I spotted this book whilst browsing during the closing down sale at TG Jones (formerly WH Smith) on the High Street. At £2, it was too tempting, given Anton Du Beke’s legendary status as a Strictly Come Dancing pro dancer and judge (I’m a fan of ballroom dancing anyway). This is the author’s debut novel, and he mentions his writing collaborator in the acknowledgements.
The book is set in the 1930’s, as we follow the fortunes of Nancy Nettleton, Helene Marchmont and Raymond De Guise at the Buckingham Hotel, London. The hotel is known for its grand ballroom, with Helene and Raymond the principal dancers (so it’s good to see the author writing what he knows!). Nancy is a newly appointed chambermaid from ‘oop north, who has a leg disability but wishes to learn to dance.
The premise of the story is that everyone who works at The Buckingham is a family, and everyone has secrets. Some have shady family backgrounds and changed their names to escape their past. Others have secret relationships, and others still have secrets of a clandestine nature. There is also historical background in the rise of fascism and anti-Semitism, even in London.
I was quite charmed by this book, which had more depth and detail than I expected. Clearly the author had been mapping out the plot for some time before the opportunity to bring it to life came along. He has written several more books with the same characters, so despite the £2 knock down price it must have sold some copies!
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