Giuseppina Bozzacchi as Swanhilda in the Saint-Léon/Delibes Coppélia. Paris, 1870 (c) Wikipedia BookTrail Locations in Clara and Olivia So many aspects I enjoyed, not just the dance world, but the behind the scenes show making, the details Lucy provided had me drawn into the process and I also very much enjoyed the shoemaker’s character arc. That’s not the only way Ashe firmly anchors the story in its historical context, though. We hear about the experiences of the twins’ late father, and Samuel’s father, in the First World War. The account of Clara and Olivia’s father being able to spend their first six months with them due to injury at the Front passes into family lore; by contrast, Samuel’s father has been transformed into a cruel bully by his war experiences. Meanwhile, the hospital the twins’ mother resides in is very much “of its time”.

I knew I wanted to read Clara and Olivia as soon as I heard about it. I was instantly drawn to a tale about the ballet. This is a psychological thriller, but it builds slowly. The ballet Coppelia, about a man falling in love with a perfect doll, is not only the name of the ballet Olivia and Clara are dancing in, but it’s also a metaphor for the two of them in different ways. Olivia is a perfect ballerina, the type to go all the way in the world of ballet and become a prima ballerina. As such, she captures the eye of the ballet’s pointe shoe maker and becomes his muse for designing costumes and tutus as he watches her from afar, fearing her perfection is not for him. Clara is wilder and more free, a stunning dancer but not as perfect as her twin. Olivia belongs to the ballet, and Clara doesn’t want to belong to anyone. But in the 1930s is it too much to ask for a woman to retain her freedom? Can she just be who she is and not belong to anyone but herself? Lucy has created a mesmerising atmosphere in her debut novel. This story is one of dreadful, delirious ambition as well as the relentless drive for perfection - both as a woman and a performer - that cannot be sustained. Every violent act is a protest against this paralysing perfection. Beautiful.' -- Sally Oliver, author of The Weight of Loss The novel comes from a unique perspective, as Clara and Olivia are identical twins and we hear from both of them the difficulties of being regarded as a unit, and being mistaken for each other, but when someone begins to take an unhealthy interest in one of them, both sisters are at risk. Similarly, both Nathan and Samuel obsess over the image that their twin of choice projects at particular moments - physical perfection and falling into line with the rest of the corps, as is required of them - and are discomfited when the sisters reveal themselves to be standard messy humans with minds of their own. One comes away from the experience disillusioned, but wiser; the other doubles down on trying to force “his” twin to be what he wants her to be.

Featured Reviews

I wasn’t surprised to find out the author was a trained ballerina herself, as the novel is so rich in detail about the dancers’ routines (in terms of both the moves they perform and what they do all day!), what is expected of a ballerina, and the big names of the day, at a time when British ballet was coming into its own. I couldn’t help but smile when ballet critic Arnold Haskell popped up, having drawn on his autobiography for my PhD on only children in history. But when we see the pair interact, it becomes clear just how close and loving they are towards one another. We also learn how Clara, as the stronger personality, protects Olivia from the unhealthy influence of their mother. In the absence of any other meaningful family relationships, they rely on each other completely, and always come through for one another. Equally compelling are the studies in obsessional behaviour, different in each case, that are the two leading male characters. And behind the portrait of the shoemaker is a fascinating evocation of the work and processes involved in creating ballet shoes. This might on the face of it seem fairly arcane stuff, but the descriptions of the real-life firm, Freed of London, based off St Martin’s Lane, lend to the story the same kind of vivid embodiment and statement of the importance of craftsmanship as does the cobbling of Hans Sachs in ‘Meistersinger.’ The build up in this book is superb. In the early stages we can see much more how the public might see the ballet – glamour, nights out exploring the clubs of London, hobnobbing with rich patrons – but as the book goes on we delve deeper into a world of competition for roles, rich patrons expecting things for their patronage and the idea that this career in dance may only last so long. identical twins Olivia and Clara “Marionetta” (née Smith) are both ballerinas dancing for the Vic-Wells Ballet in 1933 London.

Ashe’s persuasive behind-the-scenes ballet sections lend heft and authenticity to what could otherwise be mere window dressing, and she transitions her narrative from charming slice of historical fiction to pulse-pounding suspense at an expert pace. It’s a fiercely memorable debut from a writer to watch.” - Publisher's Weekly Clara’s boyfriend, Nathan, wants to take their relationship to the next level, however, she wants other things… This book was a joy to read from start to finish. Ashe's writing is razor-sharp with a lyrical edge to it, and there were times when I wished I could write just as well. Rich, mesmerising and compelling, CLARA & OLIVIA heralds the arrival of a bright new voice in literary fiction. This one will have the cash registers ringing." - Awais Khan Both women have the same worry that their sister is the better dancer, and that they’re seen as a novelty in ballet because there are two of them with the same face, so if the other one goes elsewhere, their own cachet will plummet.

The author herself used to be a ballet dancer and I feel that this shone through in the book - there was a real feel of authenticity to the way the ballet was written about. Her talents however do not stop there - without a doubt this is a must read book for 2023! A central theme of the story is appearance versus reality. It’s very exciting to read about the exhilerating performances the company gives to appreciative audiences, the cultural events and wild nights Clara experiences, and the opportunities that materialise for the twins. I also really enjoyed finding out about the main ballet which is featured in the novel. Coppelia. What I really found interesting however was the story thread of Freeds. This is the family who set up Freed of London, the world’s leading designer and manufacturer of professional dance shoes. They had a shop in Cecil Court, Covent Garden – about where Goldsboro Books is now. Maybe there’s still a bit of ballet going on in the basement today…. If you're looking for a fascinating story centered around powerful characters with the magic, poise, and beauty of the ballet, then this is for you! I loved this novel and even before reading the Historical Notes provided by Lucy Ashe felt that she was writing from firsthand knowledge of the ballet and of Coppélia. I appreciated that the novel stressed the physicality of ballet. Again, something that is very clear to anyone with knowledge of the dance. The novel opens with a useful glossary that includes ballet movements.