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… 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…
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…
"From the creak of knees to the exhilaration of performance, the ballet in this book is so reminiscent it was like walking in my old pointe shoes. For anyone who loves dance."
Yulia Furnas, former Principal Dancer Russian Seasons State Dance Company
Yulia Furnas, former Principal Dancer Russian Seasons State Dance Company
"A wonderful debut from author, Kerri Turner ... Through her own work as a dancer, and thorough historical research, Turner has created figures that literally dance off the page. Like the influence of the ballet company itself, the characters will stay with you long after you have finished reading it."
Caroline Beecham, author
Caroline Beecham, author
"This is a wonderfully rich work of historical fiction that will entrance readers."
Good Reading
Good Reading
"The Last Days of the Romanov Dancers is a compelling and beautifully written read, and I’m really looking forward to reading more by Kerri Turner. Her voice is deft and assured, her research impeccable."
Kate Forsyth, author
Kate Forsyth, author
"The title says it all: this is a novel about the fading glory of the famous Imperial Ballet of Russia. You can anticipate drama and tragedy but also glimpses into that lost world of opulence and dissipation that hallmarked the downfall of the Romanov dynasty ... A bravura debut ..."
Marina Maxwell, Historical Novel Society
Marina Maxwell, Historical Novel Society
"It certainly has all the hallmarks of an accomplished debut: a wonderful cast of real and invented characters, skillful storytelling and that more intangible quality, a genuine passion for the world she has created."
Denise Raward, Sunday Book Club
Denise Raward, Sunday Book Club