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Starring Adele Astaire
USA Today bestselling author Eliza Knight returns with a story full of glitz and glam as she delves into the life of Adele Astaire, a spirited and talented woman who served up smiles and love both on and off the stage—with and without her also famous brother Fred Astaire— along with a determined young dancer with rags-to-riches dreams.
A spirited rising stage star…
Adele Astaire was a glittering, glamorous star, dancing with her brother, Fred, endearing herself to audiences from New York to London. But although she is toasted by royalty and beloved by countless fans, Adele Astaire has dreams of a loving husband and a houseful of children. And when she meets Lord Charles Cavendish, her wishes may just come true—but at what cost?
A determined young dancer …
Ever since Violet Wood could walk she’s wanted to dance on the London stage. Befriended by Adele, filled with ambition, she is more than willing to make the sacrifices it will take to becomes a star herself, and her rags-to-riches hopes are within reach. But the road to fame is never easy.
Two women with unquenchable spirit …
From the fast-paced world of roaring 20s New York to the horrors and sacrifice of wartime London, Adele's and Violet’s lives intertwine, and each must ask themselves is fame worth the price you must pay?
A spirited rising stage star…
Adele Astaire was a glittering, glamorous star, dancing with her brother, Fred, endearing herself to audiences from New York to London. But although she is toasted by royalty and beloved by countless fans, Adele Astaire has dreams of a loving husband and a houseful of children. And when she meets Lord Charles Cavendish, her wishes may just come true—but at what cost?
A determined young dancer …
Ever since Violet Wood could walk she’s wanted to dance on the London stage. Befriended by Adele, filled with ambition, she is more than willing to make the sacrifices it will take to becomes a star herself, and her rags-to-riches hopes are within reach. But the road to fame is never easy.
Two women with unquenchable spirit …
From the fast-paced world of roaring 20s New York to the horrors and sacrifice of wartime London, Adele's and Violet’s lives intertwine, and each must ask themselves is fame worth the price you must pay?
395 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 6, 2023
About the author
Eliza Knight
144 books1,839 followersEliza Knight is an award winning, USA Today and international bestselling author. Her love of history began as a young girl when she traipsed the halls of Versailles and ran through the fields in Southern France. She can still remember standing before the great golden palace, and imagining what life must have been like. Growing up in the Washington, D.C. area, her weekends were filled with visits to museums, and historical reenactments. Escape into history for courageous heroines, irresistible heroes and daring escapades. Join Eliza (sometimes as E.) on riveting historical journeys that cross landscapes around the world. She is a member of the Historical Novel Society and Novelists, Inc., the creator of the popular historical blog, History Undressed, and a co-host on the History, Books and Wine podcast.
While not reading, writing or researching for her latest book, she tries to keep up with her three not-so-little children. In her spare time (if there is such a thing…) she likes daydreaming, wine-tasting, traveling, hiking, staring at the stars, watching movies, shopping and visiting with family and friends. She lives atop a small mountain with her own knight in shining armor, three princesses, two very naughty Newfies, and a turtle named Fish.
Coming June 11, 2024, THE QUEEN'S FAITHFUL COMPANION, a novel of Queen Elizabeth II's beloved corgi, Susan.
For more information about book club visits, downloadable reader guides, upcoming author events, book news, newsletter and more, visit her website: www.elizaknight.com
If you love history and want to dive in for some fun, visit Eliza's popular, award-winning blog:
http://historyundressed.com or her history podcast: https://historybooksandwinepodcast.bu...
To connect on social media, visit/follow Eliza at the following:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/elizaknightfi...
Instagram: @ElizaKnightFiction
While not reading, writing or researching for her latest book, she tries to keep up with her three not-so-little children. In her spare time (if there is such a thing…) she likes daydreaming, wine-tasting, traveling, hiking, staring at the stars, watching movies, shopping and visiting with family and friends. She lives atop a small mountain with her own knight in shining armor, three princesses, two very naughty Newfies, and a turtle named Fish.
Coming June 11, 2024, THE QUEEN'S FAITHFUL COMPANION, a novel of Queen Elizabeth II's beloved corgi, Susan.
For more information about book club visits, downloadable reader guides, upcoming author events, book news, newsletter and more, visit her website: www.elizaknight.com
If you love history and want to dive in for some fun, visit Eliza's popular, award-winning blog:
http://historyundressed.com or her history podcast: https://historybooksandwinepodcast.bu...
To connect on social media, visit/follow Eliza at the following:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/elizaknightfi...
Instagram: @ElizaKnightFiction
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 152 reviews
January 30, 2023
Starring Adele Astaire reimagines the story of talented dancers. At first, briefly introducing the story of Adele and her brother Fred Astaire, then intertwining the friendship between Adele and another talented dancer Violet Wood.
As Violet rises in her aspiration, Adele, who is already a star, dreams about putting down roots and having family. As any story, it involves ups and downs.
Set in 1920s New York and London, which latter is later torn by war. The story has a good flow, however, I wished for backstories of the characters. It helps me connect with them. Instead, the story mainly progresses forward.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
As Violet rises in her aspiration, Adele, who is already a star, dreams about putting down roots and having family. As any story, it involves ups and downs.
Set in 1920s New York and London, which latter is later torn by war. The story has a good flow, however, I wished for backstories of the characters. It helps me connect with them. Instead, the story mainly progresses forward.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 30, 2022
Long before Ginger Rogers came along, Fred Astaire’s dance partner was his sister Adele who positively dazzles in Eliza Knight’s latest work of historical fiction. We follow the spirited Adele from New York to London and beyond as she takes a young dancer under her wing. As their friendship grows, the women learn to juggle fame, love, loss and the devastation of war. Knight’s fan will surely appreciate how she once again seamlessly weaves her research into this rich tale, delivering another winner!
Currently reading
May 16, 2023Update: 5/16/23
3 weeks until release! I can barely contain myself!
I love this fabulous review from Library Journal! “Fascinating, well-researched historical details about the lives of women in show business, many famous people, and World War II make this an emotionally satisfying retelling of the simultaneously privileged and tragic life of a real but mostly forgotten superstar. Will resonate with readers interested in show business, dance, and the history of women’s lives from the 1920s to World War II.”
Update: 4/24/23
How did Adele Astaire come to my attention?
Several years ago, when I was doing the research for The Mayfair Bookshop, I discovered a letter from Nancy Mitford to one of her sisters, chatting about how she'd had lunch with a delightful woman named Delly. I thought I knew all of Nancy’s friends, but Delly wasn't familiar to me. So, I did a research dive—and guess who it was, none other than Adele Astaire, sister to Fred Astaire. At the time, she was the more famous of the two, having made her start in the US Vaudeville circuit and then Broadway in NYC, she was lured to the stage in the West End of London where she promptly became fast friends with socialites, royalty, literary phenoms and more. As often times happens, her name and fame faded into obscurity. I enjoyed so much digging into her life and weaving a story, that I hope you will all delight in as much as I did!
***
Update: 3/23/23
Did you know you can read an advanced copy of STARRING ADELE ASTAIRE on NetGalley? Check it out here: https://www.netgalley.com/catalog/boo...
***
Update: 2/23/23 -
I can't wait for you all to get a chance to read this book next summer! I had such a blast researching and writing! I'm currently reading the 1st pass pages before the book is made into ARCs (advanced reader copies). More to come!
3 weeks until release! I can barely contain myself!
I love this fabulous review from Library Journal! “Fascinating, well-researched historical details about the lives of women in show business, many famous people, and World War II make this an emotionally satisfying retelling of the simultaneously privileged and tragic life of a real but mostly forgotten superstar. Will resonate with readers interested in show business, dance, and the history of women’s lives from the 1920s to World War II.”
Update: 4/24/23
How did Adele Astaire come to my attention?
Several years ago, when I was doing the research for The Mayfair Bookshop, I discovered a letter from Nancy Mitford to one of her sisters, chatting about how she'd had lunch with a delightful woman named Delly. I thought I knew all of Nancy’s friends, but Delly wasn't familiar to me. So, I did a research dive—and guess who it was, none other than Adele Astaire, sister to Fred Astaire. At the time, she was the more famous of the two, having made her start in the US Vaudeville circuit and then Broadway in NYC, she was lured to the stage in the West End of London where she promptly became fast friends with socialites, royalty, literary phenoms and more. As often times happens, her name and fame faded into obscurity. I enjoyed so much digging into her life and weaving a story, that I hope you will all delight in as much as I did!
***
Update: 3/23/23
Did you know you can read an advanced copy of STARRING ADELE ASTAIRE on NetGalley? Check it out here: https://www.netgalley.com/catalog/boo...
***
Update: 2/23/23 -
I can't wait for you all to get a chance to read this book next summer! I had such a blast researching and writing! I'm currently reading the 1st pass pages before the book is made into ARCs (advanced reader copies). More to come!
November 30, 2022
Starring Adele Astaire peels back the layers on Adele Astaire’s life beyond the stage while highlighting how ferociously an intrepid dreamer must fight for an edge into the spotlight. Eliza Knight’s in-depth research brings these stories to life in exquisite, vibrant detail that will captivate readers everywhere.
November 18, 2023
Adele Astaire, older sister of Fred, is also a dancer & becomes famous worldwide dancing with her brother. Though she has almost everything she has ever wanted, what Adele really longs for is a happy marriage & children. On a trip to England to perform a tour of shows with Fred, she meets Lord Charles Cavendish, & it begins to look as if her life may be complete. Working class Violet Wood has a job waiting tables at a London theatre but she dreams of being onstage. A stroke of luck sees her not only get a coveted place in the chorus but she becomes friends with famous dancer, Adele Astaire.
This is a dual narrator story with alternate chapters from Adele & Violet. Although it is based on Adele Astaire's life, it is a fictional take & the author says that Violet is an amalgamation of several aspiring young stars of the time. I'd never heard of Adele Astaire before seeing the book online & reading it prompted me to look into her life further. It seems she was a gifted dancer & had a sense of comic timing onstage. Off-stage things weren't so good as she seems to have had a troubled personal life after retiring from dancing - she gave birth to three children but all of them died shortly after birth, plus there was the loss of her first husband at a rather young age.
I thought it was an interesting read but I wasn't really that interested in Violet's chapters. I understand that they allowed the author to show the other side of London life away from the glittering stage but she was a bit nondescript compared to Adele. I did enjoy the cameo appearances from several famous people from history including the Prince of Wales (future Edward VIII - i.e. the one who abdicated), Deborah Mitford, & Kathleen 'Kick' Kennedy. 3.5 stars (rounded up).
TWs: war, death of a child, death of a spouse, alcoholism.
This is a dual narrator story with alternate chapters from Adele & Violet. Although it is based on Adele Astaire's life, it is a fictional take & the author says that Violet is an amalgamation of several aspiring young stars of the time. I'd never heard of Adele Astaire before seeing the book online & reading it prompted me to look into her life further. It seems she was a gifted dancer & had a sense of comic timing onstage. Off-stage things weren't so good as she seems to have had a troubled personal life after retiring from dancing - she gave birth to three children but all of them died shortly after birth, plus there was the loss of her first husband at a rather young age.
I thought it was an interesting read but I wasn't really that interested in Violet's chapters. I understand that they allowed the author to show the other side of London life away from the glittering stage but she was a bit nondescript compared to Adele. I did enjoy the cameo appearances from several famous people from history including the Prince of Wales (future Edward VIII - i.e. the one who abdicated), Deborah Mitford, & Kathleen 'Kick' Kennedy. 3.5 stars (rounded up).
TWs: war, death of a child, death of a spouse, alcoholism.
Want to read
December 14, 2022adele astaire DESERVES to have a book written about her so i’m so happy this exists
July 17, 2023
Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
STARRING ADELE ASTAIRE by Eliza Knight is an engaging historical fiction/biographical historical women’s fiction novel featuring dual narratives alternating between one half of the famous brother sister dancing duo of Fred and Adele Astaire and an up-and-coming London West End dancer with dreams of stardom. This story is a wonderful mix of historical fact and fiction that brings these two women and their era to life.
Adele Astaire was the older sister of Fred Astaire and his first partner in dance, vaudeville, and theater productions. Adele was full of life and always laughing and endearing herself to audiences. While she loves the success and fame they have achieved, she also yearns for the life of a wife and mother.
Violet Wood is from the poor West End of London and has forever been told her washerwoman mother that she should quit trying to rise above her station, but Violet continues to practice dance on her own as she works as a cocktail waitress in the theaters. On an audition, she is befriended by Adele Astaire and proves she has the drive and ambition to become a star.
This is an emotional story of two strong women, one historical and one fictional who work, sacrifice, and strive for what they want. The timeline of this story is from the “Roaring Twenties” through WWII in both the UK and New York. There were several times in this story I was completely heartbroken for Adele and yet she was able to pick herself back up and start again. The triumphs and tragedies of both women’s stories intertwined to depict the ups and downs of their choices, but also the lack of choices due to the times. It is evident there was in-depth research done on Adele’s life and the use of Violet as a counterpoint the author was able to bring the decades depicted to life.
I highly recommend this captivating biographical historical fiction novel!
STARRING ADELE ASTAIRE by Eliza Knight is an engaging historical fiction/biographical historical women’s fiction novel featuring dual narratives alternating between one half of the famous brother sister dancing duo of Fred and Adele Astaire and an up-and-coming London West End dancer with dreams of stardom. This story is a wonderful mix of historical fact and fiction that brings these two women and their era to life.
Adele Astaire was the older sister of Fred Astaire and his first partner in dance, vaudeville, and theater productions. Adele was full of life and always laughing and endearing herself to audiences. While she loves the success and fame they have achieved, she also yearns for the life of a wife and mother.
Violet Wood is from the poor West End of London and has forever been told her washerwoman mother that she should quit trying to rise above her station, but Violet continues to practice dance on her own as she works as a cocktail waitress in the theaters. On an audition, she is befriended by Adele Astaire and proves she has the drive and ambition to become a star.
This is an emotional story of two strong women, one historical and one fictional who work, sacrifice, and strive for what they want. The timeline of this story is from the “Roaring Twenties” through WWII in both the UK and New York. There were several times in this story I was completely heartbroken for Adele and yet she was able to pick herself back up and start again. The triumphs and tragedies of both women’s stories intertwined to depict the ups and downs of their choices, but also the lack of choices due to the times. It is evident there was in-depth research done on Adele’s life and the use of Violet as a counterpoint the author was able to bring the decades depicted to life.
I highly recommend this captivating biographical historical fiction novel!
Read
June 22, 2023First: Could be because I already knew quite a bit about Fred Astaire and his sister Adele – there have been non-fiction books about them, some of which I have read.
Next: I never understood why authors use real people who have lived and died and write ‘historical fiction’ about them, and worse, write them in the first person.
Then: Adding a fictional character into the mix to become a BFF to Adele. (???)
I don’t care how much research the author has done I don’t get the point of any of it and I find it impertinent to put words into the mouth of long dead people, picking bits and pieces of their known lives and proceed to presume their thoughts and feelings. Adele’s life was not a happy one and I don’t care for how she is portrayed in this book.
If you didn’t know about this brother and sister before this book I suggest you find them on Wikipedia or locate a non-fiction book about them.
I think the author watched the film “The Royal Wedding” (1951) starring Fred Astaire & Jane Powell as a brother and sister dance act and decided to write this book.
To use the name of a famous person to sell a book is distasteful to me. I left off after Part One.
Zero stars from me.
Next: I never understood why authors use real people who have lived and died and write ‘historical fiction’ about them, and worse, write them in the first person.
Then: Adding a fictional character into the mix to become a BFF to Adele. (???)
I don’t care how much research the author has done I don’t get the point of any of it and I find it impertinent to put words into the mouth of long dead people, picking bits and pieces of their known lives and proceed to presume their thoughts and feelings. Adele’s life was not a happy one and I don’t care for how she is portrayed in this book.
If you didn’t know about this brother and sister before this book I suggest you find them on Wikipedia or locate a non-fiction book about them.
I think the author watched the film “The Royal Wedding” (1951) starring Fred Astaire & Jane Powell as a brother and sister dance act and decided to write this book.
To use the name of a famous person to sell a book is distasteful to me. I left off after Part One.
Zero stars from me.
May 18, 2024
Starring Adele Astaire
is the reimagined life story of the sister side of the best dancing sibling couple I've ever seen, in their world of flying feathers, heels, fluttering silk, black suit tails holding on for dear life and top hats at a dangerous tilt - oh, this author's spun a very easy to read tale. From beginning to end it has the comfort of a story already known, with characters we dearly love, but to which we'll listen again and again. . . only Eliza Knight is adding delicious details, and fills in the gaps. It is then we realize that we may not have known those gaps because they were filled with hard and difficult time, sadness and true tragedy. Yet this get-up-and-go-get-it woman wouldn't stay down long, wouldn't not dance. She always seemed to have a few more steps to go. . .even through the tears.
I was very glad to have this chance to get to know more about Freddie's Sister. If you're looking for Old Hollywood, sequins, tapping heels and exciting rhythms. . .this book's for you!
*A sincere thank you to Eliza Knight, William Morrow, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.* #StarringAdeleAstaire #NetGalley
I was very glad to have this chance to get to know more about Freddie's Sister. If you're looking for Old Hollywood, sequins, tapping heels and exciting rhythms. . .this book's for you!
*A sincere thank you to Eliza Knight, William Morrow, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.* #StarringAdeleAstaire #NetGalley
January 12, 2023
A wonderfully written historical fiction story about Adele Astaire and her life. I never heard of her so this was so much more enjoyable for me. Equally gratifying was the fictional character of Violet Wood. Well researched and historically accurate. I downgraded it one star because it was a slow start but once it found its rhythm it never looked back. Thanks to Netgalley, the author and publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
July 6, 2023
Adele and Fred Astaire have been a dancing duo for years taking the world by storm. As they get older, Adele wants a simpler life for herself, one complete with children and a doting husband. Adele's life is far from normal though. She travels from New York to London with many adoring fans and brushes elbows with the British aristocracy. That's when she meets Lord Cavendish, a fascinating man who catches her eye. Perhaps he is the answer to her prayers? It appears that she will get her happily ever after, but things with Charles Cavendish are harder than they look. Things don't go easily for her and even the thought of a family seems a far away pipe dream. A parallel narrative is told throughout the novel about young London East end dancer, Violet Wood. Adele takes her under her wing and it follows her ups and downs as well. Life for a female dancer is never easy, especially with WWII on the horizon. Eliza Knight's Starring Adele Astaire is a delightful historical novel, albeit often sad, that follows Adele from the 1920s to the 1950s. Fans of Hollywood and stories of forgotten women will especially appreciate this one.
Read the rest of my review here:
http://www.confessionsofabookaddict.c...
Read the rest of my review here:
http://www.confessionsofabookaddict.c...
June 25, 2023
Thanks to William Morrow & NetGalley for a digital advance reader's copy. All comments and opinions are my own.
This was not the book I was expecting. I was disappointed, mainly with the writing. I was looking forward to reading this historical fiction novel because it features one of my favorite time periods, 1920s through the second world war. We follow Adele Astaire from the glitz and glamour of the Roaring Twenties, through the grit and sacrifice of World War II.
I had read Eliza Knight’s The Mayfair Bookshop but didn’t realize she was the same author until I got to the part in this novel which includes the Mitford sisters, the Bright Young Things, and the upscale British weekend house parties. “The Mayfair Bookshop” tells the story of Nancy Mitford - a contemporary of Adele’s - so Knight’s research came in handy for Adele’s story, too.
And this is the story of Adele Astaire’s life – both her career and her private life. The novel alternates with the story of a fictional friend of Adele’s, Violet Wood, who is also a dancer. They become very close friends as Adele mentors Violet, but I felt that we are told how close they are as “dearest friends,” without the actual experiences that would bring the characters closer.
In fact, I felt that the novel is often just an expanded description of Adele’s biography which I read afterwards on Wikipedia when I was researching photos. Her experiences and her emotions are described in a “tell instead of show” format. I didn’t feel engaged or connected to the characters, so can’t give this novel more than 3 stars.
I did enjoy the descriptions of her dancing with her brother, the famous Fred Astaire. Their relationship was believable. The inclusion of all the people in Adele’s life was fun – from Noel Coward to the Mitfords to the British royal family. Later in her life she even socialized with “the young senator from Massachusetts and his wife Jackie.”
I’m disappointed that the novel itself was not better, even though Adele’s life contained a lot of interesting events and captivating people.
This was not the book I was expecting. I was disappointed, mainly with the writing. I was looking forward to reading this historical fiction novel because it features one of my favorite time periods, 1920s through the second world war. We follow Adele Astaire from the glitz and glamour of the Roaring Twenties, through the grit and sacrifice of World War II.
I had read Eliza Knight’s The Mayfair Bookshop but didn’t realize she was the same author until I got to the part in this novel which includes the Mitford sisters, the Bright Young Things, and the upscale British weekend house parties. “The Mayfair Bookshop” tells the story of Nancy Mitford - a contemporary of Adele’s - so Knight’s research came in handy for Adele’s story, too.
And this is the story of Adele Astaire’s life – both her career and her private life. The novel alternates with the story of a fictional friend of Adele’s, Violet Wood, who is also a dancer. They become very close friends as Adele mentors Violet, but I felt that we are told how close they are as “dearest friends,” without the actual experiences that would bring the characters closer.
In fact, I felt that the novel is often just an expanded description of Adele’s biography which I read afterwards on Wikipedia when I was researching photos. Her experiences and her emotions are described in a “tell instead of show” format. I didn’t feel engaged or connected to the characters, so can’t give this novel more than 3 stars.
I did enjoy the descriptions of her dancing with her brother, the famous Fred Astaire. Their relationship was believable. The inclusion of all the people in Adele’s life was fun – from Noel Coward to the Mitfords to the British royal family. Later in her life she even socialized with “the young senator from Massachusetts and his wife Jackie.”
I’m disappointed that the novel itself was not better, even though Adele’s life contained a lot of interesting events and captivating people.
April 29, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this advanced reader copy of Starring Adele Astaire by Eliza Knight in exchange for a fair review. This will appear on Goodreads.
If you grew up watching classic musical films on Saturday afternoons, you know Fred Astaire. Many people might even know that Fred got his start in vaudeville with his sister Adele, but most probably don't know her story. With a cast of characters from the Royal Family of England, including the Prince of Wales and his brother, Bertie who would be eventually King, Kathleen Kennedy, The Mitford Sisters, and even a baby Queen Elizabeth, we get to take a peek inside Adele's storied life. Through wars, theatrical successes, and personal tragedy, we learn all about the stage, and life in New York and London.
This is a book that anyone with any interest in Fred and Adele would really enjoy. Its a grand historical fiction in its own right, but Adele was described as the 'talented one' in the family and a star who could have shone brighter than her famous brother. The only thing I didn't care for was the inclusion of the second storyline with Violet. There were no authors notes in the galley to explain why the character was there. It just felt like an unnecessary storyline overall. Maybe the book would have been short otherwise. I would have liked to read more of her later years.
I did really enjoy the snippets of newspaper gossip that opened each chapter, really lending the feel of the show business scene to the reader. It was fun.
Overall a solid 4*. Book club-able, clean, enjoyable, fascinating.
If you grew up watching classic musical films on Saturday afternoons, you know Fred Astaire. Many people might even know that Fred got his start in vaudeville with his sister Adele, but most probably don't know her story. With a cast of characters from the Royal Family of England, including the Prince of Wales and his brother, Bertie who would be eventually King, Kathleen Kennedy, The Mitford Sisters, and even a baby Queen Elizabeth, we get to take a peek inside Adele's storied life. Through wars, theatrical successes, and personal tragedy, we learn all about the stage, and life in New York and London.
This is a book that anyone with any interest in Fred and Adele would really enjoy. Its a grand historical fiction in its own right, but Adele was described as the 'talented one' in the family and a star who could have shone brighter than her famous brother. The only thing I didn't care for was the inclusion of the second storyline with Violet. There were no authors notes in the galley to explain why the character was there. It just felt like an unnecessary storyline overall. Maybe the book would have been short otherwise. I would have liked to read more of her later years.
I did really enjoy the snippets of newspaper gossip that opened each chapter, really lending the feel of the show business scene to the reader. It was fun.
Overall a solid 4*. Book club-able, clean, enjoyable, fascinating.
June 5, 2023
Yes a FULL 5/5 stars from me, and if you read my #bookreview here, you'll understand why! So far, the best 2023 book I've read! https://tcl-bookreviews.com/2023/06/0...
June 12, 2023
I've always appreciated the talents of Fred Astaire in film, but never knew he had a sister that was more talented and that they danced on Broadway in New York and the West End in London in the 1920s to 1940s. Adele Astaire was actually more famous than her brother! Adele and Fred rose to the top of the theater world through hard work, dedication, and the unwavering support of their mom. Adele eventually realized her body couldn't continue to perform at the top level. She retired and found a husband, but things didn't go as planned. During WW2, Adele and Violet contributed to the war effort in their own ways.
Adele was an interesting person, but I found her friend and fellow dancer, Violet Wood, a more fascinating and courageous person. Violet is fictional but I was rooting for her the entire book. The Author's Notes detail the research and what was created just for the book. I was intrigued by how many famous people knew Adele or people Adele knew. The story begins in 1923 and ends with an epilogue set in 1954. I enjoyed how the epilogue wraps up Adele's story as well as Violet's.
You don't have to be a dancer to love this book. If you enjoy HF that brings to life women's stories, I recommend this book.
Thank you William Morrow and Net Galley for a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
Adele was an interesting person, but I found her friend and fellow dancer, Violet Wood, a more fascinating and courageous person. Violet is fictional but I was rooting for her the entire book. The Author's Notes detail the research and what was created just for the book. I was intrigued by how many famous people knew Adele or people Adele knew. The story begins in 1923 and ends with an epilogue set in 1954. I enjoyed how the epilogue wraps up Adele's story as well as Violet's.
You don't have to be a dancer to love this book. If you enjoy HF that brings to life women's stories, I recommend this book.
Thank you William Morrow and Net Galley for a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 6, 2023
Thank you, Partner @bibliolifestyle @williammorrowbooks for the review copy of Starring Adele Astaire by Eliza Knight.
Do you have a favorite Fred Astaire movie? Did you know he had a famous sister named Adele? I did not and I enjoyed learning about her in this wonderful novel.
In the 1920s, brother and sister duo Fred and Adele Astaire had taken New York by storm. After starring on Broadway for six years, they take their latest show to London to try out the British public. While Freddie is a taskmaster, Adele is a “good time Charlie.” She loves to dance and to socialize, but she also dreams of marriage and children. Will Adele be able to realize her dreams?
Starring Adele Astaire is a dual narrative novel. The other story is of the fictional character of Violet Wood. Violet is a very poor girl in London who dreams of dancing. After being noticed and befriended by Adele Astaire, she gets her chance to finally dance in a production and to become a star. The path towards stardom does not run smoothly for Violet and she has her ups and downs in life.
I really liked the juxtaposition of these two stories. While Adele was up, Violet was down and vice versa. It really showed the hard work it took to be a successful dancer. I loved the setting in the 1920s and the appearance of so many famous people that intersected with Adele. I sure wish I could have seen her dance. The story continues into the 1940’s.
I always love a good author’s note and enjoyed learning what was real history and what was fictionalized in this novel. I loved learning Adele’s story.
One of my favorite Fred Astaire movies is Royal Wedding as it has the famous dance scene where he dances on the ceiling. I enjoyed learning in this novel that Adele dated Prince David and was friends with Queen Elizabeth’s parents.
I enjoyed the fictional gossip news clip that the author wrote to start each chapter. They were a fun start to each chapter and gave a preview of what was to come.
This novel was published on June 6, 2023.
This review was first published on my blog at: https://lauragerold.blogspot.com/2023...
Do you have a favorite Fred Astaire movie? Did you know he had a famous sister named Adele? I did not and I enjoyed learning about her in this wonderful novel.
In the 1920s, brother and sister duo Fred and Adele Astaire had taken New York by storm. After starring on Broadway for six years, they take their latest show to London to try out the British public. While Freddie is a taskmaster, Adele is a “good time Charlie.” She loves to dance and to socialize, but she also dreams of marriage and children. Will Adele be able to realize her dreams?
Starring Adele Astaire is a dual narrative novel. The other story is of the fictional character of Violet Wood. Violet is a very poor girl in London who dreams of dancing. After being noticed and befriended by Adele Astaire, she gets her chance to finally dance in a production and to become a star. The path towards stardom does not run smoothly for Violet and she has her ups and downs in life.
I really liked the juxtaposition of these two stories. While Adele was up, Violet was down and vice versa. It really showed the hard work it took to be a successful dancer. I loved the setting in the 1920s and the appearance of so many famous people that intersected with Adele. I sure wish I could have seen her dance. The story continues into the 1940’s.
I always love a good author’s note and enjoyed learning what was real history and what was fictionalized in this novel. I loved learning Adele’s story.
One of my favorite Fred Astaire movies is Royal Wedding as it has the famous dance scene where he dances on the ceiling. I enjoyed learning in this novel that Adele dated Prince David and was friends with Queen Elizabeth’s parents.
I enjoyed the fictional gossip news clip that the author wrote to start each chapter. They were a fun start to each chapter and gave a preview of what was to come.
This novel was published on June 6, 2023.
This review was first published on my blog at: https://lauragerold.blogspot.com/2023...
June 19, 2023
Staring Adele Astaire
By: Eliza Knight
5🎷🎷🎷🎷🎷
I have always loved Fred Astaires dancing and movies, but had no idea he had a sister Adele. She was his original dancing partner before Ginger Rogers.
🎷
Adele is such a fun girl and her life was fascinating. She has been on stage everywhere but dreams of a life of children and a husband. She meets Lord Charles Cavendish and hopes to finally have her dreams met. Can she have it all?
🎷
Violet Wood befriends Adele and they are both women with ambition during the roaring twenties which comes with sacrifices, love during war. Another delightful read by Knight.
🎷
#williammorrow, #elizaknight, #starringadeleastaire, #roaringtwenties, #historicalfiction, #booksconnectus, #bookreview, #bookstagram, #stamperlady50
By: Eliza Knight
5🎷🎷🎷🎷🎷
I have always loved Fred Astaires dancing and movies, but had no idea he had a sister Adele. She was his original dancing partner before Ginger Rogers.
🎷
Adele is such a fun girl and her life was fascinating. She has been on stage everywhere but dreams of a life of children and a husband. She meets Lord Charles Cavendish and hopes to finally have her dreams met. Can she have it all?
🎷
Violet Wood befriends Adele and they are both women with ambition during the roaring twenties which comes with sacrifices, love during war. Another delightful read by Knight.
🎷
#williammorrow, #elizaknight, #starringadeleastaire, #roaringtwenties, #historicalfiction, #booksconnectus, #bookreview, #bookstagram, #stamperlady50
May 19, 2023
Wonderfully and beautifully written. It transported me right into the setting with all of the characters. I have never heard of Adele before this book but it didn’t stop me from enjoying it. The audiobook was extremely well done. Both narrators really espouse the essence of the characters. You will forget that you’re listening, and will become part of the story.
January 7, 2024
As someone who loves old musicals both on screen and on stage (and has recently done quite a bit of research on Ziegfeld), this was the perfect book for me and it did not disappoint! I loved getting to learn about Adele Astaire who is unfortunately often forgotten in history due to the immense popularity of Fred. Such a fun read that spans my favorite decades—highly recommend!
May 12, 2023
Spoiler: if you read a book with two narrators, then you should not find out that one was sexually abused and impregnated, then gave away the baby as a throwaway section in the other narrator's voice. It seemed kooky to me that this information was not in Violet's chapter. Thanks to William Morrow for an ARC of this book won through a Goodreads giveaway.
June 19, 2023
Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow for a complimentary copy of this novel!
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel!!! I felt it was well researched! Reading it makes me want to go and do more research on the Astaires and also on the relationship between Wallis and Edward. Adele and Fred, sister and brother, were dancing duos in NY in the 1920s. Adele ends up befriending and encouraging an up & coming dancer, Violet Wood. Their friendship lasts the remaining of their lives. Adele suffers the loss of her husband and children. Then England and eventually America get pulled into WW2. The women do their part to aid the war efforts. Despite everything Adele endured, she made the best of it and succeeded in life! This novel is currently available for purchase as of June 6, 2023.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel!!! I felt it was well researched! Reading it makes me want to go and do more research on the Astaires and also on the relationship between Wallis and Edward. Adele and Fred, sister and brother, were dancing duos in NY in the 1920s. Adele ends up befriending and encouraging an up & coming dancer, Violet Wood. Their friendship lasts the remaining of their lives. Adele suffers the loss of her husband and children. Then England and eventually America get pulled into WW2. The women do their part to aid the war efforts. Despite everything Adele endured, she made the best of it and succeeded in life! This novel is currently available for purchase as of June 6, 2023.
June 10, 2023
Thank you, Partner @bibliolifestyle @williammorrowbooks for my gifted copy. My thoughts are my own.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel about Adele Astaire! I didn’t realize that Fred Astaire had a sister, who in her time, was more famous than he was! Adele and Fred sang and danced together in several musicals on both sides of the Atlantic. They socialized with aristocrats, royalty, and wealthy Americans. Adele even dated the Prince of Wales (the future Edward VIII). But in spite of all the fame and recognition, she wanted to retire from public life and get married. She eventually married the second son of a Duke and lived in a castle in Ireland. There is much more to her story, but I will leave that for you to read!
Meanwhile, Adele’s story is interspersed with that of a fictional character, Violet. In the author’s note, she explains that Violet is a compilation of dancers and women of that time.
This was a fascinating read and I highly recommend it if you enjoy:
*Books set in the 1920s - 1940s
*Cameo appearances of famous people of the time
*Stories about performers, musicals, & fashion
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel about Adele Astaire! I didn’t realize that Fred Astaire had a sister, who in her time, was more famous than he was! Adele and Fred sang and danced together in several musicals on both sides of the Atlantic. They socialized with aristocrats, royalty, and wealthy Americans. Adele even dated the Prince of Wales (the future Edward VIII). But in spite of all the fame and recognition, she wanted to retire from public life and get married. She eventually married the second son of a Duke and lived in a castle in Ireland. There is much more to her story, but I will leave that for you to read!
Meanwhile, Adele’s story is interspersed with that of a fictional character, Violet. In the author’s note, she explains that Violet is a compilation of dancers and women of that time.
This was a fascinating read and I highly recommend it if you enjoy:
*Books set in the 1920s - 1940s
*Cameo appearances of famous people of the time
*Stories about performers, musicals, & fashion
May 27, 2023
For this and other book reviews, visit www.bargain-sleuth.com
I’m a big lover of movie musicals, and especially of dancers like Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire, so I knew a bit of history going into this book. According to a biography I read of Adele’s famous brother, she was the real talent who could have gone just as far as Fred in the movies if she wanted to. The problem was, she didn’t want that.
Told in two different narratives, Adele’s first-person narrative, and a third person narrative of an East End dancer named Violet, I found that I didn’t like the format much even though I was enjoying the story. Violet’s story was interesting, but sometimes I didn’t feel like it belonged in a book about Astele Astaire; it felt like padding out the story. Later on in the story it made more sense, but in the beginning Violet seemed superfluous.
As I’d mentioned, Adele was the better dancer, and was funny and vivacious and real showstopper in real life, yet there were only a few times I felt that personality come through in the book.
Adele had been dancing with her brother since they were little kids on the vaudeville stage and wanted to settle down and have kids. As she neared age thirty, she wondered if she’d ever have the opportunity to meet a suitable man. As she and Fred travelled from Broadway to London and everywhere in-between, she realized how much she loved England. Through the course of the book, she falls in love with two men, but you could tell William, her first beau, wasn’t going to last. Much more interesting was the man that became her husband, with all the complexities a real relationship has.
While I overall enjoyed this story, I sure wish there had been some author’s notes at the end of the book to get to know Adele better; I feel like the story just scratched the surface of her character at times. And in case you’re wondering, Fred only makes brief appearances, which is fine, because enough is known about him, and this is his sister’s story.
I received an advanced reader’s copy from NetGalley and William Morrow in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
I’m a big lover of movie musicals, and especially of dancers like Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire, so I knew a bit of history going into this book. According to a biography I read of Adele’s famous brother, she was the real talent who could have gone just as far as Fred in the movies if she wanted to. The problem was, she didn’t want that.
Told in two different narratives, Adele’s first-person narrative, and a third person narrative of an East End dancer named Violet, I found that I didn’t like the format much even though I was enjoying the story. Violet’s story was interesting, but sometimes I didn’t feel like it belonged in a book about Astele Astaire; it felt like padding out the story. Later on in the story it made more sense, but in the beginning Violet seemed superfluous.
As I’d mentioned, Adele was the better dancer, and was funny and vivacious and real showstopper in real life, yet there were only a few times I felt that personality come through in the book.
Adele had been dancing with her brother since they were little kids on the vaudeville stage and wanted to settle down and have kids. As she neared age thirty, she wondered if she’d ever have the opportunity to meet a suitable man. As she and Fred travelled from Broadway to London and everywhere in-between, she realized how much she loved England. Through the course of the book, she falls in love with two men, but you could tell William, her first beau, wasn’t going to last. Much more interesting was the man that became her husband, with all the complexities a real relationship has.
While I overall enjoyed this story, I sure wish there had been some author’s notes at the end of the book to get to know Adele better; I feel like the story just scratched the surface of her character at times. And in case you’re wondering, Fred only makes brief appearances, which is fine, because enough is known about him, and this is his sister’s story.
I received an advanced reader’s copy from NetGalley and William Morrow in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
June 29, 2023
I love biographical historical fiction! Good writers always seem to find people whom I never would have thought to read about in a traditional biography. Adele is the forgotten Astaire. Most people remember Fred Astaire and his other partners, most notably Ginger Rogers, but it was Adele that was there in the beginning. Knight does not attempt to provide a fully comprehensive biography of Adele within the pages of this newest release. Readers first meet Adele in 1923 as she and Fred were embarking on an overseas tour of their Broadway show Stop Flirting. By then the Astaires had been performing since 1907. Adele loved to dance with her brother but she knew deep down that showbiz wasn't what her ultimate goal was. Knight leads readers along the path that Adele took as she unraveled herself from the only world she knew in order to claim a life for herself.
I received a copy of this title via NetGalley.
I received a copy of this title via NetGalley.
June 28, 2024
Thank you to William Morrow and Net Galley for the chance to read and review this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Even though I know quite a bit about Fred Astaire, I had never really heard of his sister, Adele Astaire. I am so glad I had the chance to enjoy this book about his sister. She led such an interesting life! It is very well written. The author did a good job connecting the fictional Violet with the real- life Astaire family. If you like to read books about old Hollywood, you will like this book. Highly recommend!
Even though I know quite a bit about Fred Astaire, I had never really heard of his sister, Adele Astaire. I am so glad I had the chance to enjoy this book about his sister. She led such an interesting life! It is very well written. The author did a good job connecting the fictional Violet with the real- life Astaire family. If you like to read books about old Hollywood, you will like this book. Highly recommend!
May 13, 2023
Most enjoyable. I have been wanting to learn more about Adele Astaire, and Eliza Knight has done a wonderful job in covering the roaring twenties dance scene with her brother Freddie full of champagne and jazz through to WWII. I also enjoyed her friend Violet’s character as it is a split narrative.
July 2, 2023
Starring Adele Astaire
Thursday morning I finished reading Starring Adele Astaire by Eliza Knight. The book tells the story about Fred Astaire’s sister Adele and how the duo were famous and at one point Adele was more famous than her brother in the theater and vaudeville. Spending much of their lives in the spotlight though, Adele dreams of finding love, getting married and starting a family. In comes Violet Wood who wants to become a famous dancer and her and Adele become fast friends. Both have dreams but will they come at a cost?
Pros
I liked reading Adele’s parts obviously. I loved seeing her romance with Lord Cavendish play out after dumping William Gaunt. I also liked that she and then Prince Edward (before becoming Edward VIII and marrying Wallis Simpson) had a short courtship. There was a part where Adele saw baby Elizabeth (before becoming Queen Elizabeth II). You also read the tragic parts and her becoming happy again.
Cons
Violet Wood’s parts felt out of place for the story for me since the book is titled Starring Adele Astaire after all. Violet is also a fictional character so I felt there wasn’t a need for her part to be there. I understand Eliza wanted to explore what it was like being a star back then and wanting to go back and forth between England and New York.
Overall
If you’re a fan of Old Hollywood, England and historical fiction in general I recommend you pick this up. Starring Adele Astaire is available to pick up from your bookstore or library now.
Thursday morning I finished reading Starring Adele Astaire by Eliza Knight. The book tells the story about Fred Astaire’s sister Adele and how the duo were famous and at one point Adele was more famous than her brother in the theater and vaudeville. Spending much of their lives in the spotlight though, Adele dreams of finding love, getting married and starting a family. In comes Violet Wood who wants to become a famous dancer and her and Adele become fast friends. Both have dreams but will they come at a cost?
Pros
I liked reading Adele’s parts obviously. I loved seeing her romance with Lord Cavendish play out after dumping William Gaunt. I also liked that she and then Prince Edward (before becoming Edward VIII and marrying Wallis Simpson) had a short courtship. There was a part where Adele saw baby Elizabeth (before becoming Queen Elizabeth II). You also read the tragic parts and her becoming happy again.
Cons
Violet Wood’s parts felt out of place for the story for me since the book is titled Starring Adele Astaire after all. Violet is also a fictional character so I felt there wasn’t a need for her part to be there. I understand Eliza wanted to explore what it was like being a star back then and wanting to go back and forth between England and New York.
Overall
If you’re a fan of Old Hollywood, England and historical fiction in general I recommend you pick this up. Starring Adele Astaire is available to pick up from your bookstore or library now.
August 31, 2024
Starring Adele tells the life of Fred Astaire’s sister, Adele. Adele Astaire is a highly acclaimed dancer. She has reached the heights of stardom. Yet, she dreams of love and creating a family of her own. She falls in love with an English nobleman. However, there are obstacles that prevent them from marrying. Could Adele keep both her career and love or must she give up both?
I really like Adele. She is kind and very intelligent. She recognizes talent and gives them encouragement. I also like how she tries to find freedom and the ability to make her own choices from her controlling mother. I also felt pity for her because she longs for love and her career keeps her from it. Therefore, I hoped that Adele will get the happiness and love that she desperately longed for in the novel! Thus, she was a very captivating and intriguing character!
Overall, this novel is about friendship, freedom, and sacrifice. I liked Adele’s relationship with her brother, Fred. I found it to be endearing and sweet! I did not like how the book also focused on Violet Wood. I thought that it was unnecessary and distracted me from Adele’s story. Therefore, it would have been better to focus solely on Adele. Nevertheless, it reads like a soap opera! It is a breezy read that will keep you turning pages! Starring Adele is perfect for fans of Goodnight from Paris,The Only Woman in the Room, and Josephine Baker’s Last Dance!
(Note: I read an ARC copy of this book in courtesy of Netgalley.)
I really like Adele. She is kind and very intelligent. She recognizes talent and gives them encouragement. I also like how she tries to find freedom and the ability to make her own choices from her controlling mother. I also felt pity for her because she longs for love and her career keeps her from it. Therefore, I hoped that Adele will get the happiness and love that she desperately longed for in the novel! Thus, she was a very captivating and intriguing character!
Overall, this novel is about friendship, freedom, and sacrifice. I liked Adele’s relationship with her brother, Fred. I found it to be endearing and sweet! I did not like how the book also focused on Violet Wood. I thought that it was unnecessary and distracted me from Adele’s story. Therefore, it would have been better to focus solely on Adele. Nevertheless, it reads like a soap opera! It is a breezy read that will keep you turning pages! Starring Adele is perfect for fans of Goodnight from Paris,The Only Woman in the Room, and Josephine Baker’s Last Dance!
(Note: I read an ARC copy of this book in courtesy of Netgalley.)
February 18, 2023
Be swept away to London and New York between the wars with STARRING ADELE ASTAIRE, a bittersweet true-life tale of one of early last century's greatest dancers and most famous siblings. Knight has penned a lovely, evocative and inspiring story about personal choice and sacrifice set during the headiness of the 1920s and the increasingly dark days of depression and war ahead. Ambition, family duty, sibling rivalry, classism, ill-fated love and maternal loss are just some of Adele's struggles when she decides to leave the stage for marriage into one of England's most illustrious titled families. By so deftly and compassionately bringing Adele to life, Knight gives us a most memorable and vital heroine for any age.
May 5, 2024
I never knew Fred Astaire had a sister who was a big star - one thing o thought was really interesting is the famous folks that were mentioned in the novel - Noel Coward, Kick Kennedy, Winston Churchill, Anita Loos etc
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