Hello my Book Friends, I’m still catching up on those book reviews so here is one I read on holiday. It was a last minute addition to my suitcase and boy was that the best decision I made. It’s been a long time since I’ve read something like this, a YA historical novel and this has to be one of the best I’ve ever read.
Under A Dancing Star by Laura Wood Published by Scholastic on July 4 2019
Genres: Historical, Contemporary
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In grey, 1930s England, Bea has grown up kicking against the conventions of the time, all the while knowing that she will one day have to marry someone her parents choose - someone rich enough to keep the family estate alive. But she longs for so much more - for adventure, excitement, travel, and maybe even romance.
When she gets the chance to spend the summer in Italy with her bohemian uncle and his fiancée, a whole world is opened up to Bea - a world that includes Ben, a cocky young artist who just happens to be infuriatingly handsome too. Sparks fly between the quick-witted pair until one night, under the stars, a challenge is set: can Bea and Ben put aside their teasing and have the perfect summer romance?
With their new friends gleefully setting the rules for their fling, Bea and Ben can agree on one thing at least: they absolutely, positively will not, cannot fall in love...
A long, hot summer of kisses and mischief unfolds - but storm clouds are gathering across Europe, and home is calling. Every summer has to end - but for Bea, this might be just the beginning.
“The end of the Beginning…”
Living in 20th Century, Beatrice is stuck with her future, destined to marry and take over her family’s home as her parents keep reminding her. But Bea (to my delight) isn’t your typical English girl, she’s smart, bold, opinionated, and honest (maybe a little too honest, to her parent’s dismay). After a terrible dinner with potential future husband and a shameful talk in front of the vicar, her parents are embarrassed so they send her off to go with her uncle in Italy to educate her. Little did she know that the Italy could become a haven of leisure and romantic interludes and experiments to full fill her summer.
I loved Bea’s character so much, she is just so full of life, she thrives on it and it shines through the pages. But she is beyond her time and doesn’t know where she fits in. Bea absolutely flourishes in Florence, it’s a new lease of life, a time for her to discover herself, her style, her desires and where her true passions lie. Bea seeks adventure and she wants to experience everything before she leaves at the end of the summer.
I adored our set of glamorous and exotic characters. The Artists staying within the villa Ursula, Klaus and Ben as well as her Uncle’s fiancée, Filomena they each have such colourful, take on life, a freshness that even I admired. But obviously our main focus in on our brooding painter, Ben who starts a romantic experiment with Bea, so she can experience everything. This side of the story is like a massive tease, you can feel yourself inadvertently blushing with each passing moment, it’s like a secret romance, a completely swoonworthy. I loved it.
Under the Dancing Star is my first book from Laura and it is absolutely gorgeous and vibrant novel. Laura’s storytelling is simply stunning. You are captivated with the imagery and background of the story from dull England to the lush greens and vibrant colours of Florence makes the world seem so much bigger than we imagine sometimes. It’s what I needed on holiday and you feel absolutely glorious when you finished reading it. This book takes you on a wild escape and it’s the perfect summer read.
Sounds like a great read!