Beneath the Parisian Skies

My Thoughts

‘Ballet is medicine in its own way. Think of this—with the world falling apart, isn’t it good to escape reality and go to the theatre?‘

I was happy to read another Alli Sinclair book with her strong focus on dance - I was not disappointed. In fact, I found this one to probably be her best so far. I do however feel, that the synopsis does not do justice in inviting people to this read. Very little is made of the 1917 plot, and to my mind, that was by far the strongest and most compelling story.

This tale is indeed set over two time periods - Lily in the modern day and Viktoriya in 1917. I do love a good dual time narrative and whilst this one was good, as mentioned, the 1917 storyline was by far the stronger. Yes, Lily and her sister had many trials and tribulations to endure (at times getting a little bogged down) and obstacles to overcome. Unfortunately I found both sisters to be petulant and shockingly moody and indecisive. At times I couldn’t wait to return to 1917, it became that uncomfortable. Yves was an absolute saint to put up with Lily as her behaviour was so frustrating.

‘Thankfully, he had the good sense not to question her change in mood.’

Do not let that distract you, however, from the superb story of the ballet world of Paris, 1917. Through a great grandmother and long lost diaries, the link is made between the modern and historical story. Here I was fully engaged with the struggles many of the characters went through. Viktoriya Budian was dedicated and found solace in her ballet.

‘The only time you fully come to life is when pointes are on your feet and the stage light is shining in your eyes.’


Escaping from Russia and it’s revolutionary period, Viktoriya arrives in Paris to start anew with the famed Ballets Russes. The amount of research Alli has done here, detailing fascinating facts from this time period, is most noteworthy. With World War I still ongoing, ballet did indeed provide a much needed escape and Alli brings many famous faces back to life:

‘Despite the war raging across Europe, Parisians sought solace by immersing themselves in the arts, especially with Picasso, Satie, Matisse and Proust.’

Against this backdrop, Alli brings a story of this Russian girl and all she has worked so hard for, threatening to collapse around her. You will be on the edge of your seat as you witness her life spiral out of control through no fault of her own. There is such sadness and yet moments of pure exhilaration. Overall, I recommend this book, especially so if you are at all interested in ballet.

‘The storm clouds that had permanently hung over the Paris of her mind had drifted away and were replaced by a magnificent blue now that she had found her home beneath the Parisian skies.’




This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release

Book blurb...
A sweeping saga about love, truth, grief and passion — and what it takes to fulfil a dream.
Paris, 1917
Ballerina Viktoriya Budian narrowly escapes Russia with her life. She arrives in Paris determined to start afresh with the famed Ballets Russes but her newfound success is threatened when her past returns to haunt her. Forced to choose between love and fame, Viktoriya’s life spirals out of control and the decision she makes seriously affects the lives of many for years to come.
Paris, present day
Australian dancer Lily Johansson returns to Paris, the city that broke her heart and destroyed her ballet career, hoping to ease the guilt over her fiancé’s death and to make amends with her estranged sister, Natalie, a ballerina with the Bohème Ballet. Terrified of loving again, Lily nevertheless finds herself becoming entangled with talented composer Yves Rousseau.
Meanwhile, vying for the role honouring Viktoriya Budian, Lily’s sister Natalie develops an unhealthy obsession. As Natalie’s behaviour becomes increasingly erratic, Lily fears for her sister’s safety and sanity. When Natalie goes missing, Lil and Yves set out on a desperate quest across France to find her and, along the way, battle their own demons.
Could the search for her sister lead Lily to realise that ballet — like love and life — should not be abandoned so easily?

My thoughts…

I loved being swept up into the world of ballet, especially under Parisian Skies!

This story is told over two time periods and I was particularly taken with the 1917 story thread and the struggles these characters endured. It’s not hard to fall in love with characters when they are strong but vulnerable at the same time. The present day characters have lessons to learn in order to grow. Sometimes life's lessons are too hard and Lily, Natalie and Yves certainly have challenges.

The author’s passion for dance blends with beautiful storytelling to make this a compelling tale of love.