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Illusions of Camelot: A Memoir
From the artistic director of the Pacific Northwest Ballet and former principal dancer for the New York City Ballet comes an unforgettable memoir about one artist’s journey from boyhood to ballet.
Peter’s story starts in the pastoral and privileged town of Bedford, New a rare enclave 40 miles north of New York City where private schools, country clubs, and families hold their own rules and secrets. Within the town, views of race, morality, and sexuality are unspoken yet evident. Meanwhile, at home, Peter and his family are left to grapple with his father’s alcoholism and untimely death.
As a young boy finding his way, Peter soon turns to ballet. Ultimately his passion becomes a beacon, leading him to work at the New York City Ballet as a teenager, living on his own while discovering the pitfalls and pleasures Manhattan has to offer.
Throughout Peter’s deeply personal work, you’ll meet Hattie Lindsay, Peter’s caregiver, whose love for Peter matches her disdain for Henry, the family dog. You’ll step onto the club house floor during ballroom dancing lessons in Bedford, into the studios of the School of American Ballet at Lincoln Center, and onto the stage in George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker as Peter performs the title role of the Nutcracker Prince.
For all the laughter these stories offer, gravity is everywhere. Moments by Balanchine’s hospital bedside, or in the AIDS-ravaged ward at Columbia-Presbyterian hospital as a loved one’s life passes away are told with painful honesty and raw hurt. Peter’s journey takes us to the start of a storied career as a dancer with the New York City Ballet and leaves us with insights into the unique path of an artist and individual shaped by environment, circumstance, and family.
Peter’s story starts in the pastoral and privileged town of Bedford, New a rare enclave 40 miles north of New York City where private schools, country clubs, and families hold their own rules and secrets. Within the town, views of race, morality, and sexuality are unspoken yet evident. Meanwhile, at home, Peter and his family are left to grapple with his father’s alcoholism and untimely death.
As a young boy finding his way, Peter soon turns to ballet. Ultimately his passion becomes a beacon, leading him to work at the New York City Ballet as a teenager, living on his own while discovering the pitfalls and pleasures Manhattan has to offer.
Throughout Peter’s deeply personal work, you’ll meet Hattie Lindsay, Peter’s caregiver, whose love for Peter matches her disdain for Henry, the family dog. You’ll step onto the club house floor during ballroom dancing lessons in Bedford, into the studios of the School of American Ballet at Lincoln Center, and onto the stage in George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker as Peter performs the title role of the Nutcracker Prince.
For all the laughter these stories offer, gravity is everywhere. Moments by Balanchine’s hospital bedside, or in the AIDS-ravaged ward at Columbia-Presbyterian hospital as a loved one’s life passes away are told with painful honesty and raw hurt. Peter’s journey takes us to the start of a storied career as a dancer with the New York City Ballet and leaves us with insights into the unique path of an artist and individual shaped by environment, circumstance, and family.
250 pages, Hardcover
Published June 12, 2023
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82 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
May 19, 2023
Publication date: May 23, 2023. Illusions of Camelot: A Memoir by Peter Boal recounts the author's privileged upbringing in a family that sounds like the American dream but, as in all dreams, faced obstacles of being human. The author's memories of important events in his life are honestly and unapologetically recounted. This is a fascinating account and I hope that similar writing follows with more of his fascinating life. Well written and highly recommended.
My thanks to the author, Peter Boal; the publisher, Beaufort Books; and LibraryThing through whom I received my ARC of this book.
My thanks to the author, Peter Boal; the publisher, Beaufort Books; and LibraryThing through whom I received my ARC of this book.
June 7, 2023
**I received this book as an Early Reviewer Giveaway.**
I was super excited to be chosen for this giveaway because I am a dancer in Seattle, where Boal serves as Artistic Director of PNB. Overall, this book was well-written and shared moments of the author's upbringing that, while some felt tangential to me, clearly stuck in his brain and impacted his life. Memoirs, to me, are about sharing what you deem to be key moments. Although I have criticisms, I still feel this book was well written and that Boal's story is interesting and worth reading. The ending (Ch. 33 and the Epilogue) was gorgeous. Flawless way to end this book. Also, it was fun to see my former ballet teacher's name, Galina Panova, pop up unexpectedly.
Criticism 1: There were 2 moments of typos or simple editing errors. On pg. 184, the author mentions "Scott Adams." In the next sentence, it's "Scott Abrams," and a few sentences later, "Scott Adams," again. Another formatting error occurred on pg. 306 when "Sri Lanka" jumps to a new line, but seems to be indented for "Lanka."
Criticism 2: Every sentence on the back cover talks about dance, and I feel as though this book has been marketed as a book about Boal's history specifically in the dance world. However, it feels like there was minimal inclusion about the author's life in dance. I think it's fine to have your memoir focus on the journey to where you're at now, but perhaps the description should reflect that and be less dance-centered.
Criticism 3: Stepping into this book with a thorough telling of a privileged upbringing with many stories that seem tangential to the book's purpose except to say, "We were rich and our family wasn't perfect," made it difficult to relate to.
Criticism 4: There were moments that felt weirdly out-of-order, which I found distracting. Namely, I felt Ch. 21 jumped into the future, when we would soon after hear living stories about someone we just discussed dying, and Ch. 32 jumped into the past, whereas I feel it would have belonged better in a place more chronologically fitting.
As stated above, this book is still a worthwhile read, but I do believe the marketing should paint it more as a memoir of a person who works in dance, rather than the dance-centered route it seems to be taking.
I was super excited to be chosen for this giveaway because I am a dancer in Seattle, where Boal serves as Artistic Director of PNB. Overall, this book was well-written and shared moments of the author's upbringing that, while some felt tangential to me, clearly stuck in his brain and impacted his life. Memoirs, to me, are about sharing what you deem to be key moments. Although I have criticisms, I still feel this book was well written and that Boal's story is interesting and worth reading. The ending (Ch. 33 and the Epilogue) was gorgeous. Flawless way to end this book. Also, it was fun to see my former ballet teacher's name, Galina Panova, pop up unexpectedly.
Criticism 1: There were 2 moments of typos or simple editing errors. On pg. 184, the author mentions "Scott Adams." In the next sentence, it's "Scott Abrams," and a few sentences later, "Scott Adams," again. Another formatting error occurred on pg. 306 when "Sri Lanka" jumps to a new line, but seems to be indented for "Lanka."
Criticism 2: Every sentence on the back cover talks about dance, and I feel as though this book has been marketed as a book about Boal's history specifically in the dance world. However, it feels like there was minimal inclusion about the author's life in dance. I think it's fine to have your memoir focus on the journey to where you're at now, but perhaps the description should reflect that and be less dance-centered.
Criticism 3: Stepping into this book with a thorough telling of a privileged upbringing with many stories that seem tangential to the book's purpose except to say, "We were rich and our family wasn't perfect," made it difficult to relate to.
Criticism 4: There were moments that felt weirdly out-of-order, which I found distracting. Namely, I felt Ch. 21 jumped into the future, when we would soon after hear living stories about someone we just discussed dying, and Ch. 32 jumped into the past, whereas I feel it would have belonged better in a place more chronologically fitting.
As stated above, this book is still a worthwhile read, but I do believe the marketing should paint it more as a memoir of a person who works in dance, rather than the dance-centered route it seems to be taking.
December 31, 2023
I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to relate to, or appreciate, Illusions of Camelot: A Memoir by Peter Boal. I know nothing about ballet, nor has my life been anything like the author's. But, I was interested because I’ve been loving memoirs recently and I have appreciated reading about subjects I know nothing about. Boal quickly pulled me in and I enjoyed this book.
I have found that if a memoir is well-written, you don’t have to “know” the author or industry—the author introduces you to it. Boal succeeded. This is a memoir about HIM, not about ballet. Well done.
Boal grew up more than privileged; he grew up rich. He recognizes that and he doesn’t boast about what he “had” or where he lived. He details and explains, but there’s no bragging involved. A majority of the book recounts his childhood, and he makes the reader part of it. I felt like I knew his family. Boal brought me into his joy, pain, sadness, love, and torment. I love reading childhood memoirs. I can only hope that the adult expresses emotion and thought as experienced while a child… not how the adult has processed them.
My marketing criticism: in my opinion, the book description and cover don’t match the book content. They made me think this was going to be centered around Boal as a dancer; however, it’s a memoir about a privileged white boy who is also an exceptional dancer. If you’re a person who likes memoirs of an individual’s childhood and the forces that developed the adult, you’ll be pleasantly surprised. If you want a memoir about Boal’s life as a dancer, you may be disappointed. I may have missed it, but I have no idea what the book title refers to or why it was chosen.
My editing criticism: I found a few moments confusing as they were out of chronological order, but it wasn’t explained that “we’re jumping back/forward a bit”.
I enjoyed this book and recommend it to people (like I stated) who like memoirs about the person, not so much about the person’s success, or for people who want to learn more about Peter Boal’s life.
My appreciation to Peter Boal and Beaufort Books for the LibraryThing Early Reviewers printed copy.
I have found that if a memoir is well-written, you don’t have to “know” the author or industry—the author introduces you to it. Boal succeeded. This is a memoir about HIM, not about ballet. Well done.
Boal grew up more than privileged; he grew up rich. He recognizes that and he doesn’t boast about what he “had” or where he lived. He details and explains, but there’s no bragging involved. A majority of the book recounts his childhood, and he makes the reader part of it. I felt like I knew his family. Boal brought me into his joy, pain, sadness, love, and torment. I love reading childhood memoirs. I can only hope that the adult expresses emotion and thought as experienced while a child… not how the adult has processed them.
My marketing criticism: in my opinion, the book description and cover don’t match the book content. They made me think this was going to be centered around Boal as a dancer; however, it’s a memoir about a privileged white boy who is also an exceptional dancer. If you’re a person who likes memoirs of an individual’s childhood and the forces that developed the adult, you’ll be pleasantly surprised. If you want a memoir about Boal’s life as a dancer, you may be disappointed. I may have missed it, but I have no idea what the book title refers to or why it was chosen.
My editing criticism: I found a few moments confusing as they were out of chronological order, but it wasn’t explained that “we’re jumping back/forward a bit”.
I enjoyed this book and recommend it to people (like I stated) who like memoirs about the person, not so much about the person’s success, or for people who want to learn more about Peter Boal’s life.
My appreciation to Peter Boal and Beaufort Books for the LibraryThing Early Reviewers printed copy.
May 2, 2023
Illusions of Camelot begins with the extraordinary bond between a white child and his Black nanny in a bucolic suburban New York community. What might seem like a recognizable, sometimes humourous, and at other times heartbreaking childhood takes a legend-making turn when the boy's extraordinary talent and good luck in ballet take him center stage at Lincoln Center under the guidance of the legendary choreographer George Balanchine.
But don't mistake this empathetic and wise memoir for a ballet tale, despite its surprising and fascinating anecdotes about a final visit to see George Balanchine in the hospital or what it was like to be the Nutcracker Prince with the New York City Ballet. Boal's story is a beautifully-written coming-of-age tale, as expressive and artistically rendered as any of Boal's legendary ballet performances at the New York State Theater. In print, Boal is as human as any of us at our most vulnerable, and he takes us intimately through the triumphs and tragedies of his extraordinary life. Reading this sensitive and generous book, it's impossible not to think of your parents, heroes, and friendships and how those relationships shape who we become.
This book celebrates what makes us human as well as what makes us extraordinary. It proves Boal to be so much more than we've seen on the stage: he has weathered many challenges and emerged as a leader, bringing the arts into a new era for those following his footsteps. His story also explains his motivations for championing a fresh and inclusive era in the ballet world. What a gift to know that behind all the glamour and beauty, no ballet star leads an easy life and that there is great humanity behind the artists who work so hard to make our world more kind and beautiful.
Boal's thoughtful language draws the reader into an artistic world that can be otherwise hard to access. His journey is about finding the courage to share your gifts with the world despite the obstacles and, more importantly, passing that privilege on to others. It's a wonderful reminder that we are more like our heroes than different from them. Bravo.
But don't mistake this empathetic and wise memoir for a ballet tale, despite its surprising and fascinating anecdotes about a final visit to see George Balanchine in the hospital or what it was like to be the Nutcracker Prince with the New York City Ballet. Boal's story is a beautifully-written coming-of-age tale, as expressive and artistically rendered as any of Boal's legendary ballet performances at the New York State Theater. In print, Boal is as human as any of us at our most vulnerable, and he takes us intimately through the triumphs and tragedies of his extraordinary life. Reading this sensitive and generous book, it's impossible not to think of your parents, heroes, and friendships and how those relationships shape who we become.
This book celebrates what makes us human as well as what makes us extraordinary. It proves Boal to be so much more than we've seen on the stage: he has weathered many challenges and emerged as a leader, bringing the arts into a new era for those following his footsteps. His story also explains his motivations for championing a fresh and inclusive era in the ballet world. What a gift to know that behind all the glamour and beauty, no ballet star leads an easy life and that there is great humanity behind the artists who work so hard to make our world more kind and beautiful.
Boal's thoughtful language draws the reader into an artistic world that can be otherwise hard to access. His journey is about finding the courage to share your gifts with the world despite the obstacles and, more importantly, passing that privilege on to others. It's a wonderful reminder that we are more like our heroes than different from them. Bravo.
May 25, 2023
Illusions of Camelot is a captivating peek at a privileged yet turbulent youth, offered through the lens of an older, wiser self. Peter Boal’s no-holds-barred narration left me eagerly lapping up each new vignette—doled out puzzle pieces that create one heck of a picture.
I expected a backstage tour to dancer Peter Boal, but instead enjoyed an all-access pass: his childhood and family, school-boy antics, early loves, and navigating living on his own in a wild unchaperoned New York with the resulting consequences and regrets.
Uncensored snippets from Peter’s early days left me wondering about libel laws. A small community’s most memorable moments are laid bare, often showing folks at their worst moments. It left me questioning whether the grass was greener on the wealthy side of the street and grateful I didn’t grow up in Bedford.
Our navigator and hero—thoughtful, common-sense Peter—carries us though his young life like a ghost of Christmas past, peeking in on formative events with surprising clarity. One wonders if he has a photographic memory; I’m grateful if so, because his is a fascinating tale chock-full of emotions and vividly told with a rare eloquence and descriptive brilliance. Peter unveils the secrets and scandals that marked his life with utter candor. This is a story (for mature audiences) full of humor, shock, love, and heart-wrenching grief, and it will stick with you after laughing and crying along.
I expected a backstage tour to dancer Peter Boal, but instead enjoyed an all-access pass: his childhood and family, school-boy antics, early loves, and navigating living on his own in a wild unchaperoned New York with the resulting consequences and regrets.
Uncensored snippets from Peter’s early days left me wondering about libel laws. A small community’s most memorable moments are laid bare, often showing folks at their worst moments. It left me questioning whether the grass was greener on the wealthy side of the street and grateful I didn’t grow up in Bedford.
Our navigator and hero—thoughtful, common-sense Peter—carries us though his young life like a ghost of Christmas past, peeking in on formative events with surprising clarity. One wonders if he has a photographic memory; I’m grateful if so, because his is a fascinating tale chock-full of emotions and vividly told with a rare eloquence and descriptive brilliance. Peter unveils the secrets and scandals that marked his life with utter candor. This is a story (for mature audiences) full of humor, shock, love, and heart-wrenching grief, and it will stick with you after laughing and crying along.
May 17, 2023
I enjoyed this wonderful memoir that brilliantly combined the personal story of a somewhat dysfunctional family, at least from the paternal presence, and an amazing career of a professional ballet dancer. What made the book so special was the ability of the author to share both interesting personal and professional events that were touching and relatable to this reader. His gradual realization of his sexual identity was handled with grace as was his fortunate rise in his career as a ballet dancer. Some highlights included details about the development of his ballet persona as well as intimate moments with stars like Jerome Robbins and others not so well known to the general public. His sensitive way of handling the impact of his father's alcoholism on his family was touching as well. Overall the narrative of his life kept me reading with interest and pleasure.
August 9, 2023
Peter Boal’s memoir defied my expectations, leaving me with profound respect for his courage and frankness in retelling difficult experiences of his childhood and formative years. Rather than solely focusing on the rigor of his training, Boal delves into the challenges of grappling with an alcoholic father, of deciding whether to speak up against bullies of others at school, and of living on his own as a teenager. It is a memoir of blessed circumstances as well as what lay behind the appearances.
What resonates throughout is his understated approach to recounting both his delightful and distressing memories, where the richness of the events themselves takes precedence over melodramatic emotion. This choice not only reflects his humility but also his kindness to others—admirable qualities for an artist and the individual behind the public persona.
What resonates throughout is his understated approach to recounting both his delightful and distressing memories, where the richness of the events themselves takes precedence over melodramatic emotion. This choice not only reflects his humility but also his kindness to others—admirable qualities for an artist and the individual behind the public persona.
October 8, 2024
I found this book very frustrating. I picked it up because I'm a ballet fan and enjoy memoirs learning about the life of dancers. Peter is also the artistic director of Pacific Northwest Ballet, another interesting portion of his career I'd love to learn about. But so little of this book concerned his life as a dancer, and none at all was given to his time at PNB. Instead there were endless anecdotes of a wealthy childhood blighted by parental alcoholism. The book was not what I was expecting or hoping for. I think it is more interesting to Peter himself as a record of his childhood, rather than to outside readers.
I did appreciate the chapters about his early time at NYCB, and the story of the tragedy of losing his boyfriend to AIDS was an affecting memory. So much on the shoulders of a very young man.
I did appreciate the chapters about his early time at NYCB, and the story of the tragedy of losing his boyfriend to AIDS was an affecting memory. So much on the shoulders of a very young man.
May 10, 2023
Most enjoyable memoir of one of the big names in the ballet world, consisting of vignettes from the author's boyhood, well, toddlerhood, to his developing a lifelong affair with ballet, from his start at 7 years of age, through his descriptions of his ballet classes, various companies he performed with, various choreographers, until finally ending up as artistic director of a ballet company in the northwest. We meet his upper middle-class family from a privileged neighborhood, his Black nanny/family housekeeper and others who influenced his life in one way or another. These sketches follow no particular timeline. Some have flashes of humor; others are sad. All in all, a quick, informative read. I thank LibraryThing for such a delightful ARC.
May 3, 2024
As a fan of the Pacific Northwest Ballet and dance in general, I found director Boal's memoir very interesting. Mr. Boal hosts a question and answer session following the performances in Seattle which my family enjoys attending. This personable approach provided extra motivation to read his book, and I'm glad that I did. It is written with honesty and conveys his deep love for dance and for his family.
April 19, 2025
This is mostly a memoir of Peter Boal's childhood and devotes very little attention to his dancing career and none at all on his career as an artistic director of a major ballet company. It also struggles within the timeline requiring the reader to reread to determine what the correct sequence of events was. A positive note is that the childhood stories are presented with a touch of humor that is refreshing juxtaposed his wealthy, entitled neighbors.
June 14, 2023
Peter Boal reflects on his life. He doesn't always stick to chronological order. He tells of his childhood and his troubled relationship with his father. I would have liked more focus on his time in the ballet.
October 2, 2023
Interesting very easy writing style. Honest about father’s alcoholism and packed with famous people and how he grew up fast to be a ballet dancer.
April 4, 2024
Well written but lacks focus.
September 15, 2023
3.5 stars, rounded up to 4.
I have wonderful memories of seeing Peter Boal dance every summer during New York City Ballet’s residency at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center in Saratoga Springs, New York. I also am a Pacific Northwest Ballet subscriber, where Peter Boal is artistic director. As a result, I was interested to read this memoir.
The memoir is a series of vignettes from Peter Boal’s childhood and young adulthood. Dance is touched on, but is not the primary focus. Instead, Boal describes a privileged childhood in Bedford, New York, surrounded by luxury, but also by the dysfunction growing out of his father’s alcoholism.
Overall, the book was well-written and worth reading.
I have wonderful memories of seeing Peter Boal dance every summer during New York City Ballet’s residency at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center in Saratoga Springs, New York. I also am a Pacific Northwest Ballet subscriber, where Peter Boal is artistic director. As a result, I was interested to read this memoir.
The memoir is a series of vignettes from Peter Boal’s childhood and young adulthood. Dance is touched on, but is not the primary focus. Instead, Boal describes a privileged childhood in Bedford, New York, surrounded by luxury, but also by the dysfunction growing out of his father’s alcoholism.
Overall, the book was well-written and worth reading.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews