About this book
(blurb from Exclusive Books)
“When it’s time to face the music, all we can do is dance…
Recently widowed Venetia Hamilton Hargreaves is left with a huge house, a bank balance to match and an uneasy feeling that she’s been sleepwalking through the last fifty years. Determined to live fully again, she embraces life with an enthusiasm and purpose she’d forgotten she could muster.
Buying the dilapidated Phoenix Ballroom and with it a drop-in centre and spiritualist church could be seen as reckless, but Venetia’s generosity, courage and kindness provide a refuge for a touching cast of damaged and lonely people who find their chosen family. As their stories intertwine, long buried secrets are revealed, missed opportunities seized and lives are renewed as the Phoenix lives up to its name.
The Phoenix Ballroom is a story of hope and second chances across the generations.”
Genre: Fiction, Contemporary, Adult Fiction
My thoughts
The Phoenix Ballroom by Ruth Hogan is a heartwarming novel that beautifully explores themes of found family, guilt, dreams and renewal. It’s a cozy and comforting read that captivates with its gentle storytelling and memorable characters.
“We’ll have a cup of tea,’ she told him, smiling again to herself at the age-old cliché that was nonetheless a reliable source of succour in times of disquiet.”
The story centres around Venetia, a recently widowed woman in her seventies, who finds herself freed from the expectations of her late husband and ready to pursue the dreams she had put on hold for fifty years. Venetia’s journey of self-discovery is both inspiring and relatable, showcasing that it’s never too late to take life by the reins and follow your passion.
Hogan masterfully weaves a narrative that is both quick and easy to read, yet rich with emotion and depth. Venetia’s past, marked by some upsetting incidents, significantly influences her present choices, adding layers to her character. Her interactions with her grandson Kite, a bright and blunt ten-year-old, and Liberty, her ‘granny nanny,’ are particularly delightful and add a touch of humour and warmth to the story.
The Phoenix Ballroom, a place filled with memories and potential, becomes a symbol of Venetia’s new beginning. The novel’s large cast of characters, including Venetia’s family and newfound friends, are well-drawn and engaging. Each character’s growth and development through their interactions with Venetia highlight the novel’s central theme of second chances.
“Kindness isn’t a reward—it’s a gift. And it’s mine to give wherever I choose. And I choose to give it to you.”
One of the standout elements of the book is Kite, Venetia’s grandson, whose candid and kind nature brings a smile to the reader’s face. The dynamics between Kite and the other characters, especially his relationship with Venetia, add depth and charm to the story.
The bird-themed names of the characters, such as Venetia’s sisters-in-law Nightingale and Swan, and her grandson Kite, add a whimsical touch to the narrative. The community and sense of belonging that develop throughout the novel are heartwarming, making this a genuine feel-good read.
Ruth Hogan’s elegant writing and attention to detail make The Phoenix Ballroom a must-read for those who enjoy stories of personal growth, community, and second chances. The novel’s hopeful message that it’s never too late to follow your dreams and the beautifully crafted characters make this book a delight to read.
“It’s rather wonderful that the past doesn’t have to define us. That having a dark history doesn’t mean that we can’t have a bright future.”
The Phoenix Ballroom is a lovely, wholesome book that left me with a sense of warmth and optimism. It’s a perfect reminder that no matter your age, there’s always time to start anew and chase your dreams.
Thank you to Exclusive Books for the opportunity to read this book.
About the Author: About – Ruth Hogan
@roelia_reads Just in time for the long weekend Welcome to Glorious Tuga by Frances Segal (Penguin Random House SA) A Short Life by Nicky Greenwall (Penguin Random House SA) The Cautious Traveller’s Guide to The Wastelands by Sarah Brooks (Jonathan Ball Publishers) The Phoenix Ballroom by Ruth Hogan (Jonathan Ball Publishers) All four of these books, feature on @Exclusive Books #WomensMonth #EBRecommends list! Do check it out, online or in-store. #RoeliaReads #Bookmail #booktoksa #readinglist @Penguin Random House SA @Jonathan Ball Publishers ♬ Cafe music, corporate VP, comfortable(1277239) – zukisuzuki