What do you think?
Rate this book
The Last Days of the Romanov Dancers
Petrograd, 1914. A country on a knife edge. The story of two people caught in the middle – with everything to lose…
A stunning debut from a talented new Australian voice in historical fiction.
A stunning debut from a talented new Australian voice in historical fiction.
Valentina Yershova's position in the Romanov's Imperial Russian Ballet is the only thing that keeps her from the clutches of poverty. With implacable determination, she has clawed her way through the ranks to soloist, utilising not only her talent, but her alliances with influential rich men that grants them her body, but never her heart. When Luka Zhirkov – the gifted son of a factory worker – joins the company, her passion for ballet and love is rekindled, putting at risk everything that she has built.
For Luka, being accepted into the company fulfils a lifelong dream. But in the eyes of his proletariat father, it makes him a traitor. As war tightens its grip and the country starves, Luka is increasingly burdened with guilt about their lavish lifestyles.
While Luka and Valentina's secret connection grows, the country rockets toward a revolution that will decide the fate of every dancer.
For the Imperial Russian Ballet has become the ultimate symbol of Romanov indulgence, and soon the lovers are forced to choose: their country, their art or each other…
A powerful novel of class turmoil, passion and just how much two people will sacrifice…
320 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2019
57 people are currently reading
2035 people want to read
About the author
Kerri Turner
4 books80 followersKerri Turner is an Australian author of historical fiction. Her books and short stories focus on female roles throughout history that have been largely overlooked or forgotten, and often include elements of the performing arts.
Her first book, The Last Days of the Romanov Dancers was released in 2019, followed by The Daughter of Victory Lights in 2020. Her short stories have appeared in several national and international publications, and she has been a speaker for such diverse events as International Women’s Day and the Heroine’s Festival. With a Diploma of Publishing and an Associate Degree (Dance), she splits her time between writing, and teaching ballet and tap dancing to seniors.
Her first book, The Last Days of the Romanov Dancers was released in 2019, followed by The Daughter of Victory Lights in 2020. Her short stories have appeared in several national and international publications, and she has been a speaker for such diverse events as International Women’s Day and the Heroine’s Festival. With a Diploma of Publishing and an Associate Degree (Dance), she splits her time between writing, and teaching ballet and tap dancing to seniors.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
January 19, 2019
This is the type of book I wish I could read all the time. Set against the backdrop of pre-revolution Russia, we get a look into the privileged lives of the dancers of the Tsars Imperial Ballet. Concentrating on famed soloist Valentina and up and coming corps dancer Luka, and their illicit love affair, we move from rehearsals, to performances and then to the dancers private downtime. Yet their affair seems to be doomed, as Valentina has a protector, Maxim, a man who has paid for her lifestyle, and his job is to move her forward in the company, in exchange for sole use of her body. As Luka urges Valentina to leave Maxim, the revolution hits, and suddenly not only the exclusive existence of the dancers is in danger, but their lives as well.
This book had everything. Star-crossed lovers, a well researched history, and a realistic look into the lives of the rich and famous in war torn Russia. Kerri Turner's novel is extraordinary, her love of dance shining through. I can't give this book enough accolades, it is one I'll return to again and again. Now, I'm off to buy tickets to the ballet...
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book had everything. Star-crossed lovers, a well researched history, and a realistic look into the lives of the rich and famous in war torn Russia. Kerri Turner's novel is extraordinary, her love of dance shining through. I can't give this book enough accolades, it is one I'll return to again and again. Now, I'm off to buy tickets to the ballet...
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 23, 2018
It was 1914 in Petrograd and Luka Zhirkov was nervous as he walked into the rehearsal room. His lifelong dream had always been to dance. Now he’d been given the chance to dance with Romanov’s Imperial Russian Ballet and he knew that he could go far if he was accepted. His awe at the beauty and talent of Valentina Yershova when he first saw her was such that his desire to dance as her partner one day was foremost in his mind.
Valentina was one of the many who had a protector – a man who would own all but her heart. As Luka’s talent grew and his contract was renewed, so too did his admiration for Valentina grow. But they both knew it was a useless fantasy – Maxim would never let her go; in fact, he could ruin Luka’s career quite easily. Luka was also burdened with guilt over his role in the war that had invaded Russia – his brother had gone to fight for his country; his father was proud of his soldier son, and ashamed of the son who danced while the country suffered.
Poverty and starvation were rife through the streets of Petrograd and when the revolution took hold, the danger was there for all to see. What would be the outcome for the members of the Imperial Ballet and all its dancers? And would Luka and Valentina ever know happiness?
The Last of the Romanov Dancers is the debut novel by Aussie author Kerri Turner, and it was an exceptional read in my opinion. Based on many facts – as told at the end of the novel – I found it to be a poignant, heartbreaking and intriguing historical novel which I thoroughly enjoyed. Well researched, the lives of the characters in war torn Russia were chaotic and filled with envy, jealousies and hate. But above all, their love of the dance shone through. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Valentina was one of the many who had a protector – a man who would own all but her heart. As Luka’s talent grew and his contract was renewed, so too did his admiration for Valentina grow. But they both knew it was a useless fantasy – Maxim would never let her go; in fact, he could ruin Luka’s career quite easily. Luka was also burdened with guilt over his role in the war that had invaded Russia – his brother had gone to fight for his country; his father was proud of his soldier son, and ashamed of the son who danced while the country suffered.
Poverty and starvation were rife through the streets of Petrograd and when the revolution took hold, the danger was there for all to see. What would be the outcome for the members of the Imperial Ballet and all its dancers? And would Luka and Valentina ever know happiness?
The Last of the Romanov Dancers is the debut novel by Aussie author Kerri Turner, and it was an exceptional read in my opinion. Based on many facts – as told at the end of the novel – I found it to be a poignant, heartbreaking and intriguing historical novel which I thoroughly enjoyed. Well researched, the lives of the characters in war torn Russia were chaotic and filled with envy, jealousies and hate. But above all, their love of the dance shone through. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
July 5, 2019
*www.onewomansbbr.wordpress.com
*www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr
The Last Days of the Romanov Dancers by Kerri Turner. (2019).
Valentina has escaped poverty by being a dancer in the Romanovs' Imperial Russian Ballet. She has clawed her way through the ranks with not just her talent, but her alliances with influential men that grant them her body but not her heart. Then Luka, a factory worker's son, joins the company and everything she has built is put at risk.
In the eyes of his father, Luka is a traitor for joining the company instead of going to war. As civil war tightens its grip and people are starving, Luka is torn between his growing connection to Valentina and his guilt for their lavish lifestyle. The ballet has become the ultimate symbol of Romanov indulgence and the lovers will need to choose between their country, their art and each other.
I've always been quite interested in the era of the Romanov downfall so when I saw this book involved that plus the exquisite art of ballet I was very intrigued. It didn't disappoint and I quite enjoyed this book. Luka's character development was done really well I thought; at the beginning he was a likeable but slightly naive young man and by the end he had grown through his experiences. I liked Valentina and respected the choices she made given her circumstances. I appreciated the small tidbits and tastes of what life was like in this time period (the brief description of contraceptives used by women was certainly eye-opening!). I do think perhaps a glossary of some terms used in the book would have been helpful for me (the dance terms, and French/Russian terms etc) but a quick Google helped me out a few times haha.
Overall: a very enjoyable, well-researched tale of the growing love between two dancers in a time where ballet was to the working class like a red flag to a bull. A fantastic debut for this author, I look forward to her next literary offering.
*www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr
The Last Days of the Romanov Dancers by Kerri Turner. (2019).
Valentina has escaped poverty by being a dancer in the Romanovs' Imperial Russian Ballet. She has clawed her way through the ranks with not just her talent, but her alliances with influential men that grant them her body but not her heart. Then Luka, a factory worker's son, joins the company and everything she has built is put at risk.
In the eyes of his father, Luka is a traitor for joining the company instead of going to war. As civil war tightens its grip and people are starving, Luka is torn between his growing connection to Valentina and his guilt for their lavish lifestyle. The ballet has become the ultimate symbol of Romanov indulgence and the lovers will need to choose between their country, their art and each other.
I've always been quite interested in the era of the Romanov downfall so when I saw this book involved that plus the exquisite art of ballet I was very intrigued. It didn't disappoint and I quite enjoyed this book. Luka's character development was done really well I thought; at the beginning he was a likeable but slightly naive young man and by the end he had grown through his experiences. I liked Valentina and respected the choices she made given her circumstances. I appreciated the small tidbits and tastes of what life was like in this time period (the brief description of contraceptives used by women was certainly eye-opening!). I do think perhaps a glossary of some terms used in the book would have been helpful for me (the dance terms, and French/Russian terms etc) but a quick Google helped me out a few times haha.
Overall: a very enjoyable, well-researched tale of the growing love between two dancers in a time where ballet was to the working class like a red flag to a bull. A fantastic debut for this author, I look forward to her next literary offering.
January 12, 2021
This book really fell quite flat for me. I enjoyed the historical fact part of it, but it was way to heavy with the ballet detail and to me this detracted from the plot itself.
Set in 1914 in Russia, it details the influence that Rasputin had and the fall out on the Imperial family after his death. A lot of the book is focussed on members of the Russian Imperial ballet and how the female soloist's pretty much prostitute themselves to have 'protectors' that will finance their lifestyle in exchange for the privilege of having the soloist to themselves.
I really found it hard to like Valentina one of the central characters and could not understand why Luka was attracted to her.
Interesting but failing to engage. I feel quite unable to recommend the book unless it is to someone with a very intimate understanding of ballet.
Set in 1914 in Russia, it details the influence that Rasputin had and the fall out on the Imperial family after his death. A lot of the book is focussed on members of the Russian Imperial ballet and how the female soloist's pretty much prostitute themselves to have 'protectors' that will finance their lifestyle in exchange for the privilege of having the soloist to themselves.
I really found it hard to like Valentina one of the central characters and could not understand why Luka was attracted to her.
Interesting but failing to engage. I feel quite unable to recommend the book unless it is to someone with a very intimate understanding of ballet.
May 19, 2019
This was quite a fascinating book for me; set, as the title suggests, in Russia just before the Tsarist family, the Romanovs fell and the country succumbed to internal strife and revolution. Mostly set between between 1914 and 1917, the story goes between the two viewpoints of dancers in the Imperial Russian Ballet.
Valentina Yershova is one of the prime ballerinas in the troupe, she is not at the top yet but she is working toward it. Coming from a poor background, she would never have made it as far as she has without having a 'protector' a man who helps advance her career, pays for an opulent life style that she could not otherwise afford and who introduces her to the right people to advance her career. Valentina is a good ballerina, but her passion for dance is evenly matched by her determination to make something of her life. Surrounded by the ridiculous opulence and careless lifestyle of the great, she daily walks on a knife's edge to maintain and advance her status.
Luka Zhirkov has just graduated from the Imperial Ballet School to the Russian Ballet, he has the true immersive dedication to ballet that you would expect from someone who has castoff his laborers family background and dedicated everything to ballet. His viewpoint is refreshing in comparison to Valentina's because he sees the wrongs committed by the upper echelon and the social discrepancies that she is blind to. Where she is desperate to advance, he is desperate to dance and modestly grateful for the comparative luxuries that his position in the ballet grants him.
The two, as might be expected, fall in love, but Valentina has her protector and the Ballet itself is on the verge of crumbling with the Romanov family that are it's patrons. The relationship is secret and anything but smooth.
I really enjoyed this story, I have not read much set in Russia so that was fresh and interesting. The dedication and detail of the culture, the historical setting, small details of table settings... All of those details made it a rich, lush reading experience. The way the Ballet stood between the upper echelon of society and the way Luka and Valentina tied in the commoners gave the reader a great sense of the place and times.
In fact, to be honest I loved the place and the times so much I was a little impatient with our leading pair as lovers. While I could completely see the two of them falling in love, and certainly in lust, I found it hard to reconcile the two as such passionate lovers that they were both willing to walk away from everything in their lives to pursue that relationship. They seemed too different and too disengaged from each other for the romance to really zing (at least for me).
However, that small detail really didn't matter, because other things were constantly grabbing my attention. My mother was into Ballet so I know a little about it, but only a little. I loved the descriptions of the Imperial Ballet, the small cruel accuracy of things like the foot injuries routinely suffered by the dancers The small details of their warm up regime.... All these things fascinated me. I wanted more; when Luka first joins he describes feeling an outsider as he observed the camaraderie between established dancers. I wanted to read more bout him establishing his own contacts, his own camaraderie.
The way the story builds up the social background; of the war that decimated the young men of Russia, of the growing dissatisfaction with the elite, all those things made for a great story for lovers of historical fiction. And, really, Valentina and Luka do serve perfectly in their way to anchor the time and place. They give the reader a way to feel personally connected to the events from two very different perspectives, so they do well in that regard.
Now, no spoilers, we start the story off in 1917 with Luka waiting for Valentina to come to him so they can run away together, then we are immersed in 1914 and we leave that behind. The ending (which I will not disclose) was brilliant, just perfect for the book, perfect for the characters and completely tied off the story for me. Brilliant work Kerri Turner! A really good ending is something that one comes to increasingly value the more one reads. This one left me happy and sad, satisfied and thoughtful. I finished reading this book a few weeks ago and have read others in the meantime, but I am still thinking about this one!
Valentina Yershova is one of the prime ballerinas in the troupe, she is not at the top yet but she is working toward it. Coming from a poor background, she would never have made it as far as she has without having a 'protector' a man who helps advance her career, pays for an opulent life style that she could not otherwise afford and who introduces her to the right people to advance her career. Valentina is a good ballerina, but her passion for dance is evenly matched by her determination to make something of her life. Surrounded by the ridiculous opulence and careless lifestyle of the great, she daily walks on a knife's edge to maintain and advance her status.
Luka Zhirkov has just graduated from the Imperial Ballet School to the Russian Ballet, he has the true immersive dedication to ballet that you would expect from someone who has castoff his laborers family background and dedicated everything to ballet. His viewpoint is refreshing in comparison to Valentina's because he sees the wrongs committed by the upper echelon and the social discrepancies that she is blind to. Where she is desperate to advance, he is desperate to dance and modestly grateful for the comparative luxuries that his position in the ballet grants him.
The two, as might be expected, fall in love, but Valentina has her protector and the Ballet itself is on the verge of crumbling with the Romanov family that are it's patrons. The relationship is secret and anything but smooth.
I really enjoyed this story, I have not read much set in Russia so that was fresh and interesting. The dedication and detail of the culture, the historical setting, small details of table settings... All of those details made it a rich, lush reading experience. The way the Ballet stood between the upper echelon of society and the way Luka and Valentina tied in the commoners gave the reader a great sense of the place and times.
In fact, to be honest I loved the place and the times so much I was a little impatient with our leading pair as lovers. While I could completely see the two of them falling in love, and certainly in lust, I found it hard to reconcile the two as such passionate lovers that they were both willing to walk away from everything in their lives to pursue that relationship. They seemed too different and too disengaged from each other for the romance to really zing (at least for me).
However, that small detail really didn't matter, because other things were constantly grabbing my attention. My mother was into Ballet so I know a little about it, but only a little. I loved the descriptions of the Imperial Ballet, the small cruel accuracy of things like the foot injuries routinely suffered by the dancers The small details of their warm up regime.... All these things fascinated me. I wanted more; when Luka first joins he describes feeling an outsider as he observed the camaraderie between established dancers. I wanted to read more bout him establishing his own contacts, his own camaraderie.
The way the story builds up the social background; of the war that decimated the young men of Russia, of the growing dissatisfaction with the elite, all those things made for a great story for lovers of historical fiction. And, really, Valentina and Luka do serve perfectly in their way to anchor the time and place. They give the reader a way to feel personally connected to the events from two very different perspectives, so they do well in that regard.
Now, no spoilers, we start the story off in 1917 with Luka waiting for Valentina to come to him so they can run away together, then we are immersed in 1914 and we leave that behind. The ending (which I will not disclose) was brilliant, just perfect for the book, perfect for the characters and completely tied off the story for me. Brilliant work Kerri Turner! A really good ending is something that one comes to increasingly value the more one reads. This one left me happy and sad, satisfied and thoughtful. I finished reading this book a few weeks ago and have read others in the meantime, but I am still thinking about this one!
February 25, 2019
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
Ballet, Russia, revolution and a tragic love story defines the debut novel by Australian author Kerri Turner. With aspirations of becoming a ballerina and earning an Associate Degree in dance, Kerri Turner has channelled her passion for both ballet and historical fiction into her novel, The Last Days of the Romanov Dancers. This is a grand story, with history and romance both competing for your undivided attention.
The Last Days of the Romanov Dancers begins in a time of great change. The revolution and the war have come to Petrograd, but for two dancers of the Imperial Russian Ballet, it is business as usual. One of the company’s most revered dancers, Valentina Yershova, maintains her lucrative position in the ballet due to her talent and her benefactor. She is only a stone’s throw away from poverty. She has given her whole life to her career, and this includes her heart too. But when a young and talented male dancer, Luka Zhirkov, also from the same working class background as Valentina vows to love her completely, both their lives are put at risk. Luka has his own personal battles, his father does not have any faith in Luka’s career in the Imperial Russian Ballet. He would rather Luka follow in the footsteps of his brother, a soldier fighting on the front for his country. As the war continues to take its casualties, Luka’s must grapple with his guilt of not doing his part, along with his love for his art and Valentina. The Last Days of the Romanov Dancers is a tribute to revolutionary Russia, the last days of royal rule and the majestic art of ballet.
I consider myself to be a big fan of Russian historical fiction. My fascinating for Russian history peaked during the time where I immersed myself in the Bronze Horseman series by Paullina Simons (which is still my all time favourite set of books) back in 1998. This series has stayed with me many years later and I am constantly on the lookout for books that are able to capture the same time period and depth of feelings evoked by the great Tatiana and Alexander. When I cast my mind back, I have also had a long-standing personal fascination for anything Romanov related since my mother told me the sad story of the fate of Anastasia, her royal sisters and the Tsar and Tsarina as a 13 year old girl. Since my teens, I have continued to search for more literature around this time period and these royal figures. I am sure you get the impression that when I first set eyes on a copy of The Last Days of the Romanov Dancers I did a quite a book happy dance! I was keen to delve into the pages of this book as soon as I could.
Promising to be a historical fiction novel about the revolution, passion, art, sacrifice, country and love, I soon settled into Kerri Turner’s debut. Time and place stood still. I completely surrendered myself to the world Kerri Turner carefully recreated. Her research cannot be disputed. It is thorough and vivid, balancing key events and figures, all within an involving narrative.
I can’t say that I was too surprised to learn that the author, Kerri Turner, trained to be a ballerina from a young age. Turner’s passion for the art and her understanding of the techniques involved, the brilliant costumes, the feelings associated with performing, as well as the pressures on dancers was all captured perfectly. She extends this to her leads, Valentina and Luka, but also the other dancers in the company. I developed a particular fascination for Mathilde Kschessinska, a real life figure in the world of Russian ballet at the time. It actually enticed me to seek out more information and perhaps more literature on this figure.
Turner’s background in ballet and the research she has committed to bringing to the pages of her novel helped me to understand a little more about the art of ballet and systems that were in place in Petrograd during the revolution. I did not realise that there was an official Imperial Ballet and I wasn’t aware of the influence of the royal family over this company. I also learnt of Rasputin’s (a personal figure of fascination to me) mark on the company. Through The Last Days of the Romanov Dancers, I was drawn to the prominence of the Ballets Ruses and what securing a place in this company meant to a professional dancer.
Turner does an excellent job of painting a picture of the Russian revolution, the political tensions and the spectacular downfall of the Romanov dynasty. Although I have read about Russia before during these times, I found Turner’s depiction of this time to be insightful. She drew my attention to the stark contrast in wealth and class. The opulence that was a life for many and the utter despair for those of the working class.
‘The building where his father lived was indistinguishable from those around it. On the stairs, Luka had to step over children with bare feet. He could smell their dirty hair, skin and clothes, and held his breath as though that might prevent him from catching germs.’
What was most interesting about this aspect was the role in the benefactors and their influence over the lives of top level ballerinas. Valentina’s life would not be as comfortable financially if she did not have the support of her protector. It comes at a price though, which we learn through Valentina’s experiences. Valentina is forever a slave to her protector. Her heart cannot be taken by another, only her benefactor. This is where her troubles begin.
“I wasn’t talking about just any kind of man, Luka Vladimirovich. I was talking about protectors-you know, men who bestow money and gifts, and influence the rankings within the company in return for exclusive use of a dancer’s body and bed. Like Victor Dandre did for Anna Pavlova, or Diaghilev for Nijinksy. You didn’t think they became so famous based on talent alone, did you?”.
I definitely gave my all to Luka and Valentina. I wanted all the feels from their grand love story. I did feel my heart beat in places for them, but ultimately not as much as I had hoped. Turner works hard at her romance, pulling out all the stops and complications. It is definitely risqué and tragic.
‘There was a pause, then Valya’s hands were around the back of his neck and her mouth against his. The warmth of her lips, the sweetness of her breath, was so familiar, and Luka tried to pull her closer even though they were already pressed together. The two of them stood enter twinned, silent and trembling, unable to tell any longer where one of them stopped and the other began.’
I came to the realisation that The Last Days of the Romanov Dancers was much more than a tragic love story, rather, it is Luka’s journey. His love for Valentina and the experiences that arise for him, allows Luka to grow as a dancer and as a man. It widens his perspective, it makes him stronger and this clarity eventually allows him to fulfil his potential. I very much connected to Luka’s parting moments in the novel, it was poignant and perfectly realised.
The characters are rendered well, the setting perfectly realised, the ballet world brought to life and the narrative is tragic. The Last Days of the Romanov Dancers will be sure to leave a stain on your mind. With plenty to keep ballet lovers on their toes, romance readers enthralled and history lovers occupied, The Last Days of the Romanov Dancers allows the reader to take an unforgettable step back in time.
*I wish to thank HQ Fiction – AU for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
The Last Days of the Romanov Dancers is book #20 of the 2019 Australian Women Writers Challenge
Ballet, Russia, revolution and a tragic love story defines the debut novel by Australian author Kerri Turner. With aspirations of becoming a ballerina and earning an Associate Degree in dance, Kerri Turner has channelled her passion for both ballet and historical fiction into her novel, The Last Days of the Romanov Dancers. This is a grand story, with history and romance both competing for your undivided attention.
The Last Days of the Romanov Dancers begins in a time of great change. The revolution and the war have come to Petrograd, but for two dancers of the Imperial Russian Ballet, it is business as usual. One of the company’s most revered dancers, Valentina Yershova, maintains her lucrative position in the ballet due to her talent and her benefactor. She is only a stone’s throw away from poverty. She has given her whole life to her career, and this includes her heart too. But when a young and talented male dancer, Luka Zhirkov, also from the same working class background as Valentina vows to love her completely, both their lives are put at risk. Luka has his own personal battles, his father does not have any faith in Luka’s career in the Imperial Russian Ballet. He would rather Luka follow in the footsteps of his brother, a soldier fighting on the front for his country. As the war continues to take its casualties, Luka’s must grapple with his guilt of not doing his part, along with his love for his art and Valentina. The Last Days of the Romanov Dancers is a tribute to revolutionary Russia, the last days of royal rule and the majestic art of ballet.
I consider myself to be a big fan of Russian historical fiction. My fascinating for Russian history peaked during the time where I immersed myself in the Bronze Horseman series by Paullina Simons (which is still my all time favourite set of books) back in 1998. This series has stayed with me many years later and I am constantly on the lookout for books that are able to capture the same time period and depth of feelings evoked by the great Tatiana and Alexander. When I cast my mind back, I have also had a long-standing personal fascination for anything Romanov related since my mother told me the sad story of the fate of Anastasia, her royal sisters and the Tsar and Tsarina as a 13 year old girl. Since my teens, I have continued to search for more literature around this time period and these royal figures. I am sure you get the impression that when I first set eyes on a copy of The Last Days of the Romanov Dancers I did a quite a book happy dance! I was keen to delve into the pages of this book as soon as I could.
Promising to be a historical fiction novel about the revolution, passion, art, sacrifice, country and love, I soon settled into Kerri Turner’s debut. Time and place stood still. I completely surrendered myself to the world Kerri Turner carefully recreated. Her research cannot be disputed. It is thorough and vivid, balancing key events and figures, all within an involving narrative.
I can’t say that I was too surprised to learn that the author, Kerri Turner, trained to be a ballerina from a young age. Turner’s passion for the art and her understanding of the techniques involved, the brilliant costumes, the feelings associated with performing, as well as the pressures on dancers was all captured perfectly. She extends this to her leads, Valentina and Luka, but also the other dancers in the company. I developed a particular fascination for Mathilde Kschessinska, a real life figure in the world of Russian ballet at the time. It actually enticed me to seek out more information and perhaps more literature on this figure.
Turner’s background in ballet and the research she has committed to bringing to the pages of her novel helped me to understand a little more about the art of ballet and systems that were in place in Petrograd during the revolution. I did not realise that there was an official Imperial Ballet and I wasn’t aware of the influence of the royal family over this company. I also learnt of Rasputin’s (a personal figure of fascination to me) mark on the company. Through The Last Days of the Romanov Dancers, I was drawn to the prominence of the Ballets Ruses and what securing a place in this company meant to a professional dancer.
Turner does an excellent job of painting a picture of the Russian revolution, the political tensions and the spectacular downfall of the Romanov dynasty. Although I have read about Russia before during these times, I found Turner’s depiction of this time to be insightful. She drew my attention to the stark contrast in wealth and class. The opulence that was a life for many and the utter despair for those of the working class.
‘The building where his father lived was indistinguishable from those around it. On the stairs, Luka had to step over children with bare feet. He could smell their dirty hair, skin and clothes, and held his breath as though that might prevent him from catching germs.’
What was most interesting about this aspect was the role in the benefactors and their influence over the lives of top level ballerinas. Valentina’s life would not be as comfortable financially if she did not have the support of her protector. It comes at a price though, which we learn through Valentina’s experiences. Valentina is forever a slave to her protector. Her heart cannot be taken by another, only her benefactor. This is where her troubles begin.
“I wasn’t talking about just any kind of man, Luka Vladimirovich. I was talking about protectors-you know, men who bestow money and gifts, and influence the rankings within the company in return for exclusive use of a dancer’s body and bed. Like Victor Dandre did for Anna Pavlova, or Diaghilev for Nijinksy. You didn’t think they became so famous based on talent alone, did you?”.
I definitely gave my all to Luka and Valentina. I wanted all the feels from their grand love story. I did feel my heart beat in places for them, but ultimately not as much as I had hoped. Turner works hard at her romance, pulling out all the stops and complications. It is definitely risqué and tragic.
‘There was a pause, then Valya’s hands were around the back of his neck and her mouth against his. The warmth of her lips, the sweetness of her breath, was so familiar, and Luka tried to pull her closer even though they were already pressed together. The two of them stood enter twinned, silent and trembling, unable to tell any longer where one of them stopped and the other began.’
I came to the realisation that The Last Days of the Romanov Dancers was much more than a tragic love story, rather, it is Luka’s journey. His love for Valentina and the experiences that arise for him, allows Luka to grow as a dancer and as a man. It widens his perspective, it makes him stronger and this clarity eventually allows him to fulfil his potential. I very much connected to Luka’s parting moments in the novel, it was poignant and perfectly realised.
The characters are rendered well, the setting perfectly realised, the ballet world brought to life and the narrative is tragic. The Last Days of the Romanov Dancers will be sure to leave a stain on your mind. With plenty to keep ballet lovers on their toes, romance readers enthralled and history lovers occupied, The Last Days of the Romanov Dancers allows the reader to take an unforgettable step back in time.
*I wish to thank HQ Fiction – AU for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
The Last Days of the Romanov Dancers is book #20 of the 2019 Australian Women Writers Challenge
October 11, 2020
What a beautiful, emotional and thought provoking read!
Earlier this year I read and loved Kerri Turner's second novel The Daughter of Victory Lights. My love of historical fiction has really increased since then and I was excited to win a copy of The Last Days of the Romanov Dancers from Kerri herself.
Set in 1914 Petrograd, Russia, it is the story of Luka, a dancer who never in his wildest dreams imagined he would be part of Romanov's Imperial Russian Ballet. But here he is joining some of the best dancers in the country. He is now mingling with the rich and famous, a far cry from his beginning in the poor part of town. His brother has gone off to fight in the war and feel enormous guilt that he is living his best life instead. And then he falls in love with one of the solo dancers, Valentina but the affair is doomed.
I read this book in an afternoon and was completely lost in the world of pre revolution Russia. Thank you so much Kerri for the book and I look forward to what you have for us next
Earlier this year I read and loved Kerri Turner's second novel The Daughter of Victory Lights. My love of historical fiction has really increased since then and I was excited to win a copy of The Last Days of the Romanov Dancers from Kerri herself.
Set in 1914 Petrograd, Russia, it is the story of Luka, a dancer who never in his wildest dreams imagined he would be part of Romanov's Imperial Russian Ballet. But here he is joining some of the best dancers in the country. He is now mingling with the rich and famous, a far cry from his beginning in the poor part of town. His brother has gone off to fight in the war and feel enormous guilt that he is living his best life instead. And then he falls in love with one of the solo dancers, Valentina but the affair is doomed.
I read this book in an afternoon and was completely lost in the world of pre revolution Russia. Thank you so much Kerri for the book and I look forward to what you have for us next
January 18, 2019
4.5 stars
GRIPPING. MESMERISING. BEAUTIFUL.
Wow, what a debut! A magnificent and superb page-turner. The last 100 pages had me in tears but it was those final 30 pages that had me sobbing. The entire story though is divine.
For anyone interested in the lives of real life Russian figures, ballet, WWI and the revolution.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Harlequin Australia for providing me with a free copy of The Last Days of the Romanov Dancers for an honest review.
GRIPPING. MESMERISING. BEAUTIFUL.
Wow, what a debut! A magnificent and superb page-turner. The last 100 pages had me in tears but it was those final 30 pages that had me sobbing. The entire story though is divine.
For anyone interested in the lives of real life Russian figures, ballet, WWI and the revolution.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Harlequin Australia for providing me with a free copy of The Last Days of the Romanov Dancers for an honest review.
January 19, 2019
What a glorious cover this novel has! It caught my eye immediately and then the lure of history within the context of ballet and a revolution all sealed the deal for me. There were many elements present to make this story a great one but they didn’t quite all mesh together for me. The story itself was very much a surface tale, the romance between the two main characters overshadowing all else, and while I believe it was intended as a grand love story, there just wasn’t enough characterisation to pull this off and the way it all played out was predictable in the extreme. However, I do think my disappointment with this novel stems in part from a case of “it’s not you, it’s me”. For a start, I’m not a fan of romance. I don’t mind some romantic elements, secondary to the main plot, but where the romance is the plot, with no other forces driving the story, I lose interest. A grand love story is a different kettle of fish, but that’s not the same as romance and unfortunately, the two are often presented as one and the same. I approached this novel with an historical fiction lens, not a romance one, so that was my mistake, not the author’s. Secondly, this is the third novel I’ve read on the Romanovs and the Russian revolution. I haven’t liked any of them, so it stands to reason that this slice of history might just not be my cup of tea.
Now, I did pull a few things out of this novel that beg for greater attention. The volatility of Petrograd, and indeed the whole of Russia, during this era was particularly well rendered. On a whole, this novel was very well researched and the sense of atmosphere just crackled with authenticity. It was very much a place where people had all or nothing, no in-between whatsoever, and WWI magnified this discrepancy all the more.
‘It was true that beggars were rarely seen in this area. There was an unwritten law in Petrograd that, until now, had always been obeyed: the poor would stay within their own areas, moving from home to work to markets, and never venturing into the glistening inner-city world of the rich and privileged. They belonged where the tram tracks stopped and you had to wade through mud to get anywhere; where there was no electricity, and the nights were as black as the insides of your eyelids. Both rich and poor had silently agreed on this so long ago that no one noticed the division any more— until now, when that border was suddenly crossed by one that didn’t belong there.’
‘He walked away before she could argue or try to follow him. He couldn’t stand to be there any more, with people who were so ready to ignore those who had already lost so much and were desperately trying to survive off less food than was left over on the silver plates they dined from. What was more, he needed to get away from them so he could try to convince himself that he wasn’t becoming one of them. That he wasn’t ignoring his hungry, hurting country just because his own life had been made easier thanks to the ballet.’
Anyone interested in the history of ballet will enjoy this novel. Kerri Turner is a ballet dancer herself and this is very much evident in the way ballet has been brought to life here on the page. The mechanics, the grace, the hard work, the competitiveness, and, much to my delight, the ugly side. I do like it when an author shows us the ugly side of something so beautiful. In this case, it is the way in which female dancers were ‘protected’, which is just a another way of saying: kept as a private prostitute. Valentina’s utilisation of this system is a big reason why I didn’t feel that connection to the love story between her and Luka. I also really wasn’t convinced by anything that she ever did that she was even worth the risks Luka was taking to be with her.
‘Baudruches weren’t an option, of course. They were supposedly effective at preventing babies, but had a reputation for being low class because of how widely used they were by prostitutes. They were also said to dull the man’s pleasure. Valentina couldn’t ask that of Maxim— why would he pay a fortune for her if he couldn’t fully enjoy her? Rather than make her his wife, he’d just find some other dancer all too willing to satiate his desires. Maxim wouldn’t like being kept waiting for so long. It didn’t matter that she was tired, that she didn’t enjoy the way his lovemaking became forceful and almost violent after a temper. She wasn’t paid to satisfy her own wants.’
‘It was a common practice in pre-revolutionary Russia for ballet dancers to take an aristocratic or influential protector to cement their position in both company and society. Given the Imperial Russian Ballet’s requirements for a high level of health and cleanliness, their dancers were considered a safe and, perhaps more importantly, respectable alternative to prostitutes.’ – Author notes
Like I said above, the ballet world was meticulously rendered and the history well laid out for ardent enthusiasts to appreciate. I wasn’t familiar with the differences between the Ballets Russes and the Imperial Ballet prior to reading this novel. I also didn’t realise just how much devastation the collapse of the Romanov dynasty had on the entire art of ballet.
‘There’s a freedom in the Ballets Russes you won’t get in most other companies. They aren’t afraid to break boundaries. Yet they also desire to drill into the very soul of what each ballet means. That is why Diaghilev attracts the best. Not just dancers, you understand. Alexandre Benois and Bakst have each painted scenery for him; Stravinsky was disregarded in Russia until Diaghilev made his name; and you’ll find Jean Cocteau running around and making the dancers laugh during rehearsals. You work hard, though; perhaps harder than in the Imperial Russian Ballet. The Ballets Russes is not a job but a lifestyle.’
‘Sadly, the Russian Revolution saw the end of the Imperial Russian Ballet. There have been other companies bearing the name in the decades since, but they are not a direct descendant of the original; it was disbanded, and ballet was shunned post-revolution as a reminder of the hated elite the country had overthrown.’ – Author notes
Luka, as a dancer with the Imperial Ballet, was protected from conscription, and despite the relief this brought him, it was also a heavy burden that he carried. Particularly since his brother was a soldier at the front. It was also the cause of friction between Luka and his father. In terms of characters, Luka was fleshed out more thoroughly than Valentina, but then, he was also a more appealing character to become invested in. He opened the novel and also closed it. Valentina remained more distant throughout and I can’t help but wonder if the novel wouldn’t have been strengthened if it had been exclusively told from Luka’s perspective. He certainly felt things more deeply, not just at a personal level, but at a civic one as well.
‘The woman was dressed in a worn sheepskin shuba, and Luka knew instinctively she was a factory worker. She had that perpetually underfed hollowness to her face and a lack of hope in her eyes that made her fit in with this crowd in a way Luka no longer did. He offered her a smile, wondering if perhaps she had seen him dance and wanted to say hello. It would be the first time anyone had ever recognised him and it coming from the area he’d grown up in would be some kind of validation. But the smile died as he saw what she held in her hands, and his stomach flipped like he might vomit. It was a white feather, so like the one he’d handed to Valentina at Mathilde’s country house. But this was not a symbol of a dream waiting to be fulfilled.’
‘Have you heard what the men lucky enough to return from the front are saying? The things they’ve had to do out there, the decisions they’ve had to make? There’s nothing noble about this war like we were told when it was first declared. I believed that lie; I was proud of one son for fighting in it, and ashamed of the other for not. But what those men have seen and done … no ruler who cares for his people could force men to go through that.’
I’ve included a lot of quotes within this review in the hopes that it will help you form an impartial view on this novel and be able to decide for yourself if it’s for you. I don’t want to discourage anyone from reading it, particularly if you favour Russian history and/or love the ballet. And if you’re a fan of romance, then this story likely has all the feels for you. I just felt that there were all of these stepping stones crafted but none of them had been lined up to make a solid path. But it is a first novel and I feel it does hint at great things to come from Kerri Turner.
‘I’d been on my own stage forever, and suddenly I saw the world for what it is—its potential for pain and loss, yes, but also for love that isn’t defined by any parameters. A world where a woman who once had everything could lose it all, but still find something to give to those that were forgotten or ignored. I had always believed Mathilde to be the very worst example of what was wrong with Russia— I guess the revolutionaries and I had that in common. It took two revolutions, a civil war and countless deaths for me to realise: we can be so much more than our circumstances make us appear.’
Thanks is extended to HQ Fiction via NetGalley for providing me with a copy of The Last Days of the Romanov Dancers for review.
Now, I did pull a few things out of this novel that beg for greater attention. The volatility of Petrograd, and indeed the whole of Russia, during this era was particularly well rendered. On a whole, this novel was very well researched and the sense of atmosphere just crackled with authenticity. It was very much a place where people had all or nothing, no in-between whatsoever, and WWI magnified this discrepancy all the more.
‘It was true that beggars were rarely seen in this area. There was an unwritten law in Petrograd that, until now, had always been obeyed: the poor would stay within their own areas, moving from home to work to markets, and never venturing into the glistening inner-city world of the rich and privileged. They belonged where the tram tracks stopped and you had to wade through mud to get anywhere; where there was no electricity, and the nights were as black as the insides of your eyelids. Both rich and poor had silently agreed on this so long ago that no one noticed the division any more— until now, when that border was suddenly crossed by one that didn’t belong there.’
‘He walked away before she could argue or try to follow him. He couldn’t stand to be there any more, with people who were so ready to ignore those who had already lost so much and were desperately trying to survive off less food than was left over on the silver plates they dined from. What was more, he needed to get away from them so he could try to convince himself that he wasn’t becoming one of them. That he wasn’t ignoring his hungry, hurting country just because his own life had been made easier thanks to the ballet.’
Anyone interested in the history of ballet will enjoy this novel. Kerri Turner is a ballet dancer herself and this is very much evident in the way ballet has been brought to life here on the page. The mechanics, the grace, the hard work, the competitiveness, and, much to my delight, the ugly side. I do like it when an author shows us the ugly side of something so beautiful. In this case, it is the way in which female dancers were ‘protected’, which is just a another way of saying: kept as a private prostitute. Valentina’s utilisation of this system is a big reason why I didn’t feel that connection to the love story between her and Luka. I also really wasn’t convinced by anything that she ever did that she was even worth the risks Luka was taking to be with her.
‘Baudruches weren’t an option, of course. They were supposedly effective at preventing babies, but had a reputation for being low class because of how widely used they were by prostitutes. They were also said to dull the man’s pleasure. Valentina couldn’t ask that of Maxim— why would he pay a fortune for her if he couldn’t fully enjoy her? Rather than make her his wife, he’d just find some other dancer all too willing to satiate his desires. Maxim wouldn’t like being kept waiting for so long. It didn’t matter that she was tired, that she didn’t enjoy the way his lovemaking became forceful and almost violent after a temper. She wasn’t paid to satisfy her own wants.’
‘It was a common practice in pre-revolutionary Russia for ballet dancers to take an aristocratic or influential protector to cement their position in both company and society. Given the Imperial Russian Ballet’s requirements for a high level of health and cleanliness, their dancers were considered a safe and, perhaps more importantly, respectable alternative to prostitutes.’ – Author notes
Like I said above, the ballet world was meticulously rendered and the history well laid out for ardent enthusiasts to appreciate. I wasn’t familiar with the differences between the Ballets Russes and the Imperial Ballet prior to reading this novel. I also didn’t realise just how much devastation the collapse of the Romanov dynasty had on the entire art of ballet.
‘There’s a freedom in the Ballets Russes you won’t get in most other companies. They aren’t afraid to break boundaries. Yet they also desire to drill into the very soul of what each ballet means. That is why Diaghilev attracts the best. Not just dancers, you understand. Alexandre Benois and Bakst have each painted scenery for him; Stravinsky was disregarded in Russia until Diaghilev made his name; and you’ll find Jean Cocteau running around and making the dancers laugh during rehearsals. You work hard, though; perhaps harder than in the Imperial Russian Ballet. The Ballets Russes is not a job but a lifestyle.’
‘Sadly, the Russian Revolution saw the end of the Imperial Russian Ballet. There have been other companies bearing the name in the decades since, but they are not a direct descendant of the original; it was disbanded, and ballet was shunned post-revolution as a reminder of the hated elite the country had overthrown.’ – Author notes
Luka, as a dancer with the Imperial Ballet, was protected from conscription, and despite the relief this brought him, it was also a heavy burden that he carried. Particularly since his brother was a soldier at the front. It was also the cause of friction between Luka and his father. In terms of characters, Luka was fleshed out more thoroughly than Valentina, but then, he was also a more appealing character to become invested in. He opened the novel and also closed it. Valentina remained more distant throughout and I can’t help but wonder if the novel wouldn’t have been strengthened if it had been exclusively told from Luka’s perspective. He certainly felt things more deeply, not just at a personal level, but at a civic one as well.
‘The woman was dressed in a worn sheepskin shuba, and Luka knew instinctively she was a factory worker. She had that perpetually underfed hollowness to her face and a lack of hope in her eyes that made her fit in with this crowd in a way Luka no longer did. He offered her a smile, wondering if perhaps she had seen him dance and wanted to say hello. It would be the first time anyone had ever recognised him and it coming from the area he’d grown up in would be some kind of validation. But the smile died as he saw what she held in her hands, and his stomach flipped like he might vomit. It was a white feather, so like the one he’d handed to Valentina at Mathilde’s country house. But this was not a symbol of a dream waiting to be fulfilled.’
‘Have you heard what the men lucky enough to return from the front are saying? The things they’ve had to do out there, the decisions they’ve had to make? There’s nothing noble about this war like we were told when it was first declared. I believed that lie; I was proud of one son for fighting in it, and ashamed of the other for not. But what those men have seen and done … no ruler who cares for his people could force men to go through that.’
I’ve included a lot of quotes within this review in the hopes that it will help you form an impartial view on this novel and be able to decide for yourself if it’s for you. I don’t want to discourage anyone from reading it, particularly if you favour Russian history and/or love the ballet. And if you’re a fan of romance, then this story likely has all the feels for you. I just felt that there were all of these stepping stones crafted but none of them had been lined up to make a solid path. But it is a first novel and I feel it does hint at great things to come from Kerri Turner.
‘I’d been on my own stage forever, and suddenly I saw the world for what it is—its potential for pain and loss, yes, but also for love that isn’t defined by any parameters. A world where a woman who once had everything could lose it all, but still find something to give to those that were forgotten or ignored. I had always believed Mathilde to be the very worst example of what was wrong with Russia— I guess the revolutionaries and I had that in common. It took two revolutions, a civil war and countless deaths for me to realise: we can be so much more than our circumstances make us appear.’
Thanks is extended to HQ Fiction via NetGalley for providing me with a copy of The Last Days of the Romanov Dancers for review.
January 17, 2021
I really enjoyed The Daughter of Victory Lights in 2020, so I had high hopes when I returned to Turner's debut novel in 2021. The good news is, Turner has improved drastically as an author between books one and two.
Unfortunately, I didn't love this book as much as I loved Victory Lights. I loved the Russian Revolution setting (a time period that I haven't read much historical fiction about), and all the little details about the Imperial Russian ballet and the everyday lives of the dancers. I definitely picked up a few new things about the historical background from this book (the author's note briefly covers where this book does and doesn't deviate from history).
However, I never really fell in love with the characters, which is where Turner has improved in leaps and bounds - where Evie and Lucy felt like real people with hopes and fears and dreams, Valentina and Luka seemed more like cardboard cutouts to me. I wasn't convinced of their passionate love for each other, and their relationships with the other side characters were never fleshed out enough to make their motivations regarding their family or friends seem truly meaningful.
I can tell from her books that Turner is passionate about theatre and dance, and I'm curious to see what style she exposes us to next.
Unfortunately, I didn't love this book as much as I loved Victory Lights. I loved the Russian Revolution setting (a time period that I haven't read much historical fiction about), and all the little details about the Imperial Russian ballet and the everyday lives of the dancers. I definitely picked up a few new things about the historical background from this book (the author's note briefly covers where this book does and doesn't deviate from history).
However, I never really fell in love with the characters, which is where Turner has improved in leaps and bounds - where Evie and Lucy felt like real people with hopes and fears and dreams, Valentina and Luka seemed more like cardboard cutouts to me. I wasn't convinced of their passionate love for each other, and their relationships with the other side characters were never fleshed out enough to make their motivations regarding their family or friends seem truly meaningful.
I can tell from her books that Turner is passionate about theatre and dance, and I'm curious to see what style she exposes us to next.
January 6, 2021
Set in Petrograd (once St Petersburg) 1914, Luka Zhirkov, son of a factory worker, has been accepted into the corp of the Imperial Ballet - a cesspool of intrigue and bitchiness, and sees aspiring ballerina Valentina Yershova for the first time. Both from humble backgrounds, Valentina’s ambitious mother arranged a protector for her talented daughter, Dimitri, who sets her up in a fine house with all the trimmings. But early in the book he trades her in for a younger dancer, and hands her off to the brutish art critic Maxim, who uses her to further his own ambitions and favours with Rasputin. With Russia at war with Germany, the Tsar is at the eastern front, leaving the country largely in Rasputin’s hands.
So we know we are in for a star-crossed lovers sketch, but for me the main player here is the real-life Prima Ballerina, Mathilde Kschessinska, successfully bed-hopping between arch-dukes. Valentina limps around in a perfumed bubble, appeasing her protector, who dangles the key role of Odette for her to dance in “Swan Lake”, and she tries to hide her relationship with Luca, who has begged her to leave Maxim.
The book skips through the seasons to 1917: with the assassination of Rasputin the revolution takes a deadlier turn, Mathilde using her power and influence to escape, but Valentina can’t even get that bit right. (I honestly wanted to reach through the pages and slap her). I had hoped for a different ending: Maxim trampled under horses or speared by a falling chandelier perhaps, but the author went for tragedy, so that’s what we got.
An impressive debut novel, and I liked the ballet and the background of the proletariat suffering and soldiers starving and dying of frostbite, but really not my kind of book at all.
So we know we are in for a star-crossed lovers sketch, but for me the main player here is the real-life Prima Ballerina, Mathilde Kschessinska, successfully bed-hopping between arch-dukes. Valentina limps around in a perfumed bubble, appeasing her protector, who dangles the key role of Odette for her to dance in “Swan Lake”, and she tries to hide her relationship with Luca, who has begged her to leave Maxim.
The book skips through the seasons to 1917: with the assassination of Rasputin the revolution takes a deadlier turn, Mathilde using her power and influence to escape, but Valentina can’t even get that bit right. (I honestly wanted to reach through the pages and slap her). I had hoped for a different ending: Maxim trampled under horses or speared by a falling chandelier perhaps, but the author went for tragedy, so that’s what we got.
An impressive debut novel, and I liked the ballet and the background of the proletariat suffering and soldiers starving and dying of frostbite, but really not my kind of book at all.
April 25, 2019
This is a unique WWI story as it is much more about Ballet and the romance between dancers Luka and Valentina than the war. As a historical fiction fan, with a love of Russian history, I loved being immersed into the time period and imagining what it must have been like for these dancers who could be loved and lavished one moment and then have their contract cancelled and sent into poverty the next. Talent was important, but so was your connections and for some female dancers, "protectors" (who acted like their husband in every way except that they weren't married, which of course gave a power imbalance to that tenuous relationship).
The author introduces us to the splendour and excess of Royalty and Ballet in Imperial Russia which is vastly contrasted by how most of the country lives. We see through Luka's eyes (who was a peasant himself), how these worlds never collide and how the country slipped into revolution and civil war.
The historical fiction side of this book is what attracted me and what I really enjoyed. I am not a huge Romance reader, so that aspect of the book didn't really appeal to me. On reflection I think I just never invested in the relationship between Luka and Valentina. Although the book was easy to read and the descriptions enabled a real sense of the time and place, the character writing didn't connect me to them. For that reason it is more of a 3 star book for me, but I would recommend this to those who love a sweeping forbidden romance as you may feel differently.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The author introduces us to the splendour and excess of Royalty and Ballet in Imperial Russia which is vastly contrasted by how most of the country lives. We see through Luka's eyes (who was a peasant himself), how these worlds never collide and how the country slipped into revolution and civil war.
The historical fiction side of this book is what attracted me and what I really enjoyed. I am not a huge Romance reader, so that aspect of the book didn't really appeal to me. On reflection I think I just never invested in the relationship between Luka and Valentina. Although the book was easy to read and the descriptions enabled a real sense of the time and place, the character writing didn't connect me to them. For that reason it is more of a 3 star book for me, but I would recommend this to those who love a sweeping forbidden romance as you may feel differently.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 19, 2019
The Last Days of the Romanov Dancers is a powerful and passionate novel full of history and research into the Imperial Russian Ballet.
It is beautifully written and a must-read for ballet lovers and readers who enjoy historical fiction. The dancers really do dance off the page!
It was imaginative and I loved the references to all the famous Russian ballets, the exquisite brooches and jewellery, swans and so much more...
Pirouette your way into this one and enjoy The Last of The Romanov Dancers by author, Kerri Turner.
It is beautifully written and a must-read for ballet lovers and readers who enjoy historical fiction. The dancers really do dance off the page!
It was imaginative and I loved the references to all the famous Russian ballets, the exquisite brooches and jewellery, swans and so much more...
Pirouette your way into this one and enjoy The Last of The Romanov Dancers by author, Kerri Turner.
January 6, 2021
3★s
My first impressions of this novel were not great, and I was on the brink of ditching it around page 35. But, having a quiet afternoon and stuck indoors while the Victorian coast was inundated with heavy rain and fierce storms, I decided to read on for another hour or so. Lucky that I did, as the narrative finally captured my interest. I don’t think this book is a brilliant piece of writing, but I’m glad I persisted to the end, because I did enjoy it.
The crux of the story is a romance between two aspiring ballet dancers who are employed in the Imperial Russian Ballet at the time of World War 1. This is not a war story though, as the European conflict takes place far away from St Petersburg (Petrograd) and Moscow. The serious strife that is burgeoning in Russia at the time of this novel is the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917.
Valentina is an established artist, who aims to achieve the status of prima ballerina. Born in poverty, she has worked hard to get to where she is, using a range of feminine wiles to clamber up the social ladder. With similar working class origins, Luka is a phenomenal talent as a dancer, but his youth and otherworldliness are not helping him to reach the pinnacle of his profession. Several years younger than Valentina, Luka lives with constant anxiety that he may lose his hard-won place in the ballet company, because of the intense competition between aspirants.
The imperial ballet company and its leading dancers exist in a narrow society of wealthy elites, most of whom are vying for attention and favours from the Tsar, his family and his inner circle. With Tsar Nicolas absent at the Front, domestic issues and control of the capital Petrograd have been left in the hands of his wife Alexandra. The Tsarina's reliance on her advisor, the sinister Grigori Rasputin, who wields considerable power, is the source of many tensions and intrigues at the imperial court. Tensions run high in the community, with shortages of basic commodities due to the war effort and the appalling loss of life. Working class Russians resent the cushy life of the privileged upper class, and despise the ballet company, a symbol of elitism at a time when so many people are needy. Vladimir, Luka’s father, a factory worker, berates his son as a coward for not joining up to fight.
A strong attraction develops between Valentina and Luka at the ballet company, but their relationship is strained. Valentina is the mistress of a powerful man, Maxim, and she is kept in opulent style by his money and influence with the court. Maxim’s patronage protects her and opens up opportunities for her career advancement. But her romance with Luka must remain secret, as jealous Maxim is strongly possessive of his lovely ballerina.
The course of the relationship between Valentina and Luka plays out in the novel against this background, i.e. the aristocracy continues living a life of luxury and privilege while the proletariat struggles to make ends meet, and copes with the ever-increasing casualties of WW1. I think the author has done well in capturing the moods of a stratified community at that time. She has focused the narrative on a small number of individuals and households, and reveals the power imbalance that fosters the exploitative relationship that Valentina and Maxim inhabit.
As a counterpoint to all the tensions and problems of the characters’ daily lives, the author gives us delightful snapshots of the creative spirit of the ballet dancers. Luka’s passion for dance is particularly moving. We also get glimpses of the backstage realities of a performing company.
I had some niggles with this novel which have impacted on my star rating. I definitely think the bitchiness expressed in the opening chapters repulsed me and almost led me to abandon the book unfinished. There are some really clunky sentences, which stopped the flow of my reading as I tried to figure out the syntax. I realise that this book is a Harlequin publication, and that the prose style is basic and non-literary, designed to appeal to a wide readership
I became increasingly frustrated by the absence of any glossary for all the ballet terms used, of which I have absolutely no understanding. Similarly, the narrative is peppered with Russian language words and phrases, and again I have no idea what the heck was referred to.
Probably this book would have benefitted from a very thorough editing process.
One final niggle – the design of the cover is really messy to my eye.
My first impressions of this novel were not great, and I was on the brink of ditching it around page 35. But, having a quiet afternoon and stuck indoors while the Victorian coast was inundated with heavy rain and fierce storms, I decided to read on for another hour or so. Lucky that I did, as the narrative finally captured my interest. I don’t think this book is a brilliant piece of writing, but I’m glad I persisted to the end, because I did enjoy it.
The crux of the story is a romance between two aspiring ballet dancers who are employed in the Imperial Russian Ballet at the time of World War 1. This is not a war story though, as the European conflict takes place far away from St Petersburg (Petrograd) and Moscow. The serious strife that is burgeoning in Russia at the time of this novel is the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917.
Valentina is an established artist, who aims to achieve the status of prima ballerina. Born in poverty, she has worked hard to get to where she is, using a range of feminine wiles to clamber up the social ladder. With similar working class origins, Luka is a phenomenal talent as a dancer, but his youth and otherworldliness are not helping him to reach the pinnacle of his profession. Several years younger than Valentina, Luka lives with constant anxiety that he may lose his hard-won place in the ballet company, because of the intense competition between aspirants.
The imperial ballet company and its leading dancers exist in a narrow society of wealthy elites, most of whom are vying for attention and favours from the Tsar, his family and his inner circle. With Tsar Nicolas absent at the Front, domestic issues and control of the capital Petrograd have been left in the hands of his wife Alexandra. The Tsarina's reliance on her advisor, the sinister Grigori Rasputin, who wields considerable power, is the source of many tensions and intrigues at the imperial court. Tensions run high in the community, with shortages of basic commodities due to the war effort and the appalling loss of life. Working class Russians resent the cushy life of the privileged upper class, and despise the ballet company, a symbol of elitism at a time when so many people are needy. Vladimir, Luka’s father, a factory worker, berates his son as a coward for not joining up to fight.
A strong attraction develops between Valentina and Luka at the ballet company, but their relationship is strained. Valentina is the mistress of a powerful man, Maxim, and she is kept in opulent style by his money and influence with the court. Maxim’s patronage protects her and opens up opportunities for her career advancement. But her romance with Luka must remain secret, as jealous Maxim is strongly possessive of his lovely ballerina.
The course of the relationship between Valentina and Luka plays out in the novel against this background, i.e. the aristocracy continues living a life of luxury and privilege while the proletariat struggles to make ends meet, and copes with the ever-increasing casualties of WW1. I think the author has done well in capturing the moods of a stratified community at that time. She has focused the narrative on a small number of individuals and households, and reveals the power imbalance that fosters the exploitative relationship that Valentina and Maxim inhabit.
As a counterpoint to all the tensions and problems of the characters’ daily lives, the author gives us delightful snapshots of the creative spirit of the ballet dancers. Luka’s passion for dance is particularly moving. We also get glimpses of the backstage realities of a performing company.
I had some niggles with this novel which have impacted on my star rating. I definitely think the bitchiness expressed in the opening chapters repulsed me and almost led me to abandon the book unfinished. There are some really clunky sentences, which stopped the flow of my reading as I tried to figure out the syntax. I realise that this book is a Harlequin publication, and that the prose style is basic and non-literary, designed to appeal to a wide readership
I became increasingly frustrated by the absence of any glossary for all the ballet terms used, of which I have absolutely no understanding. Similarly, the narrative is peppered with Russian language words and phrases, and again I have no idea what the heck was referred to.
Probably this book would have benefitted from a very thorough editing process.
One final niggle – the design of the cover is really messy to my eye.
Read
December 14, 2018ARC received via Netgalley for an honest review
The Last Of the Romanov Dancers is story set in the back ground of pre-revolution Russia.
Kerri Turner's debut sets real life figures amongst fictional characters in the Imperial Ballet, where ambition walks and money talks.
It did take me a little while to get into this book, and I did consider DNFing at one stage, however I think that had more to do with me and end of year burn out rather than the book. Once I got past that stage I couldn't wait to turn each page.
Luka and Valentina's story is not always an easy one to read, which is to be expected with the time it is set. Despite all the differences, you can't help but want them to be together.
I got swept away with this story, and even though I knew where the story would eventually take us, I enjoyed the journey.
I am looking forward to what Ms Turner brings us in the future.
The Last Of the Romanov Dancers is story set in the back ground of pre-revolution Russia.
Kerri Turner's debut sets real life figures amongst fictional characters in the Imperial Ballet, where ambition walks and money talks.
It did take me a little while to get into this book, and I did consider DNFing at one stage, however I think that had more to do with me and end of year burn out rather than the book. Once I got past that stage I couldn't wait to turn each page.
Luka and Valentina's story is not always an easy one to read, which is to be expected with the time it is set. Despite all the differences, you can't help but want them to be together.
I got swept away with this story, and even though I knew where the story would eventually take us, I enjoyed the journey.
I am looking forward to what Ms Turner brings us in the future.
May 23, 2019
The Last Days of the Romanov Dancers is a story of love, and life set amongst the Russian ballet amidst the horrors of war and uprising. Having not read a whole lot of historical fiction, it was that, and the stunning cover which drew me to this book. And I loved every minute of it!
The story centres around Valentina Yershova and Luka Zhirkov, both dancers in the Romanov Imperial Russian Ballet. Both having lived with poverty, Valentina was determined to build a better life for herself, utilising her talent and the help of her male protector. While Luka is finally realising his dream of being a dancer he struggles with not having the acceptance of his father who feels he's disregarding his responsibilities in regards to the war. As Valentina and Luka grow closer, Luka's guilt grows ever stronger as he is drawn into the lavish lifestyle of the dancers. As the momentum of the revolution intensifies Valentina and Luka are forced to make tough, life changing decisions.
Kerri Turner really knows her stuff when it comes to ballet. Her descriptions were so rich and vivid that it made no difference that my knowledge of dance before reading this novel was almost zero. I loved the slow building romance which for me made the attraction between Valentina and Luka so much more believable. And the descriptions of poverty, unrest, and uprising were both heartbreaking and tense.
The Last Days of the Romanov Dancers was such a wonderful debut novel that kept me gripped from start to finish. I'm really looking forward to reading what Kerri Turner publishes in the future.
Thanks so much to the publisher for providing me with a copy for my honest review as part of the HQBookClub.
The story centres around Valentina Yershova and Luka Zhirkov, both dancers in the Romanov Imperial Russian Ballet. Both having lived with poverty, Valentina was determined to build a better life for herself, utilising her talent and the help of her male protector. While Luka is finally realising his dream of being a dancer he struggles with not having the acceptance of his father who feels he's disregarding his responsibilities in regards to the war. As Valentina and Luka grow closer, Luka's guilt grows ever stronger as he is drawn into the lavish lifestyle of the dancers. As the momentum of the revolution intensifies Valentina and Luka are forced to make tough, life changing decisions.
Kerri Turner really knows her stuff when it comes to ballet. Her descriptions were so rich and vivid that it made no difference that my knowledge of dance before reading this novel was almost zero. I loved the slow building romance which for me made the attraction between Valentina and Luka so much more believable. And the descriptions of poverty, unrest, and uprising were both heartbreaking and tense.
The Last Days of the Romanov Dancers was such a wonderful debut novel that kept me gripped from start to finish. I'm really looking forward to reading what Kerri Turner publishes in the future.
Thanks so much to the publisher for providing me with a copy for my honest review as part of the HQBookClub.
February 2, 2019
I really enjoyed this novel. I loved the detail about the ballet. It's clear the author has intimate knowledge of the industry but this only makes the book more wonderful. The world of Russia at war is also vivid. It's always a pleasure to read about a period of history you know little about. The love affair of the two main characters is a slow burn but worth waiting for. A beautiful story that will stay with me.
August 17, 2019
This is a lovely holiday read of an unlikely romance between a young male dancer Luka and a lead star of the Imperial Russian Ballet, Valentina. The author has included historical events, the war between Russia and Germany, the Tsar leaving his country's affairs to be taken over by "the mad monk Rasputin", advisor to the Tsarina Alexandra. The suppression of the poor and the eventual murder of Rasputin followed by the Russian revolution and the killings of the Tsar and his family are mentioned as a general part of the story. Mathilde Kschessinska, the star of this ballet company who was renowned for extravagant life style has been included and well described in the book. As was the practice then Valentina has a Protector which today could loosely be described as her agent but with a lot more physical benefits and control. Both Valentina and Luka have come from poor families which makes them vulnerable to those of more importance and wealth, for which is played out in this book. As the violence increases a plan is hatched for them to leave Russia, however as the protector becomes aware of the plan this doesn't eventuate and the conclusion is as happens with most ballets and operas.
January 21, 2019
‘Waiting had never been so hard.’
In 1913, Tsar Nicholas II celebrated the tercentenary of Romanov rule in Russia. He ruled over a huge empire which stretched from central Europe to the Pacific Ocean, and from the Arctic to the borders of Afghanistan. But there were many tensions in the empire. In 1914 when the Great War (World War I) broke out, Russia was not well prepared.
Against this backdrop, Ms Turner opens her novel in Petrograd in the autumn of 1914, where the Romanov’s Imperial Russian Ballet is located. Valentina Yershova was a talented dancer, determined to make her way through the ranks. But she knew that talent was not enough. Valentina’s latest protector is Maxim Ilyn. He is influential, well-connected and rich and while Valentina knows that he doesn’t intend marriage, she hopes to change his mind.
Luka Zhirkov, the talented son of a factory worker joins the ballet company. He is a skilled dancer, more talented than many others in the company. He is also regarded as a traitor by his father, who thinks he should have gone to war like his brother Pyotr.
War creates shortages and increases the unrest. People are starving. Many see the Romanov’s Imperial Russian Ballet as symbolic of decadence. The dancers are privileged individuals living a lavish lifestyle while people are starving. Luka knows that he can’t be conscripted to fight while his contract with the ballet continues. And yet he feels uneasy. He and Valentina are drawn to each other, an attraction which has its own risks. Maxim Ilyn does not like Luka and would happily bring him down. Valentina is torn between her desire for security and her growing attraction to Luka.
Do Luka and Valentina have a future together?
Ms Turner brings both the dancers and this hectic period of Russian history to life. The contrasts between poverty and wealth, the insecurity of a dancer’s life, the need to have a patron or protector. There are historical figures here as well, including the infamous Grigori Rasputin, and the fascinating ballerina Mathilde Kschessinska. This is Ms Turner’s debut novel, and I enjoyed it immensely.
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and HQ Fiction for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
In 1913, Tsar Nicholas II celebrated the tercentenary of Romanov rule in Russia. He ruled over a huge empire which stretched from central Europe to the Pacific Ocean, and from the Arctic to the borders of Afghanistan. But there were many tensions in the empire. In 1914 when the Great War (World War I) broke out, Russia was not well prepared.
Against this backdrop, Ms Turner opens her novel in Petrograd in the autumn of 1914, where the Romanov’s Imperial Russian Ballet is located. Valentina Yershova was a talented dancer, determined to make her way through the ranks. But she knew that talent was not enough. Valentina’s latest protector is Maxim Ilyn. He is influential, well-connected and rich and while Valentina knows that he doesn’t intend marriage, she hopes to change his mind.
Luka Zhirkov, the talented son of a factory worker joins the ballet company. He is a skilled dancer, more talented than many others in the company. He is also regarded as a traitor by his father, who thinks he should have gone to war like his brother Pyotr.
War creates shortages and increases the unrest. People are starving. Many see the Romanov’s Imperial Russian Ballet as symbolic of decadence. The dancers are privileged individuals living a lavish lifestyle while people are starving. Luka knows that he can’t be conscripted to fight while his contract with the ballet continues. And yet he feels uneasy. He and Valentina are drawn to each other, an attraction which has its own risks. Maxim Ilyn does not like Luka and would happily bring him down. Valentina is torn between her desire for security and her growing attraction to Luka.
Do Luka and Valentina have a future together?
Ms Turner brings both the dancers and this hectic period of Russian history to life. The contrasts between poverty and wealth, the insecurity of a dancer’s life, the need to have a patron or protector. There are historical figures here as well, including the infamous Grigori Rasputin, and the fascinating ballerina Mathilde Kschessinska. This is Ms Turner’s debut novel, and I enjoyed it immensely.
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and HQ Fiction for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
December 2, 2020
Review to come
September 18, 2019
This absorbing book took me completely by surprise. Not only is it a skilfully told story of a time in Russian history (the final years of the decadent Romanovs, and the rising rebellion among the workers as dissatisfaction and real anger towards the ruling classes, economic instability, food shortages, dreadful working conditions and war, grew worse), using two ballet dancers employed by the elite Imperial Russian Ballet as foils, it’s also a tragic tale of class difference, and the lengths those who were born with nothing will go to in order to ensure they don’t lose what they’ve gained.
Luka Zhirkov is a young, up and coming dancer who has been given the chance of a lifetime when he’s asked to join the Imperial Ballet. For his father, a staunch member of the proletariat, who has already given one son to the civil war tearing Russia apart, Luka’s dancing career, where he mainly entertains capitalist elites, is a betrayal of class, family and country.
When one of the principal dancers, Valentina Yershova, a woman born into poverty and whose talent and dalliances with rich protectors has allowed her to climb the ballet ladder, spies Luka, even she recognizes his talent. But Luka hasn’t yet learned the rules that govern the ballet dancers behind the scenes - how who you know and associate with and who you share your body with is almost as important as skill. Disgusted and confused by the careless wealth of some of the dancers and those they choose to align themselves with, as well as their wilful ignorance about deteriorating social conditions for those who cannot afford to change them, Luka is nonetheless drawn to Valentina and his feelings for her begin to grow.
As great opportunities for both Luka and Valentina manifest, war and revolution follows, meaning they’ll soon be forced to make choices that will either grant them their every wish or tear them apart.
Beautifully written, evocative and moving with characters both strong and flawed (which I love), this wonderful book and the ballet dancers at its heart explore a period of history and a country that for many of us remains mysterious. Petrograd (St Petersburg) is brought to life in all its hedonistic and dangerous glory. Ballet becomes a powerful metaphor for the struggles, passion and sacrifice the Russian people themselves make as their country plunges deeper into poverty and war, and those at the top attempt to continue with a decadent lifestyle that is fast becoming as dangerous as it is deplorable. Using the story of one of the most famous ballets, Swan Lake allegorically, Turner weaves the romance and tragedy of Odette and Prince Siegfried and the villainous Von Rothbart, cleverly throughout the novel.
One of the hallmarks of good historical fiction is that the author doesn’t only craft a marvellous tale, but you learn something about the past and the human condition in the process. Turner has done these things seamlessly and, in doing so, written a book that will, like its lead characters, dance its way into your heart.
Luka Zhirkov is a young, up and coming dancer who has been given the chance of a lifetime when he’s asked to join the Imperial Ballet. For his father, a staunch member of the proletariat, who has already given one son to the civil war tearing Russia apart, Luka’s dancing career, where he mainly entertains capitalist elites, is a betrayal of class, family and country.
When one of the principal dancers, Valentina Yershova, a woman born into poverty and whose talent and dalliances with rich protectors has allowed her to climb the ballet ladder, spies Luka, even she recognizes his talent. But Luka hasn’t yet learned the rules that govern the ballet dancers behind the scenes - how who you know and associate with and who you share your body with is almost as important as skill. Disgusted and confused by the careless wealth of some of the dancers and those they choose to align themselves with, as well as their wilful ignorance about deteriorating social conditions for those who cannot afford to change them, Luka is nonetheless drawn to Valentina and his feelings for her begin to grow.
As great opportunities for both Luka and Valentina manifest, war and revolution follows, meaning they’ll soon be forced to make choices that will either grant them their every wish or tear them apart.
Beautifully written, evocative and moving with characters both strong and flawed (which I love), this wonderful book and the ballet dancers at its heart explore a period of history and a country that for many of us remains mysterious. Petrograd (St Petersburg) is brought to life in all its hedonistic and dangerous glory. Ballet becomes a powerful metaphor for the struggles, passion and sacrifice the Russian people themselves make as their country plunges deeper into poverty and war, and those at the top attempt to continue with a decadent lifestyle that is fast becoming as dangerous as it is deplorable. Using the story of one of the most famous ballets, Swan Lake allegorically, Turner weaves the romance and tragedy of Odette and Prince Siegfried and the villainous Von Rothbart, cleverly throughout the novel.
One of the hallmarks of good historical fiction is that the author doesn’t only craft a marvellous tale, but you learn something about the past and the human condition in the process. Turner has done these things seamlessly and, in doing so, written a book that will, like its lead characters, dance its way into your heart.
February 19, 2019
Oh my goodness, what a stunning debut novel! It’s no secret that I love historical fiction—even more so when it centres around actual people or events—so this book was right up my alley. I really loved the author’s note included at the end of the book explaining which parts of the story are fact and which are fiction. The story centres around a group of Imperial Russian Ballet dancers in the years leading up to the 1917 revolution. It’s beautifully written, meticulously detailed and culturally rich. I was so enchanted by Valya and Luka’s story and you can bet I cried like a baby at the end of the book. I highly recommend this one for historical fiction fans.
DISCLAIMER: I received a free copy of this book from Harlequin Australia in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
DISCLAIMER: I received a free copy of this book from Harlequin Australia in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 2, 2018
It will be a long time before this book fades from my mind. The Last Days of the Romanov Dancers draws you into the dying days of Imperial Russia, where Valentina, an ambitious ballerina doggedly clawing her way up the social ladder, meets pure-hearted Luka, a gifted dancer who makes her question everything she thought she believed in. Kerri Turner brings to life the chaos of the Russian Revolution, the obscene wealth and dire poverty of the classes, where the splendour of ballet offers both solace and torment. Devastatingly romantic, with lashings of betrayal, violence and breathless suspense, this book had me hooked from the first page, and will enrapture all who read it!
October 3, 2018
A rich tapestry of dance and decadence layered over the desperate backdrop of pre-revolution Russia, Kerri Turner’s debut is an incredible journey into the complexities of love, class and a country on the brink of an uprising. THE LAST DAYS OF THE ROMANOV DANCERS is passion and freedom and justice and obsession, it is chasing after your dreams and watching the world burn around you. Meticulously researched, this is one book you will not regret picking up.
January 10, 2019
The Last of the Romanov Dancers is the debut novel by Aussie author Kerri Turner and is a good combination of fact and fiction on a well versed topic but with a fresh twist. An intriguing historical venture into Russian ballet during the dying days of the Romanov rule.
Full review at:
https://greatreadsandtealeaves.blogsp...
Full review at:
https://greatreadsandtealeaves.blogsp...
January 29, 2019
This book totally transported me to an era I never knew, but made me feel I was there in the midst of it! Beautifully written, superbly researched, and emotionally engaging. I usualy take forever to finish a book, but I struggled to put this one down. I could picture this being a movie! Loved it.
January 23, 2019
Though I am both a ballet lover and a history lover, I have a limited knowledge of Russian history. What an engaging, albeit bittersweet, introduction this book was to the subject! Valentina and Luka may have been fictional characters, but their story was very much rooted in the social and political unrest in the years leading up to the Russian Revolution of 1917, with the Romanovs, Rasputin, and even Mathilde Kschessinska, the prima ballerina assoluta of the Imperial Russian Ballet, all making their presence known throughout its pages.
Valentina and Luka were fascinating characters: both passionate and driven in relation to their careers, and yet expressing those qualities in such different ways. Their personal stories had so many undercurrents of tension, not least of which was the fact that neither Valentina nor Luka ever felt truly secure or happy as they pursued their professional dreams and, eventually, a clandestine relationship with each other. And on that note, I applaud the author for keeping graphic descriptions of said relationship—and others—to a minimum!
The author’s love and knowledge of ballet shines through in a way that will be accessible even to those who know nothing about the subject, but it was the way the historical setting was brought to life, and Valentina’s and Luka’s stories within that setting, that captured me most and held me fast to the end.
It’s definitely a “Brava” from me for this fellow-Australian’s debut novel.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not influenced the content of my review, which is my honest and unbiased opinion.
Valentina and Luka were fascinating characters: both passionate and driven in relation to their careers, and yet expressing those qualities in such different ways. Their personal stories had so many undercurrents of tension, not least of which was the fact that neither Valentina nor Luka ever felt truly secure or happy as they pursued their professional dreams and, eventually, a clandestine relationship with each other. And on that note, I applaud the author for keeping graphic descriptions of said relationship—and others—to a minimum!
The author’s love and knowledge of ballet shines through in a way that will be accessible even to those who know nothing about the subject, but it was the way the historical setting was brought to life, and Valentina’s and Luka’s stories within that setting, that captured me most and held me fast to the end.
It’s definitely a “Brava” from me for this fellow-Australian’s debut novel.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not influenced the content of my review, which is my honest and unbiased opinion.
January 19, 2019
The Last Of the Romanov Dancers is set in 1914, in the background of the Russia pre-revolution.
We follow Valentina Yershova, an ambitious ballerina, who’s position in Romanov’s Imperial ballet keeps her from poverty. She is also one of the many women in this story who have a protector, a man who pays her way in the company and the lifestyle she lives, in exchange for her body.
We also follow Luka, the son of a factory worker, who’s dream it has always been to dance.
While this book is not the genre I usually read, I found myself deep in the story of this book, the history, the heartache, the love and the choices we sometimes must choose to make.
Kerri Turner's debut was one with wonderful descriptive detail, with the history of war and Romanov’s Imperial Russian Ballet coming to life in the pages of this book and I am excited to see what is next for her.
A huge thank you to Harlequin Australia and Netgalley for this ebook in exchange for an honest review.
We follow Valentina Yershova, an ambitious ballerina, who’s position in Romanov’s Imperial ballet keeps her from poverty. She is also one of the many women in this story who have a protector, a man who pays her way in the company and the lifestyle she lives, in exchange for her body.
We also follow Luka, the son of a factory worker, who’s dream it has always been to dance.
While this book is not the genre I usually read, I found myself deep in the story of this book, the history, the heartache, the love and the choices we sometimes must choose to make.
Kerri Turner's debut was one with wonderful descriptive detail, with the history of war and Romanov’s Imperial Russian Ballet coming to life in the pages of this book and I am excited to see what is next for her.
A huge thank you to Harlequin Australia and Netgalley for this ebook in exchange for an honest review.
January 21, 2019
The Last Days of the Romanov Dancers is a stunning historical fiction story that encapsulates the time, location, and mood of Russia during WWI through the eyes of Valentina Yershova and Luka Zhirkov, dancers in the Romanov Imperial Ballet Company.
Turner's knowledge of ballet is impeccable as his her ability to delicately weave the tumultuous and often fragile waves of human nature and emotion that occurred in the face of class division, familial disapproval, and the pressures of giving one's body, but not her heart, to her country and ballet company.
We're predicting this will be the book everyone talks about in 2019; it's a must read and five stars from AusRom Today.
ARC copy gratefully received from Harlequin Books
Turner's knowledge of ballet is impeccable as his her ability to delicately weave the tumultuous and often fragile waves of human nature and emotion that occurred in the face of class division, familial disapproval, and the pressures of giving one's body, but not her heart, to her country and ballet company.
We're predicting this will be the book everyone talks about in 2019; it's a must read and five stars from AusRom Today.
ARC copy gratefully received from Harlequin Books
February 4, 2019
The Last Days of the Romanov Dancers is a sweeping tale of love, ballet and class set against Petrograd (St Petersburg) from 1914-1917. As Turner's debut, it shines with life and passion, and I stayed up way too late to devour it in one sitting.
Valentina Yershova's career in the Imperial Russian Ballet takes a twist when her patron trades her to another man, who promises her the dream role of Odette, but whose behaviour is far from gentlemanly (note some (not very explicit) domestic violence triggers). At the same time, prodigy Luka Zhirkov joins the company, and is shocked by the complex politics of high society and the ballet, which Valentina is so invested in. As the two meet and dance together, Petrograd is humming with discontent, and revolution waits on the horizon.
This novel ticked so many boxes for me - historical fiction, ballet, and a romance! Yes, at times the plot is predictable, but in that wonderfully comforting way, where the author has chosen exactly the right storyline to follow. The ballet, high society and working class lives are all meticulously researched, so that the settings feel authentic and it's easy to be immersed.
In many ways this novel felt reminiscent of Kirsty Manning's work, without the alternating historical perspectives. Turner has a wonderful flair for description, and I found her writing flowed well. Her love of ballet sings from the pages, and I especially enjoyed the descriptions of Luka performing on stage, and Valentina dancing The Dying Swan.
The romance is well-drawn and avoids being saccharine, while the social tumult is shown both at the individual level (Luka's father at one extreme, the prima ballerina Mathilde at the other) and the macro level, interweaving both with the world of the ballet naturally.
I'm very excited to see what Turner writes next - this is an immersive, enjoyable debut and it augers well for a great writing career.
I received a copy of The Last Days of the Romanov Dancers from Harlequin Australia in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Recommended if you liked: The Midsummer Garden
Valentina Yershova's career in the Imperial Russian Ballet takes a twist when her patron trades her to another man, who promises her the dream role of Odette, but whose behaviour is far from gentlemanly (note some (not very explicit) domestic violence triggers). At the same time, prodigy Luka Zhirkov joins the company, and is shocked by the complex politics of high society and the ballet, which Valentina is so invested in. As the two meet and dance together, Petrograd is humming with discontent, and revolution waits on the horizon.
This novel ticked so many boxes for me - historical fiction, ballet, and a romance! Yes, at times the plot is predictable, but in that wonderfully comforting way, where the author has chosen exactly the right storyline to follow. The ballet, high society and working class lives are all meticulously researched, so that the settings feel authentic and it's easy to be immersed.
In many ways this novel felt reminiscent of Kirsty Manning's work, without the alternating historical perspectives. Turner has a wonderful flair for description, and I found her writing flowed well. Her love of ballet sings from the pages, and I especially enjoyed the descriptions of Luka performing on stage, and Valentina dancing The Dying Swan.
The romance is well-drawn and avoids being saccharine, while the social tumult is shown both at the individual level (Luka's father at one extreme, the prima ballerina Mathilde at the other) and the macro level, interweaving both with the world of the ballet naturally.
I'm very excited to see what Turner writes next - this is an immersive, enjoyable debut and it augers well for a great writing career.
I received a copy of The Last Days of the Romanov Dancers from Harlequin Australia in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Recommended if you liked: The Midsummer Garden
Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews