One Enchanted Evening (Buckingham #1) by Anton Du Beke

My review

3/5 stars

I came to this book expecting dancing prowess from a bygone era, and I got it, but there was also so much more than I was anticipating.

The history covered in this story was deep, well-researched and wonderfully rich. There was a sniff of WWII coming, racism, classism and persecution of minorities. It was all handled well within the world of a dancer and his workplace, with secrets, scandal and sparkle aplenty. This was the part of the book that I found myself enjoying the most.

Where the book fell down for me a little was the characters themeselves. Raymond and Nancy were interesting enough protagonists, and their friendship proved to be a sweet one, but I felt no real pull towards either of them as part of a pairing. Their family stories were interesting, but again, nothing that kept me hooked. I actually found myself more drawn to some of the side characters, such as Raymond's dance partner at the hotel, Helene, and the hotel runner, Billy.

As a side note, I listened to the audiobook, and feel that Julian Ovenden did an excellent job as the narrator. He infused the right level of personality into each character without making his attempted voice differentials feel ridiculous, and gave the story an added sense of class and calm; I found listening to him very soothing and entertaining.

Book blurb

London, 1936.

Inside the spectacular Grand Ballroom of the exclusive Buckingham Hotel the rich and powerful, politicians, film stars, even royalty, rub shoulders with Raymond de Guise and his troupe of talented dancers from all around the world, who must enchant them, captivate them, and sweep away their cares. Accustomed to waltzing with the highest of society, Raymond knows a secret from his past could threaten all he holds dear.

Nancy Nettleton, new chambermaid at the Buckingham, finds hotel life a struggle after leaving her small hometown. She dreams of joining the dancers on the ballroom floor as she watches, unseen, from behind plush curtains and hidden doorways. She soon discovers everyone at the Buckingham - guests and staff alike - has something to hide . . .

The storm clouds of war are gathering, and beneath the glitz and glamour of the ballroom lurks an irresistible world of scandal and secrets.

Let's dance . . .

More...

You can buy the book here now. It was published by Zaffre.

For more on the author, you can head to his website, follow him on Instagram, or check out his Goodreads page.