Varley O'Connor Knihy

Exploring the life of George Balanchine's fifth wife, this novel delves into the journey of a talented ballerina whose promising career was abruptly halted by polio at 26. It captures her struggles and triumphs, intertwining themes of love, loss, and resilience within the world of ballet. The narrative reflects on the impact of illness on ambition and personal relationships, offering a poignant glimpse into the life of an extraordinary woman shaped by her passion for dance and the challenges she faced.

Set in mid-twentieth-century America, the story explores the emotional and physical challenges faced by a family as they navigate the impact of a young son's battle with polio. The narrative delves into themes of resilience, familial bonds, and the struggle between hope and despair, revealing how the illness both unites and threatens to fracture their relationships. Through the family's journey, the novel captures the societal attitudes of the time and the personal transformations that arise from adversity.

A nineteenth-century American journalist becomes deeply invested in the tragic case of a young Welsh girl deemed a miracle