This novel chronicles the rise and (literal) fall of a modern Russian prima ballerina, and her journey to firm footing. Moving back and forth in time and between reality and hallucinations/delusions, together with no transition between the author’s first person narrative and critics’ articles in newspapers, the overall effect can be surreal and disorienting. Yet the story is gripping, as Natasha Leonova recounts her poor, fatherless childhood, her introduction to ballet, her friends and teachers at prestigious ballet schools, her lovers and her soaring successes and mysterious injury.

There are many similes, and ominous symbols of black birds – crows – that seem to threaten Natasha. This adds to a sense of eeriness, and one can be confused by the many references to ballet greats who may not be known to the general audience, as well as characters introduced with detail who then play only a moment’s role in the narrative.

And yet there is something almost hypnotic about the story and what it has to say about love, friends, success, the acceptance of an imperfect world behind the beautiful ballet scenes and costumes, and the magical experience of dancing and being seen, and becoming a whole, grounded person behind the scenes.

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You may know Juhea Kim from her sweeping debut novel, Beasts of a Little Land, written as an ode to her heritage. City of Night Birds is different in many ways, but it is born from an equally heartfelt place: her lifelong love of dance.

With themes of love, addiction, artistic passion, and inner-turmoil, loving this book was an inevitability. But what drives this novel to a top-tier, six-star read for me goes beyond plot and character development: Juhea Kim is a master of literary atmosphere. The imagery was so vivid that I could close my eyes and see the story unfold, in all of its tones and hues.

I’ll say it with my whole chest: I loved this book on a granular level.

As a former competitive dancer myself, this book reinvigorated my thirst for performance art. I found myself watching YouTube videos of the performances described in the book, and I’ve even purchased tickets for The Nutcracker in December! A writer’s ability to convey such passion is a gift, and this book is a masterpiece.

I highly recommend this book to all LitFic readers, and anyone looking for a moving book about art, ambition, and redemption.

City of Night Birds has officially made it into my top three books of 2024 (and I’ve read 97 so that’s really saying something!)

I loved her first book and was excited about this one. It did not disappoint. It's hard to make unlikeable characters charming but you close the book and feel like you understand them. I can officially say that I am a big fan of Juhea Kim. Can't wait for the next book!

City of. Night Birds is about the world of ballet from the highest levels, starting in Russia and moving on to Paris. The descriptions of ballet were interesting to me and I enjoyed the behind the curtain view of ballet. The relationships of our protagonist were one dimensional. I never believed the connections. From the historical fiction stand point, I would have liked more of the history of when there was free movement between Russia and Paris and when the Kremlin tightened its grip. There is some discussion of Nureyev and Baryshnikov but very little. I was disappointed not to learn more about the government’s involvement in holding onto the artists. I enjoyed the book overall. 3.5*

Many thanks to Harper Collins and NetGalley for the advanced readers copy.

4.5 Stars

At first, I was somewhat worried that I would enjoy this book because it was about a topic I have not read before. I was mostly interested in reading it because of Juhea Kim's excellent writing. I am glad I requested this title! I was immersed in the story, beginning to end. Natasha's journey was captivating, heartbreaking, and beautiful all at once.

I cannot wait to read more of this author's work!

I love ballet and St Petersburg and this lovely book brought them both together. There are not many books that enter the world of ballet and depict it so skillfully. Natalie was a prima ballerina when she suffered a terrible accident that ended her career. This brought her into a downward spiral of of drinking and depression.
In this emotional story a dark character, Dimitri, from her past, gives her the opportunity to make a comeback. Should she take a chance? A beautiful love story set in Russia. This is also a coming of age story, an example of strength.

I enjoyed learning more about the behind-the-scenes of professional ballet. For me, the politics of the situation (like every other workplace!) became tiring, and the main character's whining was grating. I wanted to enjoy this book but just didn't enjoy the characters.

I love a good story set in the world of dance. CITY OF NIGHT BIRDS is a thoroughly engrossing read from start to finish. From the beginning we sympathize with Natalia who was once celebrated as a successful ballerina and now, after a tragic accident, struggles with alcohol and drug addiction. But wait! This is a second chance story and a beautiful one at that. After two year away from the dance arena, she has another opportunity to reprise her starring role -- and we are cheering for her along the way. Cinematic and engaging, this is a great character-driven read with plenty of drama and tension!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy; all opinions in this review are entirely my own.

A renowned prima ballerina, wounded in body and spirit, seeks to make a comeback while reflecting on her rise to stardom, 1st person POV. I loved this book. The prose and imagery were lovely and the characters were multi dimensional and textured. She created great tension with the reader, anticipating Natalia’s demise from her lofty heights, but not wanting it to happen. The ballet depictions were very authentic. I’m sure this has already been optioned as it would make a great movie or series. So few good, adult ballet novels and films. Thank you NetGalley, Ecco and especially Juhea Kim for giving me the privilege of reading this moving story.

Natalia Leonova was once a celebrated prima ballerina, heralded as one of the best of her generation. Then she was involved in a terrible accident and was forced to stop dancing. Now she uses alcohol and drugs to escape her life, but after two years away from the world of dance she returns with a chance to dance again in her signature role.

With he return she faces Alexander, the love of her life and Dmitri, a dark genius from her past. It is Dmitri who is offering he the opportunity to take the stage again; she must decide whether she wants to re-enter that world.

I’m a sucker for books set in the cutthroat world of ballet, even though my own career ended at about age seven. This was a bit about ballet, a bit of a love story, some coming of age, a bit of a family story so there was a lot going on for one book.

Plus, it is difficult to read any story about Russia right now. One can handle historical fiction, but some of this takes place in present day, presumably. Russia’s invasion of Crimea is a plot point but there is only a small mention of its invasion of Ukraine. In the final chapter of the book there is a statement “after the war is over” with no other indicator and that made me very uncomfortable, and, honestly, colored my feelings about the book.