| Author: |
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Liz Byrski
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| Title: |
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Belly Dancing for Beginners |
| Moochable copies: |
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No copies available |
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| Recommended: |
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| Topics: |
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| Published in: |
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English |
| Binding: |
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Paperback |
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| Date: |
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2007 |
| ISBN: |
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0330423452 |
| Publisher: |
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Pan |
| Weight: |
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0.53 pounds |
| Size: |
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5.04 x 7.56 x 0.87 inches |
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| Reviews: |
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Marianne (Australia) (2013/12/03):
Belly Dancing for Beginners is the third novel by British-born Australian author, Liz Byrski. Just before belly dancer, Marissa sets off to dance at Angie Peterson’s hen’s night, she is visited by DI Frank Owen, an official visit that unnerves her for various reasons, not the least of which being that he seems to be interested in her personally. Senior bureaucrat, Sonya, Angie’s boss, first encounters Marissa and also Angie’s mother Gayle, a reserved and cautious university librarian, at this do, where Marissa invites the women present to join in the dancing, and also to join her for lessons. Which Sonya and Gayle eventually do, a move that not only improves their fitness but will ultimately result in profound changes to all their lives. Gayle invites her good friend, university History Professor Oliver Baxter (and son of a well-known feminist) to Angie’s wedding, something they both have cause to later regret as it blurs the boundaries of their friendship. And tobacco marketing executive, Brian Peterson finds his life changing in unexpected ways with the wedding of his daughter. While this book may be classified as chic lit for the older woman, this description does not do it justice as, while Byrski’s principle characters may be women, the thoughts of the three significant male characters are also examined. Byrski’s characters may start out as stereotypes, but all of them, even the egotistical, ignorant, chauvinistic Brian, are interesting and complex, and each has issues they need to resolve. Their dialogue is familiar, just what you hear at the local café or gym. With wisdom and insight, Byrski touches on bullying, post-traumatic stress disorder, the value of therapy, sibling jealousy, acceptance and Normie Rowe. She gives her characters sage words: You have a tendency to oversimplify thing, Oliver, to think they are black and white. But relationships are fraught with grey areas. It’s not always possible to do what, in other circumstances, one would feel is the right thing.” and “I suppose it’s that we are all the products of our upbringing, not just our parents’ but the circumstances and societies in which we’re born and grow.” Uplifting and enjoyable.
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| URL: |
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http://bookmooch.com/0330423452 |
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