choices and chosen journeys in the context of the realities of 20s and 40s, where poverty and crime, gender inequality, racism and abusive marriages are tangible and have double standards, are showing us how to live our lives better and to strive harder to be the better version of ourselves given our current context and somehow achievement on higher consciousness.
The narratives are well-written in a fashion that is vivid, clear to its intent and easy to comprehend.
The plot and story arc are well- distributed among the pages. It intensifies in the middle part where both of the main characters’ good and bad ideals as well as their practices are entangled and are exposed for confrontation and resolution.
While reading this book, I have been reminded that human nature, if left by itself unattended, without clear thinking and rationalization, without grasping good judgement, and the awareness of choosing healthy practices, our human psyche is naturally tempestuous and pleasure-seeking. The main characters have concluded their lives still so young and yet having to live their lives to the fullest.
Indeed, bittersweet tales are unforgettable and life lessons are abundant!
Thank you so much and congratulations, author Susan E Sage, for writing and sharing this marvelous story! Truly, a remarkable read!
August 10, 2023
Love in its true and purest form, is something many strive to one day have because of its rare nature to find.
In "Dancing in the Ring," author Susan E. Sage introduces her readers to Catherine McIntosh, a determined law graduate, and Bob Sage, a talented boxer who is studying law as a backup plan. These two met and it felt like love at first glance, especially for Bob. He was most attracted to Catherine's beauty and brains, which made him more determined to pass the bar exam. The inspiration and encouragement provided by Catherine to Robert involved patience and kindness, all while working her first job as a law clerk.
Of course, as Bob progressed further in his boxing career, he struggled to squeeze in studying sessions. Since he failed the bar exam twice, he had hopes of eventually passing the exam. Although Catherine volunteered to assist him with studying, she felt her energy would be needed elsewhere, since she leveled up her workload. Through their ups and downs, their relationship was not only rocky, but they slowly began drifting apart. The work and life balance didn't seem fulfilling as Catherine felt most disappointed when Bobby had to cancel and reschedule plans often. In time, they went through testing periods in their marriage, and the main focus was redirected inwards.
This book shows how relationships aren't always what they seem and whatever happens behind closed doors would shock you. I recommend this book to others because it is not only relatable but realistic.
In "Dancing in the Ring," author Susan E. Sage introduces her readers to Catherine McIntosh, a determined law graduate, and Bob Sage, a talented boxer who is studying law as a backup plan. These two met and it felt like love at first glance, especially for Bob. He was most attracted to Catherine's beauty and brains, which made him more determined to pass the bar exam. The inspiration and encouragement provided by Catherine to Robert involved patience and kindness, all while working her first job as a law clerk.
Of course, as Bob progressed further in his boxing career, he struggled to squeeze in studying sessions. Since he failed the bar exam twice, he had hopes of eventually passing the exam. Although Catherine volunteered to assist him with studying, she felt her energy would be needed elsewhere, since she leveled up her workload. Through their ups and downs, their relationship was not only rocky, but they slowly began drifting apart. The work and life balance didn't seem fulfilling as Catherine felt most disappointed when Bobby had to cancel and reschedule plans often. In time, they went through testing periods in their marriage, and the main focus was redirected inwards.
This book shows how relationships aren't always what they seem and whatever happens behind closed doors would shock you. I recommend this book to others because it is not only relatable but realistic.
June 25, 2024
Dancing in the Ring is the best historical romance I’ve read in years, with main characters I could root for despite their flaws, sensitively portrayed gender and racial inequality, and thorough and personal historical research. The romance, marriage, abuse, and adultery are true to life and passionate, almost to the point of being fiery.
Catherine comes from a humble background but drives herself to become a skillful attorney in the 1920s in Detroit. She’s determined not to let love for a man or motherhood steer her away from her career, until Bob ogles her from a tree and tells her all about his family on a streetcar. He shows more promise in the boxing ring than in the courtroom but has a heart for poor young men. Their bond is strengthened by the lovable and loving, religious yet spirit-seeing Nana. Unfortunately, Catherine’s alcoholism and Bob’s wandering eye turn their marriage into a boxing match rather than a dance. Even Nana doesn’t clearly see the surprise ending.
This book will be most loved by Michiganders, Irish American feminists, and people interested in 1920s/1930s history. 5 stars.
Catherine comes from a humble background but drives herself to become a skillful attorney in the 1920s in Detroit. She’s determined not to let love for a man or motherhood steer her away from her career, until Bob ogles her from a tree and tells her all about his family on a streetcar. He shows more promise in the boxing ring than in the courtroom but has a heart for poor young men. Their bond is strengthened by the lovable and loving, religious yet spirit-seeing Nana. Unfortunately, Catherine’s alcoholism and Bob’s wandering eye turn their marriage into a boxing match rather than a dance. Even Nana doesn’t clearly see the surprise ending.
This book will be most loved by Michiganders, Irish American feminists, and people interested in 1920s/1930s history. 5 stars.
January 7, 2024
A Marathon Dance between Fact and Fiction
Detroit in the nineteen twenties is the backdrop for Ms Sage’s dance in the ring. It is complete with ordinary people, temperance laws, barristers, mobsters, and boxers.
Catherine McIntosh is looking forward to a life as a lawyer and working for social justice.
Robert (Bob) Sage also aims to work in the law, but he is also a boxer and hence sitting between two chairs.
Their meet-cute involves a tree and must be perused. They discover an overwhelming passion for one another, but passion doesn’t always make for an easy life.
Ms Sage’s writing is rife with passion and drama. The clashes between two people in lust, but maybe without a deeper understanding are fascinating to follow. Still, I’m unsure if knowing too many facts didn’t stymie the flow of Dancing in the Ring. It is a book that will stay in my memory though, and that alone is important. The drama overshadows the love story, and that makes this a captivating read.
Detroit in the nineteen twenties is the backdrop for Ms Sage’s dance in the ring. It is complete with ordinary people, temperance laws, barristers, mobsters, and boxers.
Catherine McIntosh is looking forward to a life as a lawyer and working for social justice.
Robert (Bob) Sage also aims to work in the law, but he is also a boxer and hence sitting between two chairs.
Their meet-cute involves a tree and must be perused. They discover an overwhelming passion for one another, but passion doesn’t always make for an easy life.
Ms Sage’s writing is rife with passion and drama. The clashes between two people in lust, but maybe without a deeper understanding are fascinating to follow. Still, I’m unsure if knowing too many facts didn’t stymie the flow of Dancing in the Ring. It is a book that will stay in my memory though, and that alone is important. The drama overshadows the love story, and that makes this a captivating read.
July 15, 2024
3.5 stars. This was a book written with love, about two flawed people trying to make their way in the quickly changing landscape of America in the 20's and 30's.
Both of them struggle with acceptance - whilst Bob's is probably not as much of a hindrance to his life as he himself is (just get out of your own way Bob!!), Catherine rails against all that society and her family tells her that a woman should be and finds success in law when hardly any women were able to. Neither of them can find success or stability in their relationship though and hurt each other over and over. They are both self-involved and maybe too used to fighting to be able to maintain harmony.
One of the great strengths of this book is the authors skill at conjuring up the Detroit that Catherine and Bob inhabited. Not only the physical place, the speakeasies and dances and houses, but also the societal norms and injustices being faced by marginalised groups, the ideologies of people and the feelings that bubbled up as the world got darker again. The other thing I really liked was the two matriarchal characters of their families, Grammy and Nana. Both brilliant and strong in different ways.
My only criticism of the story really is that I felt it needed to be longer, there were themes and situations that felt a little rushed and I wanted to know more about them.
Both of them struggle with acceptance - whilst Bob's is probably not as much of a hindrance to his life as he himself is (just get out of your own way Bob!!), Catherine rails against all that society and her family tells her that a woman should be and finds success in law when hardly any women were able to. Neither of them can find success or stability in their relationship though and hurt each other over and over. They are both self-involved and maybe too used to fighting to be able to maintain harmony.
One of the great strengths of this book is the authors skill at conjuring up the Detroit that Catherine and Bob inhabited. Not only the physical place, the speakeasies and dances and houses, but also the societal norms and injustices being faced by marginalised groups, the ideologies of people and the feelings that bubbled up as the world got darker again. The other thing I really liked was the two matriarchal characters of their families, Grammy and Nana. Both brilliant and strong in different ways.
My only criticism of the story really is that I felt it needed to be longer, there were themes and situations that felt a little rushed and I wanted to know more about them.
November 22, 2023
A Must Read!
'Dancing in the Ring' is not merely a historical novel; it's a journey through time, exploring the intertwined destinies of its characters against the tapestry of a bygone era.
The narrative weaves a captivating tale around the lives of Catherine McIntosh and Robert Sage, two law school students whose dreams and passion for justice flourish amid the vibrant backdrop of a city.
The initial boundless optimism of their courtship takes a tumultuous turn as the Great Depression casts its long shadow. The narrative skillfully navigates the complexities of their passionate yet tempestuous marriage against the backdrop of a changing world.
The author masterfully captures the essence of an era marked by trauma and challenges, echoing the aftermath of the 1918 flu pandemic. A riveting and poignant tale of love, resilience, and the indomitable human spirit, this book is a must-read for those who relish immersive storytelling and a vivid portrayal of history's twists and turns.
'Dancing in the Ring' is not merely a historical novel; it's a journey through time, exploring the intertwined destinies of its characters against the tapestry of a bygone era.
The narrative weaves a captivating tale around the lives of Catherine McIntosh and Robert Sage, two law school students whose dreams and passion for justice flourish amid the vibrant backdrop of a city.
The initial boundless optimism of their courtship takes a tumultuous turn as the Great Depression casts its long shadow. The narrative skillfully navigates the complexities of their passionate yet tempestuous marriage against the backdrop of a changing world.
The author masterfully captures the essence of an era marked by trauma and challenges, echoing the aftermath of the 1918 flu pandemic. A riveting and poignant tale of love, resilience, and the indomitable human spirit, this book is a must-read for those who relish immersive storytelling and a vivid portrayal of history's twists and turns.
December 7, 2023
Essentially a naturalistic story with interesting if frustrating characters.
October 27, 2025
There’s rhythm in every line of this book. It moves between tenderness and tension, hope and heartbreak, like a dance. It’s one of the most emotionally honest novels I’ve read this year.
October 28, 2025
The voice is so authentic like a grandmother telling you a secret about her youth. There’s wisdom, sorrow, and love woven into every line. It’s storytelling in its purest form.
April 21, 2024
Great love story
This story could easily mirror aspects of my family’s story. This is a great love story with lots of fun, humor, and charming old Irish sayings. The author sheds light on the discrimination, especially of women, the Irish, and blacks, and the struggles of the depression, families endured between the 1920s and 1940s. I recommend this book to anyone who likes historical fiction.
This story could easily mirror aspects of my family’s story. This is a great love story with lots of fun, humor, and charming old Irish sayings. The author sheds light on the discrimination, especially of women, the Irish, and blacks, and the struggles of the depression, families endured between the 1920s and 1940s. I recommend this book to anyone who likes historical fiction.
September 24, 2024
Great book! I really enjoyed the complex story told within these pages. I enjoyed how the author used the perspectives of both Bob and Kate. Allowing the reader to view things from each perspective. That being said the transitions were very fluid and I could easily understand when each person was talking which in my experience is not an easy feat to accomplish. There are many life lessons to be learned from reading this book. It could easily be made into a high school paper assignment lol! Also the title is very fitting the metaphors the author used made this from a 4 to a 5 star read for me.
Overall great read. I would recommend it for people looking for a more historical love story along with some connotations about the feminist movement of the early 1900s.
Overall great read. I would recommend it for people looking for a more historical love story along with some connotations about the feminist movement of the early 1900s.
March 31, 2024
While life events delayed me from reading this book when originally intended, once I finally picked it up, I couldn't put it down. Extremely well written and engaging thru out. Can easily see this becoming a movie. Held complete attention entirely. A great read !
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 3, 2024
Susan E. Sage’s *Dancing In The Ring* masterfully transports readers to 1920s Detroit, a city brimming with hope, resilience, and the vibrant spirit of its people. Against the backdrop of speakeasies, dance halls, and the legal fight for social justice, Sage introduces readers to Catherine McIntosh and Robert Sage, two passionate law students who navigate the highs and lows of love and life during one of America’s most dynamic decades.
Catherine, a woman ahead of her time, is a standout character. Coming from a humble background in Detroit's Corktown neighborhood, she defies societal norms by becoming one of the first women in the city to earn a law degree. Her journey is one of tenacity and resilience, making her a role model in a male-dominated profession. On the other hand, Bob, her "battling barrister" husband, boxes to pay his way through law school. With connections spanning from legal elites to members of the infamous Purple Gang, Bob’s gritty personality and fierce sense of justice make him both charismatic and deeply complex.
Sage excels in painting a vivid portrait of the era. The novel captures Detroit at its most vibrant—the excitement of the post-war boom, the fervor for social change, and the allure of forbidden speakeasies. Catherine and Bob's love story unfolds in the midst of this energy, becoming both legendary and tumultuous. Their shared commitment to social justice adds depth to their relationship, making them not just partners in love but also in the legal fight for equality. Yet, as passionate as their relationship is, it is far from perfect.
The strength of the book lies not only in its historical accuracy but also in its emotional richness. Sage explores themes of love, ambition, and resilience against the backdrop of the economic collapse, shedding light on how external events shape and sometimes unravel even the strongest of bonds. As Catherine and Bob are forced to confront personal and financial hardships, their love is tested, making for a compelling and realistic portrayal of a marriage impacted by the pressures of the time.
Catherine, a woman ahead of her time, is a standout character. Coming from a humble background in Detroit's Corktown neighborhood, she defies societal norms by becoming one of the first women in the city to earn a law degree. Her journey is one of tenacity and resilience, making her a role model in a male-dominated profession. On the other hand, Bob, her "battling barrister" husband, boxes to pay his way through law school. With connections spanning from legal elites to members of the infamous Purple Gang, Bob’s gritty personality and fierce sense of justice make him both charismatic and deeply complex.
Sage excels in painting a vivid portrait of the era. The novel captures Detroit at its most vibrant—the excitement of the post-war boom, the fervor for social change, and the allure of forbidden speakeasies. Catherine and Bob's love story unfolds in the midst of this energy, becoming both legendary and tumultuous. Their shared commitment to social justice adds depth to their relationship, making them not just partners in love but also in the legal fight for equality. Yet, as passionate as their relationship is, it is far from perfect.
The strength of the book lies not only in its historical accuracy but also in its emotional richness. Sage explores themes of love, ambition, and resilience against the backdrop of the economic collapse, shedding light on how external events shape and sometimes unravel even the strongest of bonds. As Catherine and Bob are forced to confront personal and financial hardships, their love is tested, making for a compelling and realistic portrayal of a marriage impacted by the pressures of the time.
September 27, 2023
Detroit 1920 – the Great War and the influenza pandemic are over and people are looking towards a better future. Catherine Macintosh and Robert Sage are law students in their final year. Robert is a charming, exuberant, up-and-coming boxer. Catherine, one of the first women in Detroit to become a lawyer, is beautiful, intelligent and strong minded.
Both are from extended working-class families of Irish Catholic background and, like so many of their time, they have experienced the loss of siblings through disease, war and accident. As well, Catherine has witnessed the rancour and violence of her parents’ marriage. Yet, despite everything, Robert and Catherine have a burning desire to change the world for the better.
Using the points of view of both Catherine and Robert, Dancing in the Ring follows their lives from their initial volatile courtship and through their marriage and legal work to the 1940s – a difficult period of rapid change from the vibrant hedonistic 1920s to the grim 1930s. Detroit is brought vividly to life as Susan Sage deftly weaves in the history of the period and the character of the city, with its clubs, speakeasies and criminal underbelly, as well as the later unemployment, labour struggles and soup kitchens . The attitudes of the period are starkly shown – the discrimination, misogyny and racism – with the sometimes dire effects on those at the receiving end. The novel is a poignant social commentary wrapped around real lives. The characterization, particularly of Catherine and Robert is realistic and unflinching, their lives shown with all their human flaws.
Dancing in the Ring is firmly based on the lives of Susan Sage’s own great aunt and uncle and is a work that honours their lives, showing that despite their flaws and their self-doubts, people can make a difference in the lives of others.
Both are from extended working-class families of Irish Catholic background and, like so many of their time, they have experienced the loss of siblings through disease, war and accident. As well, Catherine has witnessed the rancour and violence of her parents’ marriage. Yet, despite everything, Robert and Catherine have a burning desire to change the world for the better.
Using the points of view of both Catherine and Robert, Dancing in the Ring follows their lives from their initial volatile courtship and through their marriage and legal work to the 1940s – a difficult period of rapid change from the vibrant hedonistic 1920s to the grim 1930s. Detroit is brought vividly to life as Susan Sage deftly weaves in the history of the period and the character of the city, with its clubs, speakeasies and criminal underbelly, as well as the later unemployment, labour struggles and soup kitchens . The attitudes of the period are starkly shown – the discrimination, misogyny and racism – with the sometimes dire effects on those at the receiving end. The novel is a poignant social commentary wrapped around real lives. The characterization, particularly of Catherine and Robert is realistic and unflinching, their lives shown with all their human flaws.
Dancing in the Ring is firmly based on the lives of Susan Sage’s own great aunt and uncle and is a work that honours their lives, showing that despite their flaws and their self-doubts, people can make a difference in the lives of others.
November 8, 2023
Dancing in the Ring was a difficult novel for me to complete. While I do think that there was potential in the story, the main characters were extremely unlikable, the story was disjointed, and I feel like the author tried to tackle too many issues such that they did none of them justice. I did not experience this as a cohesive story. There were places where there was attempted foreshadowing with either no follow through or a thread was picked up in a rushed and incomplete manner. I really wanted to like this book, but it just wasn’t for me.
Thank you to BookSirens, Black Rose writing, and Susan E. Sage for this ARC digital copy.
Thank you to BookSirens, Black Rose writing, and Susan E. Sage for this ARC digital copy.
July 18, 2024
Spoilers: Susan E. Sage’s novel, Dancing in the Ring, tells the fictionalized account of her great Uncle and Aunt, Bob and Catherine McIntosh Sage with honesty, beauty, humor, tragedy, and thankfully without rose tinted nostalgia. She brings her ancestors to life recalling both the good and the bad of their passionate, eventful, and sometimes troubled marriage.
Catherine McIntosh is a bright ambitious law student in 1920’s Detroit ready to become a lawyer even though there are very few women attorneys. In 1922, she met Bob “The Battling Barrister” Sage, a fellow law student and professional boxer. Bob is smitten at first sight by the feisty brainy Irish-American beauty. She does not reciprocate at first but ultimately is won over. The two formed a relationship despite conflicts within their family and pressures at school and work.
Most of the book is set after their marriage in 1925 and recounts their good and bad times.
This is a thorough meticulous book with two full, rich, engaging, and captivating characters. Catherine is an independent career woman who in the 1920’s wasn't interested in marriage or starting a family. She saw stifling often violent marriages with her parents and sisters and has good reason to withdraw from the role that her family expects her to play.
Catherine has a developed sense of fairness and justice such as when she defends her friend Grace, an African-American lawyer when she is faced with discrimination. During her legal career, she helps poor women and unwed mothers.
Bob is interested in his legal practice but also has other interests that take up his time. He failed the bar three times before finally passing. For a time he is more interested in the battles in the boxing ring than in the courtroom. His boxing career is successful until he starts aging out and he instead focuses on the law. Either way, he is a fighter and learned from personal experience.
Like Catherine he is shaped by his environment. His father and some siblings, including his twin brother, died so he is used to being on his own. That fighting spirit is an asset in his life and career as he helps his clients and bonds with troubled youths and particularly his nephew.
With two people that are both independent, bad tempered, and possess fighting spirits, there are bound to be troubles within their marriage. Sage does not shy away from describing her Great Aunt and Uncle's darker nature. Their marriage has many positive moments. They work together to create their own law practice, Sage & Sage. They attend dances, speakeasies, and social gatherings. They go to romantic spots and dance to standard music. Even though they don't have children, they have a wide circle of friends and family and are surrogate parents to Bob’s nephew, Bobby Gene. The book splashes with details about their lives in the 20’s and 30’s.
Unfortunately, for every pleasant moment there are just as many unhappy ones. It would be tempting for Sage to be nostalgic and gloss over Bob and Catherine’s problems. It can be hard to write a family history and acknowledge the bad parts within their family and to see their relatives as real people and those long ago times with a more critical view. Sage however faces these darker dimensions head on and does it in a way that is both beautiful and tragic.
The elder Sage's marriage was rocked by infidelity, alcoholism, miscarriages, and at times abuse. Their fights are harrowing as they use their words and sometimes hands and objects to make their points. The Great Depression takes a huge toll as their law firm closes. Catherine is denied employment because she is a woman and Bob’s boxing career ends just as his law one does. The stress of outside events and their own mercurial natures turn on them in frightening ways that results in separation.
There is a sense of fatalism that resonates throughout the book mostly revealed through dreams and visions. Since Bob and Catherine come from Irish-American families, they are attuned to the Irish beliefs in the mystical, second sight, and extra sensory perception. Catherine's grandmother and Bob’s mother make predictions that are later found to be true. Some of the more frightening passages occur when Bob and Catherine have dreams. Catherine dreams that she is surrounded by fire and Bob sees visions of himself standing over three men that he might have killed.
The dreams are constant threads that carry throughout the book and build to a climax that suggests that the Sage's fates were sealed long ago. Their lives had both triumph and tragedy, laughs and tears, joyful and angry moments. They might have avoided those endings that they saw by not meeting or getting married or living their lives the way that they did. However after getting to know Bob and Catherine Sage, the Reader knows not only that they couldn't have but that they wouldn't want to. They lived their lives with passion, commitment, independence, strength, and honesty. They wouldn't have had it any other way.
Catherine McIntosh is a bright ambitious law student in 1920’s Detroit ready to become a lawyer even though there are very few women attorneys. In 1922, she met Bob “The Battling Barrister” Sage, a fellow law student and professional boxer. Bob is smitten at first sight by the feisty brainy Irish-American beauty. She does not reciprocate at first but ultimately is won over. The two formed a relationship despite conflicts within their family and pressures at school and work.
Most of the book is set after their marriage in 1925 and recounts their good and bad times.
This is a thorough meticulous book with two full, rich, engaging, and captivating characters. Catherine is an independent career woman who in the 1920’s wasn't interested in marriage or starting a family. She saw stifling often violent marriages with her parents and sisters and has good reason to withdraw from the role that her family expects her to play.
Catherine has a developed sense of fairness and justice such as when she defends her friend Grace, an African-American lawyer when she is faced with discrimination. During her legal career, she helps poor women and unwed mothers.
Bob is interested in his legal practice but also has other interests that take up his time. He failed the bar three times before finally passing. For a time he is more interested in the battles in the boxing ring than in the courtroom. His boxing career is successful until he starts aging out and he instead focuses on the law. Either way, he is a fighter and learned from personal experience.
Like Catherine he is shaped by his environment. His father and some siblings, including his twin brother, died so he is used to being on his own. That fighting spirit is an asset in his life and career as he helps his clients and bonds with troubled youths and particularly his nephew.
With two people that are both independent, bad tempered, and possess fighting spirits, there are bound to be troubles within their marriage. Sage does not shy away from describing her Great Aunt and Uncle's darker nature. Their marriage has many positive moments. They work together to create their own law practice, Sage & Sage. They attend dances, speakeasies, and social gatherings. They go to romantic spots and dance to standard music. Even though they don't have children, they have a wide circle of friends and family and are surrogate parents to Bob’s nephew, Bobby Gene. The book splashes with details about their lives in the 20’s and 30’s.
Unfortunately, for every pleasant moment there are just as many unhappy ones. It would be tempting for Sage to be nostalgic and gloss over Bob and Catherine’s problems. It can be hard to write a family history and acknowledge the bad parts within their family and to see their relatives as real people and those long ago times with a more critical view. Sage however faces these darker dimensions head on and does it in a way that is both beautiful and tragic.
The elder Sage's marriage was rocked by infidelity, alcoholism, miscarriages, and at times abuse. Their fights are harrowing as they use their words and sometimes hands and objects to make their points. The Great Depression takes a huge toll as their law firm closes. Catherine is denied employment because she is a woman and Bob’s boxing career ends just as his law one does. The stress of outside events and their own mercurial natures turn on them in frightening ways that results in separation.
There is a sense of fatalism that resonates throughout the book mostly revealed through dreams and visions. Since Bob and Catherine come from Irish-American families, they are attuned to the Irish beliefs in the mystical, second sight, and extra sensory perception. Catherine's grandmother and Bob’s mother make predictions that are later found to be true. Some of the more frightening passages occur when Bob and Catherine have dreams. Catherine dreams that she is surrounded by fire and Bob sees visions of himself standing over three men that he might have killed.
The dreams are constant threads that carry throughout the book and build to a climax that suggests that the Sage's fates were sealed long ago. Their lives had both triumph and tragedy, laughs and tears, joyful and angry moments. They might have avoided those endings that they saw by not meeting or getting married or living their lives the way that they did. However after getting to know Bob and Catherine Sage, the Reader knows not only that they couldn't have but that they wouldn't want to. They lived their lives with passion, commitment, independence, strength, and honesty. They wouldn't have had it any other way.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 25, 2023
As I read author Susan E. Sage’s preface to her novel Dancing in the Ring, I began to think I had an idea of the story that awaited me. She had transformed the “passionate, yet tragic” relationship of her great-uncle and great-aunt, Bob Sage and Catherine McIntosh, into a work of historical fiction. Then, when I read the two brooding, portentous epigraphs from W. B. Yeats and F. Scott Fitzgerald on the next page, I believed I was prepared. But I wasn’t even close.
Bob and Catherine’s first meeting when they’re both in law school unfolds with a strong sense of destiny about it. These two young people, whether suited for each other or not, were fated to be together. And they were fated to meet when they did. It’s the Roaring Twenties and Prohibition is in full swing. Sage has her work cut out for her, recreating the 1920s for the modern reader, and she brings it off perfectly, giving us the true flavor of the times. The book is so rich in historical detail, with Sage vividly describing the smells, sights and sounds, the streetcars, the speakeasies and stores, the fashions in clothing and dance, the cocktails and cigarettes. She sprinkles the characters’ dialogue with the popular slang of that era. There’s poverty, crime and oppression, but with all that, there’s nevertheless an undeniable glamour. There’s also plenty of illegal alcohol to drink. Against this swirling, tumultuous backdrop, Bob and Catherine meet, and Bob, a locally famous boxer, overcomes Catherine’s initial resistance to his pursuit. They marry. Because that’s how it’s fated to be.
The historical record for Catherine is far skimpier than that for Bob, which means Sage must draw from her imaginings of her great-aunt’s thoughts and feelings in order to flesh out her character. The result is a woman whose flaws are deeply believable, and more than a match for her husband’s. As I read, witnessing the painful deterioration of their marriage—the liquor, the fighting, the abuses—I had the sense of nerving myself for something terrible about to happen, but I couldn’t look away. The stock market’s crash in 1929 mirrored the crash of their tempestuous relationship. Even so, I was not prepared for the final act, which provides a shock of almost Shakespearean proportions. It’s all the more astonishing because it’s drawn from fact.
After that ending, I was glad to have the author’s Epilogue and the End Notes to read. Both shed more light on the turbulent passion of Bob and Catherine, and, equally as important, helped to ease my transition back into the present from a headlong plunge into the Roaring Twenties. But since closing the book, I find I can’t put the lovers’ tragic story out of my mind. Susan E. Sage’s novel has done marvelous justice to Bob and Catherine. Dancing in the Ring is unforgettable.
Bob and Catherine’s first meeting when they’re both in law school unfolds with a strong sense of destiny about it. These two young people, whether suited for each other or not, were fated to be together. And they were fated to meet when they did. It’s the Roaring Twenties and Prohibition is in full swing. Sage has her work cut out for her, recreating the 1920s for the modern reader, and she brings it off perfectly, giving us the true flavor of the times. The book is so rich in historical detail, with Sage vividly describing the smells, sights and sounds, the streetcars, the speakeasies and stores, the fashions in clothing and dance, the cocktails and cigarettes. She sprinkles the characters’ dialogue with the popular slang of that era. There’s poverty, crime and oppression, but with all that, there’s nevertheless an undeniable glamour. There’s also plenty of illegal alcohol to drink. Against this swirling, tumultuous backdrop, Bob and Catherine meet, and Bob, a locally famous boxer, overcomes Catherine’s initial resistance to his pursuit. They marry. Because that’s how it’s fated to be.
The historical record for Catherine is far skimpier than that for Bob, which means Sage must draw from her imaginings of her great-aunt’s thoughts and feelings in order to flesh out her character. The result is a woman whose flaws are deeply believable, and more than a match for her husband’s. As I read, witnessing the painful deterioration of their marriage—the liquor, the fighting, the abuses—I had the sense of nerving myself for something terrible about to happen, but I couldn’t look away. The stock market’s crash in 1929 mirrored the crash of their tempestuous relationship. Even so, I was not prepared for the final act, which provides a shock of almost Shakespearean proportions. It’s all the more astonishing because it’s drawn from fact.
After that ending, I was glad to have the author’s Epilogue and the End Notes to read. Both shed more light on the turbulent passion of Bob and Catherine, and, equally as important, helped to ease my transition back into the present from a headlong plunge into the Roaring Twenties. But since closing the book, I find I can’t put the lovers’ tragic story out of my mind. Susan E. Sage’s novel has done marvelous justice to Bob and Catherine. Dancing in the Ring is unforgettable.
July 15, 2024
Susan E. Sage writes a grand historical tale with Dancing in the Ring
Dancing in the Ring brings the reader back in time, 1920s Detroit to be exact. There is a reason they call that decade the roaring twenties. Flapper dancing was big during the decade. The reader gets introduced to Catherine and Robert, or Kate and Bob, who are both law students, and believe it or not to them, Detroit is liking being in Paris. I haven't read anything by this author before, and what a hidden gem. I enjoyed it so much, that I have now followed the author and look for more books to read. Kate comes from a poor family, so she knows how to make every penny count, and how to be creative to do the things she needs and wants to do. She has high hopes for herself, and I enjoyed how tenacious and outspoken she is. She is also the first woman in Detroit to get a Law degree. In the 1920's, it's not the era where women usually go out and get degrees, especially law degrees. So, definite kudos for Kate. Bob is another strong character, not just physically, but his personality as well. He enters the ring, boxing ring, to pay for college. And together, the chemistry is just magnetic, and they are quite the duo. They speak out for those who cannot, they get involved in the social issues of the time, and they dance. They dance as if they were the only ones in the room, and there is something to be said for kindred spirits, and the couple gets married. Susan E. Sage has built a wonderful world that brings the reader to 1920's, and even if you aren't old enough to have learned about it, or lived it, you can feel it in her writing. In 1929, everything changes, and when Stocks fall beyond their limits, and the economy is in turmoil, especially for those who pride themselves with their riches, suddenly lose them, feel there is nothing left to live for, others pull up their bootstraps, so to speak, and face The Great Depression head on. Susan E. Sage has a great imagination, and if feels like, at least to me, that there was some inspiration from family stories. I did not miss that Bob has the same last name as the author. Dancing in the Ring is one you'll want to read again, and again. Dancing in the Ring is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book also write a review.
Dancing in the Ring brings the reader back in time, 1920s Detroit to be exact. There is a reason they call that decade the roaring twenties. Flapper dancing was big during the decade. The reader gets introduced to Catherine and Robert, or Kate and Bob, who are both law students, and believe it or not to them, Detroit is liking being in Paris. I haven't read anything by this author before, and what a hidden gem. I enjoyed it so much, that I have now followed the author and look for more books to read. Kate comes from a poor family, so she knows how to make every penny count, and how to be creative to do the things she needs and wants to do. She has high hopes for herself, and I enjoyed how tenacious and outspoken she is. She is also the first woman in Detroit to get a Law degree. In the 1920's, it's not the era where women usually go out and get degrees, especially law degrees. So, definite kudos for Kate. Bob is another strong character, not just physically, but his personality as well. He enters the ring, boxing ring, to pay for college. And together, the chemistry is just magnetic, and they are quite the duo. They speak out for those who cannot, they get involved in the social issues of the time, and they dance. They dance as if they were the only ones in the room, and there is something to be said for kindred spirits, and the couple gets married. Susan E. Sage has built a wonderful world that brings the reader to 1920's, and even if you aren't old enough to have learned about it, or lived it, you can feel it in her writing. In 1929, everything changes, and when Stocks fall beyond their limits, and the economy is in turmoil, especially for those who pride themselves with their riches, suddenly lose them, feel there is nothing left to live for, others pull up their bootstraps, so to speak, and face The Great Depression head on. Susan E. Sage has a great imagination, and if feels like, at least to me, that there was some inspiration from family stories. I did not miss that Bob has the same last name as the author. Dancing in the Ring is one you'll want to read again, and again. Dancing in the Ring is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book also write a review.
July 14, 2024
Dancing in the Ring, by Susan E. Sage, is a captivating historical fiction novel that draws inspiration from the true story of the author's great aunt and uncle. Sage skillfully fills in the gaps of historical records with imaginative fiction, creating a rich tapestry that merges the gritty world of 1920s and 30s Detroit with an intimate family saga. Her meticulous research and vivid storytelling vividly bring this era to life, highlighting the economic struggles and societal challenges of the Great Depression while delving into the multifaceted lives of her characters. The protagonist, Catherine McIntosh, is a bright and determined young woman with aspirations in the legal field. Unwilling to conform to the traditional roles of wife and mother, she falls for the charismatic Bob Sage, who is funding his law school education through boxing winnings.
Sage's strength as a writer shines through in her character development. Writing about real people, she portrays them with authentic flaws, making them deeply intriguing and relatable. Catherine's ambition and sharp intellect are counterbalanced by her inner turmoil, while Robert's caring and passionate nature is often marred by his volatile temper. Their relationship is a rollercoaster as they chase their careers and indulge in the excesses of the 1920s, only to confront the harsh realities of the Depression.
This book is not just a love story about two imperfectly perfect individuals; it also serves as a poignant social commentary on the lives of women during that era. Sage addresses issues such as employment and education discrimination, birth control, financial independence, and gender double standards. Her thorough research also allows her to explore the prevalent racial discrimination against black people and the persecution of the LGBTQ+ community during that time.
Dancing in the Ring is a masterfully written novel that offers both an engaging narrative and a thoughtful exploration of the societal issues of the early 20th century. Sage's ability to intertwine historical context with deeply personal stories makes this book a must-read for fans of historical fiction and anyone interested in the complexities of human relationships and social justice.
Sage's strength as a writer shines through in her character development. Writing about real people, she portrays them with authentic flaws, making them deeply intriguing and relatable. Catherine's ambition and sharp intellect are counterbalanced by her inner turmoil, while Robert's caring and passionate nature is often marred by his volatile temper. Their relationship is a rollercoaster as they chase their careers and indulge in the excesses of the 1920s, only to confront the harsh realities of the Depression.
This book is not just a love story about two imperfectly perfect individuals; it also serves as a poignant social commentary on the lives of women during that era. Sage addresses issues such as employment and education discrimination, birth control, financial independence, and gender double standards. Her thorough research also allows her to explore the prevalent racial discrimination against black people and the persecution of the LGBTQ+ community during that time.
Dancing in the Ring is a masterfully written novel that offers both an engaging narrative and a thoughtful exploration of the societal issues of the early 20th century. Sage's ability to intertwine historical context with deeply personal stories makes this book a must-read for fans of historical fiction and anyone interested in the complexities of human relationships and social justice.
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