Hello readers! I can’t wait for you to read about this spectacular book. (See what I did there?) Here’s the format for this review- I’ll give you a synopsis, my review, who I think should read this, and a pairing of some sort. Without further ado…..
The Spectacular by Fiona Davis
The Synopsis
Marion is a nineteen year old dance instructor. She lives at home with her father, Simon, and older sister, Judy. Her mother died when she was just a child, so it’s been the three of them and their housekeeper who has been with the girls their whole lives. Marion also has a boyfriend, Nathaniel, who is just back from a European trip and is ready to settle down with Marion and get started on a family of their own. But Marion isn’t sure she’s ready for that at such a young age. She craves adventure and purpose for her life that doesn’t involve making meals, running a household, and raising children. When she learns of an open audition for the Radio City Rockettes, she decides she must try.
Meanwhile, NYC has been plagued by the “Big Apple Bomber” for sixteen years and keeps escaping the clutches of the police. At the end of their rope, the NYPD decides to enlist the help of Dr. Peter Griggs, a psychiatrist who has an interesting and unconventional way of studying criminals and the mentally ill.
By chance, Marion and Peter find themselves working together with the police to help find the bomber. Marion soon finds she’s much more of a standout than she thought, and uses this self realization to her benefit and the benefit of the entire city.
My Review
I thought this was a splendid book. I found profound statements such as, “She hadn’t realized until now what a passive participant she’d been in her own life, gliding along with everyone else’s desires for her future.” I was angered by certain, outdated standards placed on women. My heartstrings were tugged several times making me feel sad and sympathetic. My heart rate climbed when the bomber got a little too close for comfort. I also enjoyed a peak into the behind-the-scenes world of the Rockettes audition process. I gave it 4 stars.
Who Should Read It?
This book is for fans of: historical fiction, 1950s New York, the stage life, the Rockettes, family drama, a good mystery, mental illness in the 50s vs. now
Pair It With…
I’m pairing this book with a fuzzy blanket and maybe even a Christmas tree. While the book isn’t even focused on Christmas, the story does take place during December while the Christmas Spectacular is the show that’s performed at Radio City Music Hall. Do you have to save it until December? Certainly not! But if your TBR pile is overflowing like mine, adding this to your holiday reads won’t be a disappointing move.
I hope you pick this one up sometime soon. When you do, let me know how you like it! Get your copy at your local library, independent bookstore, secondhand books website, or here.
