The Still Point
An Addictive Novel of Desire and Jealousy
by Tammy Greenwood
This title was previously available on NetGalley and is now archived.
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Pub Date Feb 20 2024 | Archive Date Mar 05 2024
Kensington Books | Kensington
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Description
Dance Moms meets Little Fires Everywhere in award winning author Tammy Greenwood’s addictive new novel set in the hyper cutthroat world of ballet girls and their mothers as they compete for a prestigious prize…
"The Still Point is a must-read full of love, hope, desire and jealousy – a vivid, compelling and deeply nuanced look at a place where lives are forever shaped and changed.” –Mary Kubica, New York Times bestselling author of Just the Nicest Couple
“She had never seen Bea dance like this. Ever sat spellbound as her daughter grew from a little girl into a woman before her eyes…”
Ever, Lindsay, and Josie have ushered their daughters—Bea, Olive, and Savvy—through years of dance classes in their coastal California town. They’ve tended bloodied feet, stitched ribbons to countless pairs of pointe shoes, and in the process, forged friendships that seem to transcend rivalry.
But now Etienne Bernay, enfant terrible of French ballet, has come to their conservatory. Not only will he direct this year’s production of The Nutcracker, but he’s brought along a film crew to document his search for one special student who will receive a full scholarship to the Ballet de Paris Academie. For the girls, this is the chance to fulfill lifelong dreams. For Ever, recently widowed and struggling financially, it may be the only way to keep Bea dancing. And Bea is a truly gifted dancer—poetic and ethereal, breathtaking to watch.
Lindsay, meanwhile, frets that Olive is growing tired of the punishing reality of training, while Josie has no such qualms about Savvy, who is a powerhouse of ambition.
From auditions to casting to rehearsals, the cameras capture the selection process, with its backstabbing and jealousy, disappointment and triumph. But it’s behind the scenes that Bernay’s arrival will yield the most shocking revelations, exposing the secrets and lies at the heart of all three families—and the sacrifices women make for their children, for friendship, and for art.
“Instantly transports you to the cutthroat, brutally competitive, and beautiful world of ballet in this richly-detailed, expertly-plotted, absorbing tale of friendship, motherhood, passion, and dreams, found, lost, and found again.” – Heather Gudenkauf, New York Times bestselling author of The Overnight Guest
“Fans of Dance Moms and Megan Abbott will love this literary take on the competitive world of elite ballet training. With Tammy Greenwood’s firsthand knowledge of the subject, precise writing and well-drawn characters, The Still Point is an authentic and eloquent rumination on the ways that love—in all its forms—shapes our lives. Parental hopes, marital bonds, youthful passions: What does commitment mean in a life filled with inevitable changes?” – Zoje Stage, USA Today bestselling author of Baby Teeth and Wonderland
For publicity queries, please contact Vida Engstrand: VEngstrand@KensingtonBooks.com
Available Editions
EDITION | Other Format |
ISBN | 9781496739339 |
PRICE | $17.95 (USD) |
PAGES | 304 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Welcome to the world of ballet! It’s filled with mothers and daughters acting badly, ambition, jealousy and manipulation. Watch the behind the scenes struggles as three mothers push their daughters to compete for the best roles and prime internships. Then see what happens when ballet master, the charismatic Etienne Bernay enters as a guest teacher and promises a full scholarship to the prestigious Ballet de Paris Academie. Ever, Josie and Lindsay have been friends since their daughters, Bea, Savvy and Olive, first began lessons. However, ambition beats friendship and the fight for the scholarship is on.
The Still Point is impossible to put down. Ever, Josie and Lindsay are so well described, you’ll feel like you know them. Ever, a recent widow with money problems is heartbreaking. Josie is so desperate to have Savvy win that she loses sight of the other important things in her life. And Lindsay is worried about what exists in her imagination. The daughters must struggle with the physical pain of dance, teenage angst and social media. The Still Point is totally unique, exceptional and a must read. Kudos to Tammy Greenwood! 5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, Kensington Books and Tammy Greenwood for this ARC.
The novel is an engrossing, emotional read that delves into the complex relationships between mothers and daughters, friends and rivals, and artists and mentors.
Tammy Greenwood herself is a ballet mom and she writes the novel from her experience. The novel has a certain authenticity. It provides insight about the happiness of seeing your children dance so gracefully, as well as the pressures and expectations that come with this short and fleeting dream.
The novel also explores themes such as grief, loss, identity, betrayal, love, and forgiveness.
This is my first read from Tammy Greenwood and I have enjoyed every moment of it. I will definitely be picking up the rest of the books and I would definitely recommend anyone who loves a good read about ballet, friendship and the pressures of society.
#TheStillPoint #NetGalley