The Master's Muse: A Novel (2012) - Plot & Excerpts
I loved this book because, in part, got me back in touch with my 1970s dancer-self when I studied with American Ballet Theatre. I have met some of the people mentioned in the book. Reading the book brought me back to that very special time in my life, this time through adult eyes. I had no idea at all about all the backstage drama. I know the book is a novel, but it truly seems as though LeClerq (Tanny) DID write it. If what is in the book is not 100% true, it seems like it should be. Polio, or any paralysis is especially devastating to a dancer, or anyone who works with their body on a professional level and with love. The way Tanny and those around her cope with the impact of the disease seemed pretty realistic an insightful in many ways. I had also just finished "the Paris Wife" and could not help drawing comparisons between the wife/famous husband plots of each book. A fictional account of the real life relationship between George Balanchine and his muse and last wife, Tanaquil Le Clercq, the famous ballerina.It begins with Tanny, as she's called, falling in love with George and marrying him, as she is at the height of her career, and losing it overnight when she contracts polio. I had a hard time getting over the loss of her ability to walk, much less dance, and therefore it was hard for me to really move on to the rest of the story, which spanned the relationship from its inception to the death of George. It did get me interested in the ballet scene in the 40's and 50's, and there are some snippets of Le Clercq dancing on youtube which are amazing to watch. I think I would've rather read a true biography rather than this work of fiction, but the author has a lovely way of writing so the book wasn't a total loss.
What do You think about The Master's Muse: A Novel (2012)?
Historical fiction memoir. Well researched and great for those interested in the arts and ballet.
—alh1229
I had a hard time getting into this book! It was nothing like I thought it would be.
—johnyboyboy
