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rumer godden

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When Doone Penny, the youngest son of a London greengrocer, inadvertently participates in his older sister's ballet class, he is struck with a desire to dance that impels him to persevere in spite of his parents' objections

249 pages, Paperback

First published January 1,1984

This edition

Format
249 pages, Paperback
Published
May 1, 1987 by Laurel-Leaf Books
ISBN
9780440987901
ASIN
0440987903
Language
English

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About the author

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rumer godden

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Margaret Rumer Godden was an English author of more than 60 fiction and non-fiction books. Nine of her works have been made into films, most notably Black Narcissus in 1947 and The River in 1951.
A few of her works were co-written with her elder sister, novelist Jon Godden, including Two Under the Indian Sun, a memoir of the Goddens' childhood in a region of India now part of Bangladesh.

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Community Reviews

Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 66 votes)
5 stars
27(41%)
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16(24%)
3 stars
23(35%)
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66 reviews All reviews
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KilluaX4
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
April 17,2025
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I absolutely loved this book. Donne is the youngest of 6 children and by watching his sister's dancing lessons realises he loves to dance. But he's got to convince his parents he's good and deserves lessons and that's not easy when you are youngest and your parents don't have much money.

I would have loved this in my childhood and it reminds me of Noel Streatfeild who was one of my favourite authors growing up. It's well written, has brilliant characters and explores family relationships, and the dancing industry.

A brilliant read for any child and any adult and a must read for fans of Noel Streatfeild.
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QuietRiot
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
April 17,2025
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I loved this book both times I read it. It didn't blow me away or anything, but the characters are very real, and writing style fun and unique.

My only dislike of this book is the family structure. The parents are quite cruel, even weak. Crystal, the sister, is on her way to being evil. Doone somehow turns out pretty normal though, which is great.

There's a bit of a creep towards the end of the story, so if you have really young kids, maybe read it before them to see if you approve.
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5kyanma
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
April 17,2025
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This is one of the foundational texts of my childhood. It was one of the first things I searched for from memory back when Amazon was a great way to find books and not an evil empire attempting to ransack the digital commons. My heart still breaks for Beppo every single time. Writers who like to think of themselves as 'ground-breaking' should have a look at the way Godden writes dialogue. I love this SO MUCH.
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Duri1n
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
April 17,2025
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Really fine coming-of-age novel, story of family life, examination of child-parent and sibling relationships, valuable look at the education and growth of gifted children..and all that makes it sound terribly worthy and dull. Not so! Very good story, and this author never over-writes. May be her best book.

Often has her work categorized as 'children's' or 'young adult' because she often writes about children. Does this make sense to anyone out there?
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AzurealX
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
April 17,2025
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This was one of my favorite books when I was young, and I'm happy to say that it is still just as great when reading it as an adult. If you like Billy Elliot, you'll definitely love this.
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JakesAL
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
April 17,2025
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This is one of Rumer Godden's books which focus on the world of ballet dancing, which she knew well from her own personal experience. We see the story of a brother and sister, one of whom is clearly born a dancer and one who is moved by other motivations but nonetheless who is also focused on dance. Godden's work, as always, can be heartbreaking in places but that is a result of her innate honesty. This is one of my favorite of her books and showcases her fine writing.
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TRLS18
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
April 17,2025
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It’s strange to think this book is nearly as old as I am, and yet the way the story is told is absolutely timeless. Other than a few references it is impossible to even tell the time in which it takes place, which makes it all the more wonderful for it can fit anytime. This is my first time reading a novel by Godder, and if she’s written more lovely ballet books I’m off to find them.
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