I am always wary when somebody who excels in one field decides to write fiction. Their books are often published because their name attracts readers but the writing is often mediocre.
Happily that is not the case with Anton Du Beke's debut novel One Enchanted Evening. The story is set in 1936 and the period is accurately portrayed with references to the Spanish Civil War, Edward and Mrs Simpson, the legacy of the Great Depression, anti-Semitism and the rise of Nazism in Europe.
The setting is a luxury hotel in London and the action is centred on the ballroom and its exhibition dancers. The main characters who belong to both the upper class guests of the hotel and its employees all have interesting and credible secrets which make this a compulsive read.
Ideal for fans of Julian Fellowes (Downton Abbey).
Just one howler on page 348 - 'tickled Sybil under one of her manifold chins'.
Happily that is not the case with Anton Du Beke's debut novel One Enchanted Evening. The story is set in 1936 and the period is accurately portrayed with references to the Spanish Civil War, Edward and Mrs Simpson, the legacy of the Great Depression, anti-Semitism and the rise of Nazism in Europe.
The setting is a luxury hotel in London and the action is centred on the ballroom and its exhibition dancers. The main characters who belong to both the upper class guests of the hotel and its employees all have interesting and credible secrets which make this a compulsive read.
Ideal for fans of Julian Fellowes (Downton Abbey).
Just one howler on page 348 - 'tickled Sybil under one of her manifold chins'.