Set within the world of ballet, the narrative explores a dancer's spiraling descent into madness, triggered by her jealousy over a perceived affair between her lover and a fellow performer. As she grapples with her deteriorating grip on reality while portraying dual roles in a new adaptation of Camelot, her emotional turmoil leads to catastrophic consequences for her relationship. Richly written and visually evocative, the story unfolds like a tragic ballet, immersing readers in a poignant exploration of love, jealousy, and the fragility of the mind.
After a very public onstage flameout, a disgraced opera singer is confronted with her crumbling marriage, a prickly and unexpected brother-in-law, and a cheeky parrot named Tulip ― and she must learn to whistle her way through it all. From the author of Harper’s Bazaar Hottest Breakout Novel The Gallery of Lost Species comes a charming, lively, and deeply felt story that is perfect for readers of Miriam Toews’s A Complicated Kindness and Amy Jones’s We’re All in this Together . When opera singer Dawn Woodward has an onstage flameout, all she wants is to be left alone. She’s soon faced with other complications the day her husband announces her estranged brother-in-law, Tariq, is undergoing cancer treatment and moving in, his temperamental parrot in tow. To make matters worse, though she can’t whistle herself, she has been tasked with teaching arias to an outspoken group of devoted siffleurs who call themselves the Warblers. Eventually, Tariq and his bird join the class, and Dawn forms unexpected friendships with her new companions. But when her marriage shows signs of trouble and Tariq’s health declines, she begins questioning her foundations, including the career that she has worked so hard to build and the true nature of love and song.
Through evocative poetry, Nina Berkhout explores themes of childhood, loss, and the passage of time, inviting readers to appreciate the beauty in everyday moments. The collection features vivid characters from her neighborhood, such as a chatty toad and a beloved grocery store couple, alongside scenes of birthday dinners and surreal hot air balloon rides. With delicate imagery and reflections on mortality, the poems serve as guiding lights, providing solace and insight into life's intricate blend of sorrow and joy.
The narrative weaves a multi-layered tale filled with emotional depth, exploring complex characters and their journeys. It promises to engage readers with its rich storytelling and relatable themes, making it a standout in contemporary literature. The author, known for a previous hit, brings a fresh perspective and captivating prose to this new work, ensuring an impactful reading experience.
