Starring Adele Astaire by Eliza Knight: A Book Review

Starring Adele Astaire

Author: Eliza Knight

Genre: Historical Fiction

Publisher: William Morrow

Release Date: 2023

Pages: 395

Source: Netgalley/Publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis: USA Today bestselling author Eliza Knight returns as she delves into the life of Adele Astaire, 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?

My Review: Starring Adele Astaire 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 Astaire is perfect for fans of Goodnight from Paris,The Only Woman in the Room, and Josephine Baker’s Last Dance!

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

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