Astonish Me: Maggie Shipstead’s novel delves into the world of ballet, following Joan, a dancer who helps a Soviet ballet star defect to the West in the 1970s. After leaving the stage to raise a family, Joan’s past continues to haunt her as her son, Harry, shows exceptional talent in ballet.
The novel explores themes of ambition, sacrifice, and the legacy of artistic pursuit, as Joan’s decisions affect the lives of those around her. Through the lens of the competitive world of ballet, Shipstead examines the costs of pursuing one’s dreams and the complexities of relationships within the performing arts.
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