A Dancer's Guide to Africa
by Terez Mertes Rose
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Pub Date Oct 02 2018 | Archive Date Oct 31 2018
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Description
Fiona Garvey, ballet dancer and new college graduate, is desperate to escape her sister’s betrayal and a failed relationship. Vowing to restart as far from home as possible, she accepts a two-year teaching position with the Peace Corps in Africa. It’s a role she’s sure she can perform. But in no time, Fiona realizes she’s traded her problems in Omaha for bigger ones in Gabon, a country as beautiful as it is filled with contradictions.
Emotionally derailed by Christophe, a charismatic and privileged Gabonese man who can teach her to let go of her inhibitions but can’t commit to anything more, threatened by an overly familiar student with a menacing fixation on her, and drawn into the compelling but potentially dangerous local dance ceremonies, Fiona finds herself at increasing risk. And when matters come to a shocking head, she must reach inside herself, find her dancer’s power, and fight back.
Blending humor and pathos, A DANCER’S GUIDE TO AFRICA takes the reader along on a suspense-laden, sensual journey through Africa’s complex beauty, mystery and mysticism.
Advance Praise
“The author’s … vivid prose and rapt evocations of the African surroundings make the story come alive.” – Kirkus Reviews
“Hilarious and poignant, with a frank, observant narrator who seems forever on the outside looking in, and all the more lovable and relatable for that.”-- Sarah Bird, author of The Yokota Officers Club and Daughter of a Daughter of a Queen
“Terez Mertes Rose knows dancing. She can make us feel its soulful allure. And in A Dancer’s Guide To Africa she captures the wonder, the culture divide, the longing and loneliness of being an outsider in the nation of Gabon. Better still, she delivers a cast of characters and a story that holds our attention from beginning to end. With this novel, Terez Mertes Rose, a savvy, insightful and entertaining writer, has come into her own.-- John Dalton, award-winning author of Heaven Lake
“Rich with the smells, sounds, sights and culture of Africa, this novel takes us on an exquisite journey, through the eyes of a ballet dancer turned Peace Corps volunteer. A Dancer's Guide to Africa is at once funny and dark, and superbly nuanced.” -- Marika Brussel, choreographer and former dancer
“A textured, sensuous, coming-of-age story that had me turning pages until the very end. I could almost hear the drums and see the firelight as I followed these believably drawn characters through their cultural and romantic escapades in this wonderful novel.”
-- Anne Clermont, author of Learning to Fall
“Terez Mertes Rose has drawn on her considerable passions—dance, music, and storytelling—to take readers on a sometimes mystical and often suspenseful journey. The spiritual, visceral, and sensory-laden beauty of Gabon was a believable and riveting backdrop for this touching story of a women discovering her truth and power. A Dancer’s Guide to Africa commanded my attention from the first page to the last sentence.-- Jennifer Haupt, author of In the Shadow of 10,000 Hills, and curator of the Psychology Today blog, One True Thing
Available Editions
| EDITION | Ebook |
| ISBN | 9780986093449 |
| PRICE | $4.99 (USD) |
Featured Reviews
Katie P, Reviewer
I really enjoyed "A Dancer's Guide to Africa." It was a well written novel about a young woman who joins the Peace Corps and teaches English in Gabon. While dance is a theme throughout the book, it did not dominate the story. The first part of the story focuses on Fiona's, the main character, adjustment to living in Gabon and her relationship with Christophe. I didn't like Christophe, but he doesn't dominate the story line either.
The author did an excellent job of describing the challenges Fiona faced in the Peace Corps, as well as the joy she found in teaching and exploring a new country. I really enjoyed seeing how Fiona grew as she went through her Peace Corps experience.
I received an advance reading copy from the publisher via NetGalley and from a Goodreads Giveaway.
Aida A, Reviewer
A vivid and beautifully written romance. I don't read a lot of romance but when I do I am very picky about what I read and Terez Mertes Rose didn't disappoint. Her lyrical prose will wrap itself around you and brings the story to life. You will truly feel as if you are in Africa. Definitely pick up this beautiful winner of a book and prepare to be dazzled as I was. Happy reading!
Lauren R, Reviewer
This was a really interesting read. I enjoyed all of the dance references as well as the adventure! The plot was fast-paced and exciting.
Literary R, Reviewer
I was totally captivated by this lush and moving novel set in Gabon, Africa. The protagonist, a ballet dancer, takes a two-year assignment in the Peace Corps after a wrenching betrayal by her sister and the end of an important relationship. You’re deeply drawn into her story of spiritual and emotional growth in a country she describes in exquisite detail. A mystical, magical tale that will enchant and capture the reader long after the last page is turned. 5/5
Pub Date 02 Oct 2018.
Thanks to the author, Classical Girl Press and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are mine.
#AdancersGuideToAfrica #NetGalley
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