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The Paris Dancer
1938. Sadie travels to Europe from South Africa with dreams of becoming a ballerina – but when war breaks out, she is working at the Bal Tabarin, a lively Parisian music hall. As the Nazis march in, the city is no longer safe for Jews like Sadie – until a fellow dancer named Frederic offers her a a ballroom partnership that will allow her to hide in the spotlight. Together, Sadie and Frederic dazzle audiences across occupied Europe – and Sadie secretly uses her new cover to work with the Resistance. But when an old friend comes to her for help, Sadie begins a dangerous dance that takes her to the brink of losing everything.
2012. Miriam travels to New York to sort out the affairs of her great-aunt Esther – and to escape her own secrets. Lost in grief, Miriam begins to piece together from Esther's notebooks the forgotten history of the Bal Tabarin, and in particular the story of a dancer who risked her life to help others in the midst of war. With the help of a handsome young man who opens up the dance halls and nightclubs of this electric city for her, Miriam realises that Esther's story has been left for her to finish – but will she find the courage to find the answers and face the past?
2012. Miriam travels to New York to sort out the affairs of her great-aunt Esther – and to escape her own secrets. Lost in grief, Miriam begins to piece together from Esther's notebooks the forgotten history of the Bal Tabarin, and in particular the story of a dancer who risked her life to help others in the midst of war. With the help of a handsome young man who opens up the dance halls and nightclubs of this electric city for her, Miriam realises that Esther's story has been left for her to finish – but will she find the courage to find the answers and face the past?
368 pages, Paperback
First published July 4, 2024
122 people are currently reading
522 people want to read
About the author
Nicola Rayner
3 books61 followersNicola Rayner was born in Abergavenny, south Wales, and works as a freelance journalist, specialising in dance and travel. The Girl Before You, her debut novel, was runner-up in the Cheltenham First Novel Competition in 2018. She lives in London with her husband and Jack Russell.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
January 28, 2025
1938, Paris: Annie arrives in France from Canada and dreams of becoming a ballerina, the only job she can find is dancing at a cabaret called Bal Tabarin and it’s owned by Pierre Sandrini and where Esther’s entire family works. Annie's Jewish and when the Germans arrive in Paris she changes her name and hoping to escape their scrutiny. Antoine makes her an offer to become his ballroom dancing partner, they would be France’s version of Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire and tour Europe and Germany and Annie’s a member of the resistance and uses this time to gather information.
2012, America: Miriam travels from London to New York to settle her great-aunt Esther's estate, and escape the Olympics mania. Her great-aunt didn’t talk about the past, she often seemed sad and their grandmother Rebecca didn't talk about her parents and family. Mim finds old blue exercise books, and in here Esther writes about the war and mentions a teenage girl and Mim she has no idea who she is and tries to piece it all together.
I received a copy of The Paris Dancer a dual timeline novel by Nicola Rayner from NetGalley and Aria & Aries and in exchange for an honest review.
Miriam is grieving the loss of her best friend, while sorting through her great-aunts memories it helps her understand it’s possible to keep living, after you’ve lost someone, and the people we love become part of us. Mim shouldn’t feel guilty and she deserves to be happy and maybe with Lucky who she met on the plane flight is a possible candidate.
Nicola Rayner explore topics in her book such being Jewish and the Holocaust, how many people didn’t want to talk about the past and trauma, using real facts and fictional characters and you can tell the author knows a lot about history, France and New York and dancing.
I did find Frankie and having a third person’s point of view or a voice in Mim’s head giving her advice and telling her what to do a little distracting, that’s why I didn't give the novel a higher rating and four and a half stars from me.
2012, America: Miriam travels from London to New York to settle her great-aunt Esther's estate, and escape the Olympics mania. Her great-aunt didn’t talk about the past, she often seemed sad and their grandmother Rebecca didn't talk about her parents and family. Mim finds old blue exercise books, and in here Esther writes about the war and mentions a teenage girl and Mim she has no idea who she is and tries to piece it all together.
I received a copy of The Paris Dancer a dual timeline novel by Nicola Rayner from NetGalley and Aria & Aries and in exchange for an honest review.
Miriam is grieving the loss of her best friend, while sorting through her great-aunts memories it helps her understand it’s possible to keep living, after you’ve lost someone, and the people we love become part of us. Mim shouldn’t feel guilty and she deserves to be happy and maybe with Lucky who she met on the plane flight is a possible candidate.
Nicola Rayner explore topics in her book such being Jewish and the Holocaust, how many people didn’t want to talk about the past and trauma, using real facts and fictional characters and you can tell the author knows a lot about history, France and New York and dancing.
I did find Frankie and having a third person’s point of view or a voice in Mim’s head giving her advice and telling her what to do a little distracting, that’s why I didn't give the novel a higher rating and four and a half stars from me.
February 11, 2025
Mim travels to New York to settle her great Aunt’s estate. On the plane she meets someone who asks her if she likes to dance.
It’s a multi layered story. It has a little mystery to solve.
I thought it was a bit sad and depressing at times.
It has something for everyone
It’s a multi layered story. It has a little mystery to solve.
I thought it was a bit sad and depressing at times.
It has something for everyone
March 15, 2025
This dual timeline story moves back and forth between Miriam’s journey of discovery into the past of her recently deceased great-aunt Esther and Esther’s experiences growing up in Paris, including during the German occupation of that city. I thought both storylines were strong and, in fact, could have been novels in their own right. However, the frequent connections and parallels between the two women’s experiences binds them together in a satisfying way.
The book description is a little misleading in that the sections set in wartime Paris are told by means of a memoir written by Esther. We never hear Annie’s story first-hand which means that some of her experiences, even quite significant and traumatic ones, we only learn about by means of letters or conversations recalled by Esther. For me, Annie was the most interesting character so I regretted she wasn’t given a narrative of her own.
Both Esther and Miriam harbour guilt about the part they played in past tragedies, the nature of which are only gradually revealed. And they have both experienced fractured family relationships. Miriam’s experiences have resulted in a tendency to self-sabotage (although she prefers to think of it as self-protection), believing that any relationship she forms is destined to end in disaster. Luckily (no pun intended) she has a encounter of the ‘meet cute’ variety with a man who resists all her attempts to push him away. (I did think his character could have been more developed.)
As we learn, for much of Esther’s life, she was prevented from forming the relationship she really craved. Her memoir, written specifically for Miriam, whilst describing the horrors that Jewish people suffered at the hands of the Nazis, is also her way of demonstrating that it is possible to move on from terrible experiences and find fulfilment, if only you have the courage to take a chance.
The author’s professional and personal interest in dance is evident in the novel, especially in the scenes set in the Bal Tabarin theatre in Paris, renowned for its spectacular floor shows, daring tableaux and gorgeous costumes. In Miriam’s story, learning to dance is shown to be both an act of self-expression and intimacy. And how, especially in the case of the tango, the concentration required to master the intricate steps can provide a temporary distraction from external worries.
Despite some reservations about the narrative structure, I found The Paris Dancer an absorbing story with moments of real tension and emotion.
The book description is a little misleading in that the sections set in wartime Paris are told by means of a memoir written by Esther. We never hear Annie’s story first-hand which means that some of her experiences, even quite significant and traumatic ones, we only learn about by means of letters or conversations recalled by Esther. For me, Annie was the most interesting character so I regretted she wasn’t given a narrative of her own.
Both Esther and Miriam harbour guilt about the part they played in past tragedies, the nature of which are only gradually revealed. And they have both experienced fractured family relationships. Miriam’s experiences have resulted in a tendency to self-sabotage (although she prefers to think of it as self-protection), believing that any relationship she forms is destined to end in disaster. Luckily (no pun intended) she has a encounter of the ‘meet cute’ variety with a man who resists all her attempts to push him away. (I did think his character could have been more developed.)
As we learn, for much of Esther’s life, she was prevented from forming the relationship she really craved. Her memoir, written specifically for Miriam, whilst describing the horrors that Jewish people suffered at the hands of the Nazis, is also her way of demonstrating that it is possible to move on from terrible experiences and find fulfilment, if only you have the courage to take a chance.
The author’s professional and personal interest in dance is evident in the novel, especially in the scenes set in the Bal Tabarin theatre in Paris, renowned for its spectacular floor shows, daring tableaux and gorgeous costumes. In Miriam’s story, learning to dance is shown to be both an act of self-expression and intimacy. And how, especially in the case of the tango, the concentration required to master the intricate steps can provide a temporary distraction from external worries.
Despite some reservations about the narrative structure, I found The Paris Dancer an absorbing story with moments of real tension and emotion.
February 12, 2025
This was a beautiful, emotive and compelling story, showing the strength and determination of women that had me turning the pages hungry for more and crying my eyes out at the end.
I loved the storyline of the book and quickly became invested in the actions of both Miriam & Annie. As the story progressed, you could see how the past intertwined with the present and I liked how these realisations came out.
I personally preferred following Annie's story and the tension and emotions created in the writing style of the story in that time period was really well written. My heart was in my mouth as the story progressed and at the end, I was crying my eyes out and did not expect the actions that happened.
The story may follow Miriam and Annie but it shows the resilience, strength and courage of women, whilst paying tribute to the memory of those who came before us and the sacrifice they made. A beautifully well written and immersive story that I would definitely recommend and I can't wait to read more from Nicola soon.
I loved the storyline of the book and quickly became invested in the actions of both Miriam & Annie. As the story progressed, you could see how the past intertwined with the present and I liked how these realisations came out.
I personally preferred following Annie's story and the tension and emotions created in the writing style of the story in that time period was really well written. My heart was in my mouth as the story progressed and at the end, I was crying my eyes out and did not expect the actions that happened.
The story may follow Miriam and Annie but it shows the resilience, strength and courage of women, whilst paying tribute to the memory of those who came before us and the sacrifice they made. A beautifully well written and immersive story that I would definitely recommend and I can't wait to read more from Nicola soon.
April 5, 2025
2.5 Wanneer een collega je een boek uitleent en het niet terug moet hebben weet je dat het geen memorabele leeservaring wordt
February 15, 2025
Confession time - it had been two weeks since I last read a book set in Paris! Thank goodness that I had this one lined up to read for a blog tour, otherwise I might have needed an intervention!
When Miriam's great-aunt Esther passed away in New York, it is her task to go and sort everything out. Her grandmother and her great-aunt had not been close, but as she begins her task of cleaning up, Mim finds some notebooks which seem to be telling a different one to the story she has always been told. She has always believes that her grandmother had moved to England before the outbreak of WWII, and never wanted to go back to Paris. Why would the stories be so inconsistent? Why did her grandmother and her sister not get along? And who is Lili?
Esther and her family are a Jewish family who work in the music halls of Paris, most specifically the fabulous Bal Tabarin music hall. There she meets Annie, a Canadian woman who has come to Paris to follow her dreams of becoming a ballroom dancer, and ends up at Bal Tabarin. Whilst Esther's sister has already found her place in the theatre as a seamstress, Esther hasn't quite found what her role in the theatre or even in life is.
As war erupts, the family and Annie, who is also Jewish, take a huge chance and go into hiding in plain sight but there is always the chance that someone might inform the authorities. Whilst they all work in the resistance, that is not as much of a focus as you might find in other WWII books, rather it is the individual stories of Esther, Annie and the other dancers which are the focus.
To read more head to
http://www.theintrepidreader.com/2025...
When Miriam's great-aunt Esther passed away in New York, it is her task to go and sort everything out. Her grandmother and her great-aunt had not been close, but as she begins her task of cleaning up, Mim finds some notebooks which seem to be telling a different one to the story she has always been told. She has always believes that her grandmother had moved to England before the outbreak of WWII, and never wanted to go back to Paris. Why would the stories be so inconsistent? Why did her grandmother and her sister not get along? And who is Lili?
Esther and her family are a Jewish family who work in the music halls of Paris, most specifically the fabulous Bal Tabarin music hall. There she meets Annie, a Canadian woman who has come to Paris to follow her dreams of becoming a ballroom dancer, and ends up at Bal Tabarin. Whilst Esther's sister has already found her place in the theatre as a seamstress, Esther hasn't quite found what her role in the theatre or even in life is.
As war erupts, the family and Annie, who is also Jewish, take a huge chance and go into hiding in plain sight but there is always the chance that someone might inform the authorities. Whilst they all work in the resistance, that is not as much of a focus as you might find in other WWII books, rather it is the individual stories of Esther, Annie and the other dancers which are the focus.
To read more head to
http://www.theintrepidreader.com/2025...
February 14, 2025
Told in dual timeline and dual POV, we follow Miriam in 2012 and Sadie leading up to and during WWII. Miriam has traveled to New York as her great aunt has passed away leaving Miriam to sort through her house and things. Miriam is haunted by something in her past and feels guilty for having any fun. She meets Lucky on the plane whose persistence in bringing Miriam out of her shell is fun to watch. Sadie’s story is one not to be forgotten as she lived through WWII. If you are looking for a book highlighting women with more strength than they know, this is a great book.
February 20, 2025
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4 captivating stars!)
The Paris Dancer is a historical fiction showstopper that takes us on a glittering, dangerous journey across Europe during World War II, all set to the backdrop of the lively Bal Tabarin.
BUT there’s more to this dance than meets the eye, it’s a story of courage, love, and rebellion, all set in the neon glow of Parisian nightclubs.
1938 – Sadie, a ballerina from South Africa, has come to Paris with dreams of grace and applause. But when war breaks out, Sadie’s dance turns into a balancing act between survival and resistance.
* From Ballerina to Resistance Fighter: At the Bal Tabarin, Sadie finds herself working as a dancer under the shadow of the Nazi occupation. With the help of fellow dancer Frederic, she uses their ballroom partnership as a cover to work with the Resistance.
* A Dangerous Dance: But things aren’t as simple as they seem—when an old friend asks for Sadie’s help, she finds herself in a deadly game of secrets and deception. Will she risk everything for those she loves?
2012 – Miriam, a grieving woman in New York, finds herself sifting through the forgotten past of her great-aunt Esther. What she uncovers about Sadie and her secret life in Paris leads Miriam to confront her own hidden truths.
* A Forgotten Legacy: As Miriam pieces together the secrets from Esther’s notebooks, she’s drawn into a tangled web of resistance, danger, and hidden courage that’s been buried in the shadows of time. But will Miriam have the courage to uncover the whole truth?
What I Loved:
-Historical Fiction with Heart: This isn’t just a story about war, it’s about finding light in the darkest of times and the power of dance as both art and weapon.
-Dual Timelines Done Right: The alternating narratives between Sadie’s perilous wartime adventure and Miriam’s modern-day search for answers keeps you hooked, as both women find courage in their own ways.
-Secrets, Resistance, and Romance: The dangerous ballet between friendship, love, and resistance makes for a riveting, emotional ride that blends historical events with personal stakes.
What Might Not Be For Everyone:
-If You’re Not Into Dual Timelines – The alternating perspectives of Sadie and Miriam might feel like a bit of a jolt if you’re not a fan of that format. - The Historical Context – While rich and well-researched, the historical aspects of the story are a bit heavy, so if you’re not in the mood for a deep dive into WWII-era Paris, this might not be your vibe.
If you love historical fiction with a touch of mystery, romance, and a splash of Resistance heroism, then this is for you. With its vivid characters, perilous dance between right and wrong, and heart-stopping moments of bravery, this book will leave you pondering what lengths you’d go to for love and justice.
The Paris Dancer is a historical fiction showstopper that takes us on a glittering, dangerous journey across Europe during World War II, all set to the backdrop of the lively Bal Tabarin.
BUT there’s more to this dance than meets the eye, it’s a story of courage, love, and rebellion, all set in the neon glow of Parisian nightclubs.
1938 – Sadie, a ballerina from South Africa, has come to Paris with dreams of grace and applause. But when war breaks out, Sadie’s dance turns into a balancing act between survival and resistance.
* From Ballerina to Resistance Fighter: At the Bal Tabarin, Sadie finds herself working as a dancer under the shadow of the Nazi occupation. With the help of fellow dancer Frederic, she uses their ballroom partnership as a cover to work with the Resistance.
* A Dangerous Dance: But things aren’t as simple as they seem—when an old friend asks for Sadie’s help, she finds herself in a deadly game of secrets and deception. Will she risk everything for those she loves?
2012 – Miriam, a grieving woman in New York, finds herself sifting through the forgotten past of her great-aunt Esther. What she uncovers about Sadie and her secret life in Paris leads Miriam to confront her own hidden truths.
* A Forgotten Legacy: As Miriam pieces together the secrets from Esther’s notebooks, she’s drawn into a tangled web of resistance, danger, and hidden courage that’s been buried in the shadows of time. But will Miriam have the courage to uncover the whole truth?
What I Loved:
-Historical Fiction with Heart: This isn’t just a story about war, it’s about finding light in the darkest of times and the power of dance as both art and weapon.
-Dual Timelines Done Right: The alternating narratives between Sadie’s perilous wartime adventure and Miriam’s modern-day search for answers keeps you hooked, as both women find courage in their own ways.
-Secrets, Resistance, and Romance: The dangerous ballet between friendship, love, and resistance makes for a riveting, emotional ride that blends historical events with personal stakes.
What Might Not Be For Everyone:
-If You’re Not Into Dual Timelines – The alternating perspectives of Sadie and Miriam might feel like a bit of a jolt if you’re not a fan of that format. - The Historical Context – While rich and well-researched, the historical aspects of the story are a bit heavy, so if you’re not in the mood for a deep dive into WWII-era Paris, this might not be your vibe.
If you love historical fiction with a touch of mystery, romance, and a splash of Resistance heroism, then this is for you. With its vivid characters, perilous dance between right and wrong, and heart-stopping moments of bravery, this book will leave you pondering what lengths you’d go to for love and justice.
February 28, 2025
June, 2012. Miriam (Mim to her friends) travels to New York from England to deal with her great-aunt Esther's estate as she requested. Struggling with the weight of her own issues, this is bound to add to the burden of grief she is already labouring under, but a serendipitous meeting on the plane with the handsome dancer, Lucky, might prove a distraction during her trip.
Mim begins to sort through Esther's possessions, and discovers a series of notebooks in which her great-aunt recorded her family history in Europe, during World War II. They tell of family secrets that Mim knows nothing about, especially Esther's connection to a brave music hall dancer who risked her own life to protect Jewish families like hers...
The story unfurls in two timelines flipping between Mim's time in New York in 2012, and Esther's story in worn-torn Europe through the handwritten volumes of the memoir she has left behind for Mim to discover - and both sides of the novel carry weighty emotional themes.
Mim's own story is one which has her bound by a paralysing state of guilt-ridden grief over her history with a former partner and the resulting tragedy that tore her best friend Frankie away from her. Loss and a sense of responsibility mean she cannot move forward, or allow herself to get close to another person, and Rayner keeps you guessing about exactly why with well-judged suspense.
Weaving in and out of Mim's journey, Rayner immerses you completely in Esther's life in Paris of the late 1930s and 1940s, delving into the horror of Nazi occupation and the palpable fear of those of Jewish descent as the Holocaust plays out. Esther's tale is a heart-breaking one, but Rayner also brings alive the music hall scene of Paris through Esther's family and friends - particularly Annie, the Jewish dancer from Canada whose tale of resistance is based on the very real Florence Waren (you will find yourself diving down some rabbit holes about her).
Tying the two strands of the novel together, Rayner uses dance to absolute perfection. Lucky's quest to help Mim through finding the dance that speaks to her soul in the present, and all the atmospheric moments of time, place, and character-led loveliness in Esther's complicated history, fuse in a choreography all of their own to examine themes of love, friendship, guilt, sacrifice, reconciliation, family, sisters, and sexuality that echo through the novel.
This book easily makes it on to my pile of 2025 stunners, and it is impossible to do it justice in a brief review. Rayner explores so much about a wealth of emotions, dealing with loss, and forgiveness, and the whole story thrums with the power of music and rhythm in a way that is hard to put into words. I loved it. Tears were shed...
Mim begins to sort through Esther's possessions, and discovers a series of notebooks in which her great-aunt recorded her family history in Europe, during World War II. They tell of family secrets that Mim knows nothing about, especially Esther's connection to a brave music hall dancer who risked her own life to protect Jewish families like hers...
The story unfurls in two timelines flipping between Mim's time in New York in 2012, and Esther's story in worn-torn Europe through the handwritten volumes of the memoir she has left behind for Mim to discover - and both sides of the novel carry weighty emotional themes.
Mim's own story is one which has her bound by a paralysing state of guilt-ridden grief over her history with a former partner and the resulting tragedy that tore her best friend Frankie away from her. Loss and a sense of responsibility mean she cannot move forward, or allow herself to get close to another person, and Rayner keeps you guessing about exactly why with well-judged suspense.
Weaving in and out of Mim's journey, Rayner immerses you completely in Esther's life in Paris of the late 1930s and 1940s, delving into the horror of Nazi occupation and the palpable fear of those of Jewish descent as the Holocaust plays out. Esther's tale is a heart-breaking one, but Rayner also brings alive the music hall scene of Paris through Esther's family and friends - particularly Annie, the Jewish dancer from Canada whose tale of resistance is based on the very real Florence Waren (you will find yourself diving down some rabbit holes about her).
Tying the two strands of the novel together, Rayner uses dance to absolute perfection. Lucky's quest to help Mim through finding the dance that speaks to her soul in the present, and all the atmospheric moments of time, place, and character-led loveliness in Esther's complicated history, fuse in a choreography all of their own to examine themes of love, friendship, guilt, sacrifice, reconciliation, family, sisters, and sexuality that echo through the novel.
This book easily makes it on to my pile of 2025 stunners, and it is impossible to do it justice in a brief review. Rayner explores so much about a wealth of emotions, dealing with loss, and forgiveness, and the whole story thrums with the power of music and rhythm in a way that is hard to put into words. I loved it. Tears were shed...
April 16, 2025
Life is a dance: from slow stumbling steps to the swirl and dip of life’s tango; en pointe as one reaches high; experiencing sultry salsa rhythm; swinging with the best and maybe moving on to the gently expressive steps of the waltz, foxtrot and more. Or perhaps it is about finding your dance…Why am I starting this review like this? Well Nicola Rayner is a dance writer and as she dips and swirls though her historical fiction novel The Paris Dancer, I was literally gliding across the floor in tune with her protagonists, loving the analogies she created. But while dance is central to the theme this is a poignant family story spanning the decades from prewar Paris to New York 2012.
Secrets are about to be uncovered as Miriam makes her way to New York in 2012 to settle her scriptwriter Great Aunt Esther’s estate. Writer Mim is not in a good space, life blows and loss have left her reeling and this ‘assignment’ may just help her through it. Seated next to her on the plane is a young man. Lucky is a dancer, kind, sensitive, trying to lift her mood. And convinced (and persuasive) that for everyone there is a dance!
As Mim settles into New York and the mess that is Esther’s apartment – sifting through Esther’s notebooks reveals a story that is as connected to dance as could be. Back to the 1920s Paris when her great grandparents worked at Bal Tabarin Music Hall in Paris when Sandrini was setting the pace. Mother a seamstress and father a set maker, their children’s second home amongst the feathers, flounces, dances and half-naked girls of the famous venue. Rayner sweeps us up in the magic of Paris, the blows of the Occupation, the fear, the hiding and the bravery.
For while the story is as much about Mim and Esther – it focuses on a young Canadian Jewish girl Annie Mayer, arriving in 1938 Paris. inspired by a South African dancer, born Sadie Rigal who became Florence Waren, Annie has danced with a Ballet Russe company, auditioned and danced for Bal Tabarin, and finally, by becoming a ballroom dancer, able to hide her identity and save many Jewish families.
Tense, evocative and intricately plotted Rayner brings us an epic story that spans the years effortlessly. Uncovering a fascinating story that brings historical characters back to the stage, she interweaves courage and friendship and the complexity of being the ‘different’ ones in the family. Colourful characters, endearing, annoying, vie with the elusive. A lovingly researched narrative I urge you to read the acknowledgments , there are gems there. Sadness, triumph and loss are the foils for the joy of the dance. The subdued Mim finds her feet and ghosts are laid to rest. Fluid and real it is a book that will captivate.
Secrets are about to be uncovered as Miriam makes her way to New York in 2012 to settle her scriptwriter Great Aunt Esther’s estate. Writer Mim is not in a good space, life blows and loss have left her reeling and this ‘assignment’ may just help her through it. Seated next to her on the plane is a young man. Lucky is a dancer, kind, sensitive, trying to lift her mood. And convinced (and persuasive) that for everyone there is a dance!
As Mim settles into New York and the mess that is Esther’s apartment – sifting through Esther’s notebooks reveals a story that is as connected to dance as could be. Back to the 1920s Paris when her great grandparents worked at Bal Tabarin Music Hall in Paris when Sandrini was setting the pace. Mother a seamstress and father a set maker, their children’s second home amongst the feathers, flounces, dances and half-naked girls of the famous venue. Rayner sweeps us up in the magic of Paris, the blows of the Occupation, the fear, the hiding and the bravery.
For while the story is as much about Mim and Esther – it focuses on a young Canadian Jewish girl Annie Mayer, arriving in 1938 Paris. inspired by a South African dancer, born Sadie Rigal who became Florence Waren, Annie has danced with a Ballet Russe company, auditioned and danced for Bal Tabarin, and finally, by becoming a ballroom dancer, able to hide her identity and save many Jewish families.
Tense, evocative and intricately plotted Rayner brings us an epic story that spans the years effortlessly. Uncovering a fascinating story that brings historical characters back to the stage, she interweaves courage and friendship and the complexity of being the ‘different’ ones in the family. Colourful characters, endearing, annoying, vie with the elusive. A lovingly researched narrative I urge you to read the acknowledgments , there are gems there. Sadness, triumph and loss are the foils for the joy of the dance. The subdued Mim finds her feet and ghosts are laid to rest. Fluid and real it is a book that will captivate.
November 18, 2024
The Paris Dancer by Nicola Rayner is a breathtaking tale of resilience, love, and the indomitable spirit of women across generations. Woven through a dual timeline, the story masterfully connects the lives of Annie Mayer, an aspiring ballerina in 1938 Paris, and Miriam, her great-niece, navigating her own journey of discovery in 2012.
Annie’s story is both poignant and thrilling. Amid the looming threat of war, she hides her Jewish heritage by accepting a dance partnership that offers her protection but at great personal cost. Her world, set against the glamorous yet perilous backdrop of pre-war Paris, is filled with heartbreak, bravery, and the haunting weight of survival. Annie’s passion for dance becomes her shield and solace, even as she faces unimaginable trials.
In 2012, Miriam travels to New York to settle the affairs of her late great-aunt, Annie. As she delves into Annie’s past through letters and mementos, Miriam begins to confront her own grief and guilt over a friend’s tragic death. The connection between the two women grows with each revelation, creating a deeply moving narrative of healing, courage, and self-discovery.
Rayner’s writing is evocative and immersive, bringing to life the contrasting worlds of 1930s Paris and contemporary New York. The historical elements are impeccably researched, blending seamlessly with the fictional narrative. The dual timeline structure is elegantly executed, offering equal weight to both women’s journeys without overshadowing one or the other.
What makes The Paris Dancer truly stand out is its rich, complex characters. Annie’s strength and vulnerability are inspiring, while Miriam’s modern-day struggles resonate deeply. Together, their stories explore themes of identity, sacrifice, and the unyielding bonds of family.
This book is more than just historical fiction—it’s a testament to the human spirit and the enduring power of art and memory. Nicola Rayner has crafted a beautifully layered story that is both heart-wrenching and uplifting, leaving readers with a profound sense of hope and admiration for the women who came before us.
Thank you to Aria & Aries and NetGalley for the ARC. Highly recommended for fans of historical fiction and dual timeline narratives!
Annie’s story is both poignant and thrilling. Amid the looming threat of war, she hides her Jewish heritage by accepting a dance partnership that offers her protection but at great personal cost. Her world, set against the glamorous yet perilous backdrop of pre-war Paris, is filled with heartbreak, bravery, and the haunting weight of survival. Annie’s passion for dance becomes her shield and solace, even as she faces unimaginable trials.
In 2012, Miriam travels to New York to settle the affairs of her late great-aunt, Annie. As she delves into Annie’s past through letters and mementos, Miriam begins to confront her own grief and guilt over a friend’s tragic death. The connection between the two women grows with each revelation, creating a deeply moving narrative of healing, courage, and self-discovery.
Rayner’s writing is evocative and immersive, bringing to life the contrasting worlds of 1930s Paris and contemporary New York. The historical elements are impeccably researched, blending seamlessly with the fictional narrative. The dual timeline structure is elegantly executed, offering equal weight to both women’s journeys without overshadowing one or the other.
What makes The Paris Dancer truly stand out is its rich, complex characters. Annie’s strength and vulnerability are inspiring, while Miriam’s modern-day struggles resonate deeply. Together, their stories explore themes of identity, sacrifice, and the unyielding bonds of family.
This book is more than just historical fiction—it’s a testament to the human spirit and the enduring power of art and memory. Nicola Rayner has crafted a beautifully layered story that is both heart-wrenching and uplifting, leaving readers with a profound sense of hope and admiration for the women who came before us.
Thank you to Aria & Aries and NetGalley for the ARC. Highly recommended for fans of historical fiction and dual timeline narratives!
January 30, 2025
The Paris Dancer by Nicola Rayner is a fabulous dual timeline novel that I really enjoyed.
The action is set in Paris during World War II and in New York City in 2012. We hear the war years through the voice of a young girl and in the first person. In 2012 the action is seen through a great niece clearing out her great aunt’s apartment. It is in the third person. The chapters alternate. We hear the great aunt’s experiences through a notebook.
The novel is about loss. “The grief… feels as if it could drown her.” With loss comes guilt. Both lead characters are consumed. They need to learn to forgive themselves. “What if I don’t deserve to be forgiven?” Everyone deserves forgiveness. “We’re always toughest on ourselves… It’s easier to be nice to other people.” We need to extend grace to ourselves as well as others.
Some friendships bring out the best in each other. “My friendship… made me believe anything was possible.” Some people just spread joy wherever they go. “If you want to change the world… just make it a little more beautiful.”
Life was expected to change as the Nazis marched across Europe and into Paris. A character observes “Up close, you could see they [Nazis] were just people.” They did look like ordinary people but committed the most heinous crimes against humanity, and the Jewish people in particular. When the Nazis were relaxing, they probably did seem like “just people.”
The sisters within the story offered resistance where they could during the occupation of Paris. There were some very brave acts during a time of persecution and horrendous cruelty.
There was forbidden love. A character really discovers who she was meant to be.
The theme of dancing links the two time periods.
There were moments of lightness within the novel – “We thought we’d start with a dog, and if that turned out well, we might be ready for a kid” – this made me particularly chuckle.
The whole novel was beautifully written and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I will leave you with a powerful quote:
“You can destroy a human body but you can’t destroy love.”
I received a free copy via Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
The action is set in Paris during World War II and in New York City in 2012. We hear the war years through the voice of a young girl and in the first person. In 2012 the action is seen through a great niece clearing out her great aunt’s apartment. It is in the third person. The chapters alternate. We hear the great aunt’s experiences through a notebook.
The novel is about loss. “The grief… feels as if it could drown her.” With loss comes guilt. Both lead characters are consumed. They need to learn to forgive themselves. “What if I don’t deserve to be forgiven?” Everyone deserves forgiveness. “We’re always toughest on ourselves… It’s easier to be nice to other people.” We need to extend grace to ourselves as well as others.
Some friendships bring out the best in each other. “My friendship… made me believe anything was possible.” Some people just spread joy wherever they go. “If you want to change the world… just make it a little more beautiful.”
Life was expected to change as the Nazis marched across Europe and into Paris. A character observes “Up close, you could see they [Nazis] were just people.” They did look like ordinary people but committed the most heinous crimes against humanity, and the Jewish people in particular. When the Nazis were relaxing, they probably did seem like “just people.”
The sisters within the story offered resistance where they could during the occupation of Paris. There were some very brave acts during a time of persecution and horrendous cruelty.
There was forbidden love. A character really discovers who she was meant to be.
The theme of dancing links the two time periods.
There were moments of lightness within the novel – “We thought we’d start with a dog, and if that turned out well, we might be ready for a kid” – this made me particularly chuckle.
The whole novel was beautifully written and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I will leave you with a powerful quote:
“You can destroy a human body but you can’t destroy love.”
I received a free copy via Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
April 18, 2025
Historical Fiction is my favourite genre, and I have always been drawn to stories about World War II, so when the SquadPod were offered the chance to read The Paris Dancer, I didn’t hesitate to sign up. The story follows Mim, who has flown to New York to sort through her late Aunt Esther’s belongings, including notebooks that tell the long-hidden story of what happened to their family during World War II and of Annie, a brave Jewish dancer who risked everything to help other Jews during the war. Moving between timelines, we follow their stories as Esther navigates the brutality while Mim tries to come to terms with not only the heartbreaking revelations in the diaries, but also her own trauma. And when a Swing Dancer named Lucky offers her the chance at a new beginning, Mim must decide if she’s brave enough to take it.
Beautiful, moving, heart-wrenching and hopeful, Nicola Rayner brought history to life with her skillful storytelling, meticulous research and evocative imagery. A story of love, loss, courage and resistance, Rayner also explored the importance of family and friendship, especially when we are at our lowest ebb. Trauma and grief are themes throughout the story, with Rayner examining how they can affect us differently and how trauma can sometimes impact those around us for generations.
The characters were fascinating, likeable and easy to root for. Esther and Mim were great narrators who pulled you into their stories, making you invested in their lives and what happened to them. I loved the friendship between Esther and Annie and her sweet relationship with her youngest sister. In Mim’s timeline, my heart broke for her over the loss of her best friend and found her fear of what she’d possibly found with Lucky very relatable. I was rooting for her to heal and to take a chance at happiness. One of my favourite characters was Bibi, Esther’s neighbour, who was so wise and entertaining. I loved her story arc, which showed that the small background characters can often be some of the most interesting ones you will read.
Powerful, tender and immersive, I highly recommend this book.
Beautiful, moving, heart-wrenching and hopeful, Nicola Rayner brought history to life with her skillful storytelling, meticulous research and evocative imagery. A story of love, loss, courage and resistance, Rayner also explored the importance of family and friendship, especially when we are at our lowest ebb. Trauma and grief are themes throughout the story, with Rayner examining how they can affect us differently and how trauma can sometimes impact those around us for generations.
The characters were fascinating, likeable and easy to root for. Esther and Mim were great narrators who pulled you into their stories, making you invested in their lives and what happened to them. I loved the friendship between Esther and Annie and her sweet relationship with her youngest sister. In Mim’s timeline, my heart broke for her over the loss of her best friend and found her fear of what she’d possibly found with Lucky very relatable. I was rooting for her to heal and to take a chance at happiness. One of my favourite characters was Bibi, Esther’s neighbour, who was so wise and entertaining. I loved her story arc, which showed that the small background characters can often be some of the most interesting ones you will read.
Powerful, tender and immersive, I highly recommend this book.
March 31, 2025
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Inspired by a true story, The Paris Dancer by Nicola Rayner is a heart-wrenching tale of courage, hope and love readers will not easily forget.
Paris 1938 and Annie Mayer has arrived in Paris determined to make it as a ballerina. However, war quickly puts paid to all of her dreams. Having to keep her Jewish heritage a secret is of the utmost importance because should she be discovered, then Annie’s fate would be sealed. When she is offered a lifeline by a fellow dancer that will provide her with a new identity, Annie sees this as an opportunity to make her professional goals a reality and a way to help the Resistance. But does Annie know just what she has let herself into?
New York, 2012 and Miriam is in the Big Apple to settle her great-aunt Esther’s estate. While looking through her belongings, Miriam makes a stunning discovery of secret notebooks detailing a family history and the story of a brave dancer who risked everything to help Jewish families during the war. Drawn into this mystery, Miriam realises that the dancer’s story is still unfinished and that by bringing together the pieces of this puzzle she can vanquish old ghosts, get a second chance at happiness and find the fulfillment she had long thought denied to her.
Nicola Rayner’s The Paris Dancer is a vivid, atmospheric and emotional historical tale that is so compulsively readable that readers will find themselves completely immersed and involved in Annie and Miriam’s stories. A beautifully written historical novel about courage, the ties that bind and the power of love, The Paris Dancer by Nicola Rayner is a book that will linger in the readers’ hearts long after the last page is turned.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Inspired by a true story, The Paris Dancer by Nicola Rayner is a heart-wrenching tale of courage, hope and love readers will not easily forget.
Paris 1938 and Annie Mayer has arrived in Paris determined to make it as a ballerina. However, war quickly puts paid to all of her dreams. Having to keep her Jewish heritage a secret is of the utmost importance because should she be discovered, then Annie’s fate would be sealed. When she is offered a lifeline by a fellow dancer that will provide her with a new identity, Annie sees this as an opportunity to make her professional goals a reality and a way to help the Resistance. But does Annie know just what she has let herself into?
New York, 2012 and Miriam is in the Big Apple to settle her great-aunt Esther’s estate. While looking through her belongings, Miriam makes a stunning discovery of secret notebooks detailing a family history and the story of a brave dancer who risked everything to help Jewish families during the war. Drawn into this mystery, Miriam realises that the dancer’s story is still unfinished and that by bringing together the pieces of this puzzle she can vanquish old ghosts, get a second chance at happiness and find the fulfillment she had long thought denied to her.
Nicola Rayner’s The Paris Dancer is a vivid, atmospheric and emotional historical tale that is so compulsively readable that readers will find themselves completely immersed and involved in Annie and Miriam’s stories. A beautifully written historical novel about courage, the ties that bind and the power of love, The Paris Dancer by Nicola Rayner is a book that will linger in the readers’ hearts long after the last page is turned.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 18, 2025
Esther was born just prior to WW2 and grew up in a Jewish family who had fled to Austria from Poland. Here she meets Annie, a Jewish dancer who works in the same theatre as Esther’s family. In 2012 Esther dies in New York and leaves all her paperwork, diaries and memoirs to her favourite granddaughter Mim, who lives in the UK but travels to New York to collect her legacy and unravel her grandmother’s secret life during the war years.
There are two storylines to follow in the book: Mim’s New York journey which turns into a personal voyage of discovery and her grandmother’s narrative from 70 years before, much of which had hitherto been shrouded in mystery. It is a slow-burner rather than a thrill a minute but the story is interesting enough.
On the downside I found it a little dull in places and was not captivated by the narrative. In part this was because I didn’t find that I could relate to any of the characters, often a sign that they are not as well developed or plausible as they might have been. It always helps in a novel to champion the cause of at least one of the main protagonists and if this does not come about naturally I am likely to be less invested in the storyline and care less about the outcome – that was true in this case. I found Mim particularly difficult because she was constantly wallowing in misery, guilt and self-pity. Without any reprieve this can be wearing and exasperating for a reader and a bit of levity wouldn’t have gone amiss.
Overall I would say that it was good, but not great. If you are looking for a gripping page-turner you probably need to look elsewhere.
I would also like to thank the publishers for the advance copies of this book sent to our book club to read and review.
There are two storylines to follow in the book: Mim’s New York journey which turns into a personal voyage of discovery and her grandmother’s narrative from 70 years before, much of which had hitherto been shrouded in mystery. It is a slow-burner rather than a thrill a minute but the story is interesting enough.
On the downside I found it a little dull in places and was not captivated by the narrative. In part this was because I didn’t find that I could relate to any of the characters, often a sign that they are not as well developed or plausible as they might have been. It always helps in a novel to champion the cause of at least one of the main protagonists and if this does not come about naturally I am likely to be less invested in the storyline and care less about the outcome – that was true in this case. I found Mim particularly difficult because she was constantly wallowing in misery, guilt and self-pity. Without any reprieve this can be wearing and exasperating for a reader and a bit of levity wouldn’t have gone amiss.
Overall I would say that it was good, but not great. If you are looking for a gripping page-turner you probably need to look elsewhere.
I would also like to thank the publishers for the advance copies of this book sent to our book club to read and review.
December 7, 2024
This is a very special novel which will make your heart heavy, then lift it right back up. It centres on the Bal Tabarin, a cabaret in Paris — with its dancing, and costumes and atmosphere. Nicola Rayner manages to bring it alive so well that you can picture yourself there in the wings, watching everything unfold.
Nazi forces march into Paris and so the Holocaust goes on. And as German officers join the audience at the Tabarin, the danger becomes all too palpable — several of the people who are making the show go on are Jewish, including dancer, Annie, and her dear friend, Esther, whose mother is a talented costume maker. (Special mention here goes to the character of Lili who sparkles).
The story weaves back and forth between the Second World War and 2012 where Mim has arrived in New York to sort through her aunt Esther’s flat. Mim is not just grieving her aunt, but her best friend, Frankie, too whose death she blames herself for. So torn apart by guilt is Mim that when she meets Lucky, their dates at various dancing venues do not go according to plan.
As Mim reads Esther's diaries, discovering her aunt's painful secrets, she finally finds the courage to confront her own past.
Magnetic and beautifully rendered, not many books can make me cry, but I have to admit I sobbed through the latter pages. There is horror here, yes, but it is handled very sensitively indeed. What shines brightest from these pages is love – the love between sisters and the love between friends.
An extraordinary, highly researched and profoundly beautiful book – I adored everything about it. Wondrous.
Nazi forces march into Paris and so the Holocaust goes on. And as German officers join the audience at the Tabarin, the danger becomes all too palpable — several of the people who are making the show go on are Jewish, including dancer, Annie, and her dear friend, Esther, whose mother is a talented costume maker. (Special mention here goes to the character of Lili who sparkles).
The story weaves back and forth between the Second World War and 2012 where Mim has arrived in New York to sort through her aunt Esther’s flat. Mim is not just grieving her aunt, but her best friend, Frankie, too whose death she blames herself for. So torn apart by guilt is Mim that when she meets Lucky, their dates at various dancing venues do not go according to plan.
As Mim reads Esther's diaries, discovering her aunt's painful secrets, she finally finds the courage to confront her own past.
Magnetic and beautifully rendered, not many books can make me cry, but I have to admit I sobbed through the latter pages. There is horror here, yes, but it is handled very sensitively indeed. What shines brightest from these pages is love – the love between sisters and the love between friends.
An extraordinary, highly researched and profoundly beautiful book – I adored everything about it. Wondrous.
February 13, 2025
Beautiful storytelling, with two timelines – set in wartime Paris, and in New York in 2012 – perfectly balanced, the stories nicely intertwined, and the narrative compelling.
After a significant loss in her own life that has had a major impact on her confidence, Miriam travels to New York following the death of her Great Aunt Esther – on the plane, she makes a friend through a chance meeting with Lucky, a dancer, and as their lives become increasingly entangled she becomes increasingly able to draw on her reserves of strength and bravery, begin to blossom, and slowly rebuild her life. But she also finds Esther’s diaries – a set of notebooks with a detailed account of her life in Paris spanning the wartime years, capturing the challenges of life as a Jew under Nazi occupation but also her own friendship with Annie Mayer, a talented dancer, whose aspirations to be a ballerina had to be set aside for a ballroom dancing partnership that saw her increasingly involved with the work of the Resistance. And the account also raises a mystery – a significant presence in Esther’s story who’s been inexplicably erased from family history, and Miriam grows increasingly determined to understand the sequence of events and restore her memory.
Both stories are equally strong, and the device of exploring the notebooks works exceptionally well – and the threads have common themes around hidden secrets, guilt, resilience and recovery. There are particularly emotional moments very well handled – both the stories’ heroines are particularly sympathetic and well developed, and very real – and more than a touch of very engaging romance. I very much enjoyed the well researched settings, brought to life so vividly – Esther’s time with her family working at the Paris music hall, Miriam’s visits to various dance events as Lucky attempts to find the dance that speaks to her and fills her heart with joy. And the supporting cast adds a lot to the story – especially Esther’s endearing elderly neighbour Bibi, with more secrets gradually emerging than Esther was ever able to share.
At times, the story is intensely moving – but despite its moments of sadness, it’s also extremely uplifting and inspiring, with the most perfect ending. This was a book I thoroughly enjoyed – and one I’d very much recommend to others.
After a significant loss in her own life that has had a major impact on her confidence, Miriam travels to New York following the death of her Great Aunt Esther – on the plane, she makes a friend through a chance meeting with Lucky, a dancer, and as their lives become increasingly entangled she becomes increasingly able to draw on her reserves of strength and bravery, begin to blossom, and slowly rebuild her life. But she also finds Esther’s diaries – a set of notebooks with a detailed account of her life in Paris spanning the wartime years, capturing the challenges of life as a Jew under Nazi occupation but also her own friendship with Annie Mayer, a talented dancer, whose aspirations to be a ballerina had to be set aside for a ballroom dancing partnership that saw her increasingly involved with the work of the Resistance. And the account also raises a mystery – a significant presence in Esther’s story who’s been inexplicably erased from family history, and Miriam grows increasingly determined to understand the sequence of events and restore her memory.
Both stories are equally strong, and the device of exploring the notebooks works exceptionally well – and the threads have common themes around hidden secrets, guilt, resilience and recovery. There are particularly emotional moments very well handled – both the stories’ heroines are particularly sympathetic and well developed, and very real – and more than a touch of very engaging romance. I very much enjoyed the well researched settings, brought to life so vividly – Esther’s time with her family working at the Paris music hall, Miriam’s visits to various dance events as Lucky attempts to find the dance that speaks to her and fills her heart with joy. And the supporting cast adds a lot to the story – especially Esther’s endearing elderly neighbour Bibi, with more secrets gradually emerging than Esther was ever able to share.
At times, the story is intensely moving – but despite its moments of sadness, it’s also extremely uplifting and inspiring, with the most perfect ending. This was a book I thoroughly enjoyed – and one I’d very much recommend to others.
October 19, 2025
Dual timeline novel set in PARIS / NEW YORK
2012. The novel opens as Mim is on a plane heading for New York. She will be in the city to sort through her Great-Aunt Esther’s affairs. On the plane journey she is sat next to Lucky, a young man who is connected to the world of dance, and this proves to be a significant encounter as the story evolves.
She trawls through her Great-Aunt’s belongings and is soon immersed in a collection of diaries – penned in the late 1930s, detailing her experiences on the sidelines at Bal Tabarin, a real cabaret that existed in the 9th Arrondissement of Paris. Her observations of the comings and goings of dancers and entertainers, and interactions with famous people all form a backdrop to Annie’s story, a young Jewish dancer who helped Jews during the vicelike grip of the Nazi regime in the city, from the Summer of 1940 onwards.
The fact that Mim has been singled out to tackle this task is a bit of a surprise to her, but she is clearly the right person to be on this voyage of discovery about her family’s past.
This is a story of loss and sadness, of stoicism and bravery, and the author really brings to life the era of the Nazi occupation of Paris, with all the fear and trepidation the characterises the period. The author clearly, too, is enamoured by dance and showtime and evocatively brings this colourful world to life.
A well paced and thought-provoking novel.
2012. The novel opens as Mim is on a plane heading for New York. She will be in the city to sort through her Great-Aunt Esther’s affairs. On the plane journey she is sat next to Lucky, a young man who is connected to the world of dance, and this proves to be a significant encounter as the story evolves.
She trawls through her Great-Aunt’s belongings and is soon immersed in a collection of diaries – penned in the late 1930s, detailing her experiences on the sidelines at Bal Tabarin, a real cabaret that existed in the 9th Arrondissement of Paris. Her observations of the comings and goings of dancers and entertainers, and interactions with famous people all form a backdrop to Annie’s story, a young Jewish dancer who helped Jews during the vicelike grip of the Nazi regime in the city, from the Summer of 1940 onwards.
The fact that Mim has been singled out to tackle this task is a bit of a surprise to her, but she is clearly the right person to be on this voyage of discovery about her family’s past.
This is a story of loss and sadness, of stoicism and bravery, and the author really brings to life the era of the Nazi occupation of Paris, with all the fear and trepidation the characterises the period. The author clearly, too, is enamoured by dance and showtime and evocatively brings this colourful world to life.
A well paced and thought-provoking novel.
February 7, 2025
A very enjoyable piece of historical fiction inspired by the true story of Florence Waren, a Jewish dancer living and working in Paris during WWII. Miriam ‘Mim’ arrives in New York in 2012 to clear out her great-aunt Ester’s apartment where she finds notebooks that show the family was in Paris during the war, something they had always denied. Told in dual timeline and dual POV, Mim and Ester, this is an emotional and well written book, compulsive reading.
Briefly, in 2012 Mim was running from life when she arrived in New York. She met Lucky on the plane and they arrange to meet up whilst Mim is there to go to dance classes. Between the classes and reading the notebooks Mim starts to clear Ester’s home. In Paris 1938 Canadian Annie Mayer arrives in Paris hoping to become a ballet dancer. Meanwhile she joins a cabaret show and when the Nazis invade Paris she becomes one half of Amelie and Antoine, a ballroom duo, which allows them the freedom to help the Resistance.
Although both stories tugged at the heartstrings it was the earlier one that really got me! I think the fact that it was based on a true story, albeit tenuously, made it even more emotive. What a very brave woman Annie was. Mim and Ester’s stories had their similarities which made it clear why Ester wanted Mim to see her notebooks. A wonderful story of friendship, family, courage, love and the exploration of self. Very entertaining.
4.5⭐️
Briefly, in 2012 Mim was running from life when she arrived in New York. She met Lucky on the plane and they arrange to meet up whilst Mim is there to go to dance classes. Between the classes and reading the notebooks Mim starts to clear Ester’s home. In Paris 1938 Canadian Annie Mayer arrives in Paris hoping to become a ballet dancer. Meanwhile she joins a cabaret show and when the Nazis invade Paris she becomes one half of Amelie and Antoine, a ballroom duo, which allows them the freedom to help the Resistance.
Although both stories tugged at the heartstrings it was the earlier one that really got me! I think the fact that it was based on a true story, albeit tenuously, made it even more emotive. What a very brave woman Annie was. Mim and Ester’s stories had their similarities which made it clear why Ester wanted Mim to see her notebooks. A wonderful story of friendship, family, courage, love and the exploration of self. Very entertaining.
4.5⭐️
February 13, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Aria & Aries for this eCopy to review
I absolutely loved The Paris Dancer! The dual timelines were perfectly balanced, and the intertwining stories of Annie and Miriam were both heart-wrenching and inspiring. The historical backdrop of wartime Paris was vividly portrayed, and the courage and resilience of the characters were truly moving. The storytelling was beautiful, and the emotional depth of the novel made it unforgettable.
The novel transports us between the vibrant streets of pre-war Paris and modern-day New York. In 1938, a young Jewish woman named Annie Mayer arrives in Paris with dreams of becoming a renowned ballerina. However, as war looms and Paris falls under occupation, Annie must conceal her true identity. A chance partnership with a fellow dancer offers her a way to survive—together, they perform in ballrooms across Europe, secretly aiding the Resistance.
Fast forward to 2012, where Miriam is tasked with sorting through her great-aunt Esther's belongings in New York. Amidst the old letters and forgotten mementos, Miriam uncovers notebooks that reveal a hidden family history. She stumbles upon the story of Annie, a courageous dancer who used her art and fame to fight against oppression. As Miriam delves deeper, she finds herself piecing together a legacy of bravery and resilience.
A must-read for fans of historical fiction and anyone who appreciates a story of courage, friendship, and resistance
I absolutely loved The Paris Dancer! The dual timelines were perfectly balanced, and the intertwining stories of Annie and Miriam were both heart-wrenching and inspiring. The historical backdrop of wartime Paris was vividly portrayed, and the courage and resilience of the characters were truly moving. The storytelling was beautiful, and the emotional depth of the novel made it unforgettable.
The novel transports us between the vibrant streets of pre-war Paris and modern-day New York. In 1938, a young Jewish woman named Annie Mayer arrives in Paris with dreams of becoming a renowned ballerina. However, as war looms and Paris falls under occupation, Annie must conceal her true identity. A chance partnership with a fellow dancer offers her a way to survive—together, they perform in ballrooms across Europe, secretly aiding the Resistance.
Fast forward to 2012, where Miriam is tasked with sorting through her great-aunt Esther's belongings in New York. Amidst the old letters and forgotten mementos, Miriam uncovers notebooks that reveal a hidden family history. She stumbles upon the story of Annie, a courageous dancer who used her art and fame to fight against oppression. As Miriam delves deeper, she finds herself piecing together a legacy of bravery and resilience.
A must-read for fans of historical fiction and anyone who appreciates a story of courage, friendship, and resistance
February 15, 2025
This is so not my sort of read but Paris sold me the read. That and my minor fascination with World War II. So I took a gamble with this dual timeline book and boy did it pay dividends.
Mim is running from her life, escaping to NYC to sort her late great aunt’s flat out. But she went on a voyage of discovery about herself, about history and about dance!
I was totally absorbed into Esther’s world in Paris, my imagination was ignited as I read of life in the Bal Tabarin. But then as war broke out, I felt the fear, the worry, all the emotions of the Parisians as the Germans took their hold on this beautiful and vibrant city.
Mim’s New York life is equally as eventful and insightful as I followed this young woman who is pushed so much out of her comfort zone. I points I wanted to slap her for her reactions but then I wanted to protect her from life and being hurt.
I was an emotional wreck by the end. Rayner pushed me through the mill and then back again. This read is so emotional, I was held in a tense emotion precipice throughout. I think one of the words that’s been used to describe this book is sumptuous which it is but not is a happy way. Rayner’s words just brought everything to life – the good and the bad from both Mim’s present and the past with Esther.
I definitely want to read more from Nicola Rayner. Whether it’s another historical based story or one of her psychological thrillers, this woman has a way with words to invoke a whole host of emotion and imagery.
Mim is running from her life, escaping to NYC to sort her late great aunt’s flat out. But she went on a voyage of discovery about herself, about history and about dance!
I was totally absorbed into Esther’s world in Paris, my imagination was ignited as I read of life in the Bal Tabarin. But then as war broke out, I felt the fear, the worry, all the emotions of the Parisians as the Germans took their hold on this beautiful and vibrant city.
Mim’s New York life is equally as eventful and insightful as I followed this young woman who is pushed so much out of her comfort zone. I points I wanted to slap her for her reactions but then I wanted to protect her from life and being hurt.
I was an emotional wreck by the end. Rayner pushed me through the mill and then back again. This read is so emotional, I was held in a tense emotion precipice throughout. I think one of the words that’s been used to describe this book is sumptuous which it is but not is a happy way. Rayner’s words just brought everything to life – the good and the bad from both Mim’s present and the past with Esther.
I definitely want to read more from Nicola Rayner. Whether it’s another historical based story or one of her psychological thrillers, this woman has a way with words to invoke a whole host of emotion and imagery.
February 20, 2025
This is a dual timeline story, the first of which is set during the First World War in Paris and the second in New York in 2012. The story about Miriam (Mim) and Esther is beautiful and very emotive at times due to the context in which it is set. However, what I particularly appreciated was that Nicola leaves it to the reader to fill in much of the understanding about what life was like for Jews and how they were treated during the German invasion of Paris.
The story flows seamlessly between the two eras as Mim uncovers the secrets of Esther’s life whilst also coming to terms with what has happened in her own and how the two can be reconciled to enable her to move forwards. You will find yourself warming to these beautifully described characters, their families, friends and everything they have lived through. Secrets that had to be kept in order to survive, trust and at times it’s betrayal during the occupation along with conflicts of interest at different points in the story will have you turning page after page and not being able to put it down.
As you will most likely have guessed, I thoroughly enjoyed this heart-warming , historical, story about love, friendship, loss and misunderstanding and will definitely be looking out for more books by Nicola to read in the future.
The story flows seamlessly between the two eras as Mim uncovers the secrets of Esther’s life whilst also coming to terms with what has happened in her own and how the two can be reconciled to enable her to move forwards. You will find yourself warming to these beautifully described characters, their families, friends and everything they have lived through. Secrets that had to be kept in order to survive, trust and at times it’s betrayal during the occupation along with conflicts of interest at different points in the story will have you turning page after page and not being able to put it down.
As you will most likely have guessed, I thoroughly enjoyed this heart-warming , historical, story about love, friendship, loss and misunderstanding and will definitely be looking out for more books by Nicola to read in the future.
October 5, 2024
I’m writing this review with tears in my eyes and tears on my kindle. What a beautiful, beautiful book. Initially, I thought this was going to be a run of the mill historical fiction, but it turned out to be so much more. Packed full of emotions and characters teeming with life, this book was truly remarkable.
Rayner has a way with words, her writing is delicate one moment and knocks you out the next. Mim and Esther’s stories were mirror images of each others and I thoroughly enjoyed both, something that I usually struggle with in other dual narrative historical fictions. As the book progressed and the story deepened, I found myself unable to put the book down. I desperately needed to know what was going to happen to both women in their respective timelines.
The last untold secrets finally revealed themselves in the final few chapters and the quiet elegance of this book and the masterful storytelling left me speechless. A story of love more than anything else.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for kindly providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. #TheParisDancer #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Rayner has a way with words, her writing is delicate one moment and knocks you out the next. Mim and Esther’s stories were mirror images of each others and I thoroughly enjoyed both, something that I usually struggle with in other dual narrative historical fictions. As the book progressed and the story deepened, I found myself unable to put the book down. I desperately needed to know what was going to happen to both women in their respective timelines.
The last untold secrets finally revealed themselves in the final few chapters and the quiet elegance of this book and the masterful storytelling left me speechless. A story of love more than anything else.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for kindly providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. #TheParisDancer #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
March 20, 2025
The Paris Dancer is a beautiful and moving read, a shining example of historical fiction at its best.
The story moves between modern-day New York and pre-war Paris. In 1938, Annie Mayer’s aspirations to become a world-renowned ballerina are thwarted by the threat of war and the need to conceal her Jewish heritage - but a ballroom partnership offers her the chance to not only survive but aid the Resistance.
In 2012 New York, Miriam, struggling to come to terms with events in her own life, is clearing her great-aunt Esther’s apartment after her death and comes across notebooks that reveal hitherto unknown secrets about Esther’s life in Paris during World War II and her connection to Annie.
Rayner does a fabulous job of moving between the stories and bringing both of them to life equally, whilst gradually intertwining the two. It is emotional and evocative - but it is also a cleverly woven and moving tribute to the power of dance which runs through both stories.
It is a story beautifully told - and one that took me on an emotional journey. There is so much sadness, but ultimately it is a story of love and of resilience that had me in its thrall right to the end.
The story moves between modern-day New York and pre-war Paris. In 1938, Annie Mayer’s aspirations to become a world-renowned ballerina are thwarted by the threat of war and the need to conceal her Jewish heritage - but a ballroom partnership offers her the chance to not only survive but aid the Resistance.
In 2012 New York, Miriam, struggling to come to terms with events in her own life, is clearing her great-aunt Esther’s apartment after her death and comes across notebooks that reveal hitherto unknown secrets about Esther’s life in Paris during World War II and her connection to Annie.
Rayner does a fabulous job of moving between the stories and bringing both of them to life equally, whilst gradually intertwining the two. It is emotional and evocative - but it is also a cleverly woven and moving tribute to the power of dance which runs through both stories.
It is a story beautifully told - and one that took me on an emotional journey. There is so much sadness, but ultimately it is a story of love and of resilience that had me in its thrall right to the end.
October 18, 2024
This book is an absolute delight. The historical aspects are sensitively told, well researched and honest. The dual timeline narrative was perfectly intertwined to unravel the story gradually as the book progresses without being confusing. I think this would also translate perfectly to an audiobook format.
The characters were perfectly developed, beautifully and vibrantly written. There are romantic elements but it is so much more than a romance. The story is full of tragedy and sadness but somehow manages to be uplifting. The focus is on the journey through trauma and grief to hope, forgiveness and the discovery of one’s own strength and peace.
This is a truly fantastic example of historical fiction that I couldn’t put down and highly recommend. Intricately woven, evocative, enthralling and very moving. Thank you to Net Galley and the Publisher Aria and Aries for the digital copy in exchange for my honest review. I loved it!
The characters were perfectly developed, beautifully and vibrantly written. There are romantic elements but it is so much more than a romance. The story is full of tragedy and sadness but somehow manages to be uplifting. The focus is on the journey through trauma and grief to hope, forgiveness and the discovery of one’s own strength and peace.
This is a truly fantastic example of historical fiction that I couldn’t put down and highly recommend. Intricately woven, evocative, enthralling and very moving. Thank you to Net Galley and the Publisher Aria and Aries for the digital copy in exchange for my honest review. I loved it!
February 5, 2025
The Paris Dancer by Nicola Rayner beautifully weaves together two captivating narratives set decades apart. In 1938 Paris, Annie Mayer's aspirations of becoming a ballerina are overshadowed by the looming threat of war and the need to conceal her Jewish identity. Her journey to fame, fueled by a daring partnership in the vibrant world of ballroom dancing, not only entertains but also serves a greater purpose in aiding the Resistance.
In the present day, Miriam's journey to New York leads her to unravel her great-aunt Esther's poignant past, filled with bravery and sacrifice. As Miriam explores Esther's hidden history, she grapples with her own grief and the chance for new beginnings.
Rayner skillfully balances themes of resilience, identity, and the impact of history on personal lives, making "The Paris Dancer" a moving and inspiring tale that resonates across generations.
A very heartwarming read well deserving of five stars!
In the present day, Miriam's journey to New York leads her to unravel her great-aunt Esther's poignant past, filled with bravery and sacrifice. As Miriam explores Esther's hidden history, she grapples with her own grief and the chance for new beginnings.
Rayner skillfully balances themes of resilience, identity, and the impact of history on personal lives, making "The Paris Dancer" a moving and inspiring tale that resonates across generations.
A very heartwarming read well deserving of five stars!
February 10, 2025
I'm reviewing this as part of a tour with Rachel's Random Resources.
This is a dual timeline novel. In 2012 we follow Mim, who goes to New York to set her great-aunt Esther's affairs in order. Reading her great-aunt's notebook, Mim follows the story of Annie during WWII, who dreamed of being a ballerina.
I connected with Mim in the 2012 timeline, and thought she was a great character, but Annie spoke to me in a different kind of way. I think she spoke to a part of me that has unfulfilled dreams and bigger ambitions, and that was something that helped me connect with Annie and the other characters in that timeline.
This was an emotional read, with some tearjerker moments, but it was also uplifting and inspiring, with some romance thrown into the mix. I think that in general, it also speaks to a love of music and dancing.
Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources, and to the author and publisher, for the opportunity to read and review this.
This is a dual timeline novel. In 2012 we follow Mim, who goes to New York to set her great-aunt Esther's affairs in order. Reading her great-aunt's notebook, Mim follows the story of Annie during WWII, who dreamed of being a ballerina.
I connected with Mim in the 2012 timeline, and thought she was a great character, but Annie spoke to me in a different kind of way. I think she spoke to a part of me that has unfulfilled dreams and bigger ambitions, and that was something that helped me connect with Annie and the other characters in that timeline.
This was an emotional read, with some tearjerker moments, but it was also uplifting and inspiring, with some romance thrown into the mix. I think that in general, it also speaks to a love of music and dancing.
Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources, and to the author and publisher, for the opportunity to read and review this.
January 21, 2025
My goodness what a wonderful story it deals with love, grief and forgiveness.
Miriam has travelled to New York to sort out her Great Aunt Esther’s things as she has died, she meets Lucky on the plane and there seems to be a connection with them. Miriam discovers Esther has written about her life in Paris just before and after World War 2. Esther befriends Annie who is a dancer and ends up at the theatre where Esther helps out with her family. Miriam has her own problems and cannot tell Lucky, will she open up or not.
It was an interesting reading this and how the family went through so much during the War. The characters all worked well together and you wondered what happened to the rest of the people in the book.
I had tissues at the ready for some parts of the book.
Well written certainly would recommend this book.
Miriam has travelled to New York to sort out her Great Aunt Esther’s things as she has died, she meets Lucky on the plane and there seems to be a connection with them. Miriam discovers Esther has written about her life in Paris just before and after World War 2. Esther befriends Annie who is a dancer and ends up at the theatre where Esther helps out with her family. Miriam has her own problems and cannot tell Lucky, will she open up or not.
It was an interesting reading this and how the family went through so much during the War. The characters all worked well together and you wondered what happened to the rest of the people in the book.
I had tissues at the ready for some parts of the book.
Well written certainly would recommend this book.
October 12, 2024
⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️
I’ll start by saying that I loved the premise of this book. The story was wonderful and I enjoyed the split timeline and the settings. It was very evocative and emotional and I really enjoyed it. I would definitely recommend to friends and family and anyone interested in historical fiction.
The reason for 4 ⭐️ and not 5 ⭐️ is that I struggle with third person POV and one of the timelines employs this. This is a personal preference and is entirely subjective. Another reader will not mind at all. I found the first person POV timeline much easier to read.
I would be interested in listening to the audiobook of this as I feel the third person POV may translate better in audio format for me personally. The story and the dual POV would certainly lend itself to narration.
I’ll start by saying that I loved the premise of this book. The story was wonderful and I enjoyed the split timeline and the settings. It was very evocative and emotional and I really enjoyed it. I would definitely recommend to friends and family and anyone interested in historical fiction.
The reason for 4 ⭐️ and not 5 ⭐️ is that I struggle with third person POV and one of the timelines employs this. This is a personal preference and is entirely subjective. Another reader will not mind at all. I found the first person POV timeline much easier to read.
I would be interested in listening to the audiobook of this as I feel the third person POV may translate better in audio format for me personally. The story and the dual POV would certainly lend itself to narration.
November 23, 2024
Wow - this book was amazing! It had sadness, love, mystery all rolled into one. It went between the story of Mim in current times as she learned of the lives of her great aunt (who she was very close to) and her great aunts family and friends in the war. I think I enjoyed the story line set in the war time more so than the story line set in current time. I really felt connected to the characters in the war time. Mim's character annoyed me with the way she handled a few things - although it was understandable why she reacted the way she did. I would definitely like to read more books by this author. Thank you to NetGalley, Aria & Aries and Nicola Rayner for the ARC of this book which I received for free.
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