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.

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.

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.

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?

Reread Nov 2023

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.

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.

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.

One of my friends - Patricia - recommended and gifted Thursday’s Children to me. It was a really touching story and I immensely enjoyed the ballet theme. The last few chapters really brought the stories of brother and sister together. After finishing I just had to reread the prologue.

I enjoy Rumer Godden's book so much. Thursday's Children reminds me of her other book Pippa Passes.

Published in 1984 but reads like it was written in the late 50s or the 60s. None of the kids seem like 80s kids, there's no mention of fashions or fads beyond one mention of ITV making a documentary, and by 84 "transistor radios" were practically history. On more than on occasion Godden states that there was no jealousy between the students, that they all admired and respected each other's ability without rivalry. Did Godden ever meet any real students of ballet? Because if she had she'd know that wasn't true. I suppose she puts Chrystal's very obvious bitter jealousy of Ruth and her own brother down to the fact that she is supposedly not a very good dancer, though she made it into the same fancy school as Doone.
There's a very strong smell of Noel Streatfield's books here, in fact I could easily have believed Streatfield had written this if I didn't know. There's an odd note at the end of the story, in which Godden acknowledges that "an episode or a saying used almost identically" to one in this book (though she doesn't specify which) occurred in She Shall Have Music, written almost 40 years earlier. Godden was nearly 80 when she wrote this; one is moved to wonder if at some point she read Streatfield's dancing stories as well as Barne's novel, and (subconsciously or not) reworked them.
I have always been a fan of Godden's books, but it's true that they are uneven. I didn't find any of the characters very engaging I'm sorry to say. Ma and Pa are too Edwardian, Doone is a bit too good to be true, and while Crystal is totally believable as the jealous spoiled brat, her about-face isn't very credible.

Thursday's Children by Rumer Godden (1992)