Book Review #2

Title: Drina Dances in Switzerland
Author: Jean Estoril
Genre: Fiction

Synopsis:
This book is about a half-Italian teenaged girl named Drina Adams and her life as a ballet dancer. Drina, who is takes ballet lessons in the Dominick Ballet Company in London, had to go to Switzerland because of her grandparents. Initially, she was reluctant as she will lose the opportunity to be the main lead in the school’s upcoming performance and she will not be able to spend the winter and spring with her close friends. In Switzerland, she found herself in an international school where strict and “unreasonable” rules are implemented, no friends except for her cousin, Antonia”, trouble with the teachers and no freedom. But after a while, she got to like the place more each day, changed the perception of the teachers of her, made new friends and even choreographed plus directed a performance for that winter. Ultimately, she was able to appreciate the place even more and enjoyed the trip. When winter was about to end, her grandparents allowed her to return earlier to London with her close friend's accompany.

Thoughts:
Although this book is the 9th of the entire series, its story captures your attention and doesn’t make you feel that there are some parts missing. The transition is rather smooth, although the author wrote it in such a way that she introduces a bunch of characters in 2 of its chapters.
I admit that I am no ballet fanatic, but I feel that this story is written very close to the author’s heart as it is simple, light hearted and it is realistic. Throughout the whole book, there are many letters for Drina from her friends all over the world and vice versa. If you ever read them, you will find that the way the letters are written are very candid and the characters hardly hide their thoughts and emotions. Also, there are many conversations which make the book interesting and easy to read.
I like Drina for her maturity, not her dancing skills. (Like, how would I know how well she dances? :P) Although there were so many things waiting for her in London at that period of time, she said to one of her Director, Miss Marianne Volonaise, that her ought to go to Switzerland, because of her grandfather and the current situation her was in.
If you like the book, I afraid to say that it’s an old book and it may be hard to find. Haha~

Posted by Kelly! (: