Book Review and Giveaway: The Art of Falling

By Kathryn Hamilton

For dancers, movement is more than what they do; it is in every fibre of their being. It is a way of life. What happens when a dancer is stripped of the movement that comes so naturally? Penelope Sparrow is faced with exactly this scenario when she survives a 14-story fall that should have killed her. In the months following, she must contend with a body that is in significant pain, frustrating rehabilitation, and the reality that dance may never be a part of her life in the same way again. The Art of Falling is a beautifully crafted story of one woman’s struggle to redefine her life, herself, and her relationships.

As readers, we are drawn to books for many reasons. The cover catches our eye. The synopsis intrigues us. Or sometimes, it can be as simple as the author’s name. Aside from the fact that dance has fascinated for me years, I was drawn to Kathryn Craft’s debut novel equally due to how she spells her first name. The Art of Falling is the first in what I’m calling “The Kathryn series” of reviews. The reason behind choosing this novel may seem trivial; however, I was far from disappointed.

Ms. Craft is a former dancer/choreographer. Her expertise, as well as love of dance, is woven into the very thread of the story. The way in which she describes movements denotes a passion for dance that can only come from experiencing it first-hand. This also translates into creating a flawed character in Penny that the reader has compassion for, rather than disdain. It is clear from the beginning that Penny has significant issues regarding her body. She not only has an unhealthy relationship with food but feels that her body has betrayed her since she has an atypical dancer’s body (tall and with hips). Readers can certainly empathize with Penny. There is an incredible amount of pressure for women especially to conform to a very narrow view of what the body should look like; this is heightened in the dance world. I felt that Penny’s obsession with weight and how “different” she was interfered with her ability to truly appreciate her gift as a dancer and her inherent creativity for choreography. In many ways, this can be said of most of us; we are so busy focusing on what is “wrong” with us that we don’t acknowledge often enough the myriad of ways in which we are wonderful and how being different can be a gift and an inspiration. Redefining the self and self-acceptance are relevant themes throughout the course of this novel.

As important as a strong lead character is to any novel, so too are the supporting characters. Here again, Ms. Craft has created a cast to surround Penny that helps to explain how she came to be where she is and shapes the person she is to become. Most notable is her contentious relationship with her mother and her unlikely friendship with Angela, a young woman living with cystic fibrosis who Penny meets in the hospital. It is through Penny’s interaction with these various individuals that the reader understands two underlying themes: things/people are rarely as they seem and most profoundly, everything, regardless of how painful, happens for a reason. Events occur to bring people together in such a way that one would be hard-pressed not to believe in fate.

Perhaps what I loved most about this novel is that fact that finding romantic love was not a central focus of the story line. Although romance is, of course, an aspect that I enjoy about chick lit, it was a refreshing change.

If The Art of Falling is any indication, we have much to look forward to from Kathryn Craft. The artistry she utilized as a dancer easily carries over into the literary world. Whatever captures your interest about the novel, Ms. Craft’s story telling keeps you drawn in for an emotionally satisfying page turner.

Thanks to Sourcebooks for the book in exchange for an honest review. They have one book for a lucky reader in the US or Canada!

How to win:

Please tell us about the last time you danced OR your favorite dance scene from a movie or TV show.

One entry per person.

Please include your e-mail address or another way to reach you if you win. Entries without contact information will NOT be counted.

US/Canada only. Giveaway ends February 17th at midnight EST.

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