The Last Dance of the Debutante' is set at the end of an era for women in Europe, a marked step from the heretofore female role of obedient, supportive wife and mother, to that of an individual in her own rights - educated and independent. Outwardly, in Britain, this demarcation line is drawn by the end of official 'comings out' in society and the presentation of debutantes at court. The old families still form an impenetrable fortress; however, nouveau riches are increasingly breaching its walls, by obtaining invitations to presentations at court. Tradition wants a rich and titled marriage for their daughters. Tradition also strives for a financially advantageous union for titled, but down-at-heel aristocrats. The 'season' is there to advertise the goods on either side, in order to form advantageous contracts. A rather barbaric custom, in retrospect...

This book is written in easy, flowing prose, which makes it perfect for a cosy evening read. The protagonist, Lily Nicholls, is well-developed, whereas other characters, such as her closer friends, Leana and Katherine, as well as Lily's mother and grandmother border on cliché, in my opinion. Nevertheless, the array of parties and dances, the debutante wardrobes, so richly described, make way to a most satisfying drama, which ends the book on a high note.

I found this an easy, entertaining read that touched on the important mid-20th century changes of women's roles, but was clad in the glitz and glamour of times gone by. 3 1/2 stars rounded up to 4.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for affording me an eARC and the opportunity to post my voluntary and unbiased review.

Book Review: The Last Dance of the Debutante by Julia Kelly
Book Review
The Last Dance of the Debutante by Julia Kelly
Publication Date: December 7th, 2021
4☆☆☆☆ for an insightful yet fun piece of historical fiction

Julia Kelly has done it again - crafting an insightful yet fun historical fiction novel with strong female protagonists and a healthy dose of drama.

When I met our heroine, Lily Nicholls, I fell into the world of teas, luncheons and balls that marked the Season, the few months of social events designed to “launch” young women into society, ideally securing them a proposal from an eligible and well to do “delight.”

Lily’s education is cut short so that she can prepare for and participate in the 1958 Season, rumoured to be the last. This novel shows us that despite appearances, life isn’t always what it seems, and sometimes the biggest deceptions are closest to home.

Sometimes I feel like historical fiction novels have some hoops or challenges for the protagonist that feel like unnecessary surprises, like they’ve been added at the last minute to incite some extra drama. This novel takes a turn in that direction but Kelly weaves her surprise into the fabric of the story in a way that speaks truth.

I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction with strong female protagonists, as long as they allow them a mis step or two. It’s also so refreshing to not be reading about the Second World War (despite my inclination toward this period). There’s so much else to be said and so many eras that deserve our attention and the time of talented writers like Kelly.

Something that I think is worth saying even if it is spoiler-like, is that if you’re expecting the book to end with a marriage for Lily, or a picture-perfect life, you’re not going to get that - which for me is all the more reason to get your hands on this book. The Happily-Ever-After that so many readers seek (and expect?) is an adjusted expectation and I think, a more happily ever after than Lily might have gotten if she followed the storyline her mum and grandma wanted for her.

This is a theme that I’ve seen in some of Kelly’s other novels including Whispers of War and The Last Garden in England. There are “delights” but there are also strong women who hold each other up, make each other better and help one another get their happily ever afters - whatever that looks like.

Bravo to Kelly on another ringer. Without the ring ;)

Wow! I thought this book was absolutely stunning! Starting with the cover - look at that artwork! Beautiful dress, beautiful girl, beautiful cover! Lovey!

Now, let’s get to the book itself.

This story follows a young woman named Lilly; the year is 1958 and it has been announced that this will be the last year debutantes are to be presented in court. Lilly is a bit reluctant to do this, as she has higher aspirations for herself, but to please her mother & grandmother she goes through with it. During her journey, she meets friends and foes, learns that gossip is always around and tries to determine what she really wants for herself to be happy in her life. Secrets emerge and lives are changed.

This is an amazing historical fiction book about the life of the debutante. Julia Kelly does a fantastic job of describing everything in this book, from the immaculate ballrooms and hotels to the beautiful dresses the girls donned during these lunches, dinners, drinks and party’s.

This is a fantastic tale of true friendship, finding out who you really are and leaning who is there for you when you really need it. A little bit of romance and mystery mixed in and this book was just the perfect book to curl up with.

Thank you so much to Simon & Schuster Canada for an advance ebook of this. I was so excited to read it and I would recommend to any historical fiction fanatic.

The Last Dance of the Debutantes by Julia Kelly tells a beautifully written story about Lily who has been summoned to attend the last official presentation of debutantes at court in 1958. While it follows the story of Lily, The Last Dance of the Debutantes contains an impressive amount of secondary characters who are well developed and make sense to the storyline. The author uses exquisite detail to outline the time and dedication the debutantes put in to preparing for and taking part in the season with a whirl-wind of dress-fittings, attending luncheons, cocktail parties and balls.

A family secret, female friendships, jealousies and learning that the life your family wants for you might not be the life you want for yourself are all themes contained in this novel.

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for an ARC of this book, in exchange for an honest review.