Bluebird
This compelling début novel follows Hope as she journeys from Dublin to the renowned Pavlovgrad Ballet School, to learn from some of the best teachers Russia has to offer. While this trip is a dream come true, it also brings many new challenges – language and culture differences, strict teachers, homesickness, and a great deal of uncertainty.
The transition from practicing ballet as a hobby to studying full-time is a huge change and Hope is faced with many doubts about her skills, strength of character, and even her body. Drawing from her own experiences studying ballet in Russia, Parsons tells Hope’s story with compassion and a great deal of insight. Her struggles with confidence and body image are very relatable and the dialogue between the characters as they discuss these challenges is well-written and compelling.
One of the strengths of Parsons’ writing is her ability to develop the relationships between Hope and the wide cast of characters around her. Throughout the story Hope becomes stronger and more confident, and it is clear that the support from other characters was essential for this to happen. Although some of the school’s teachers are cruel and unwelcoming, those who show the most empathy and interest are the ones who bring out the best in their students.
This emphasis on the importance of kindness and empathy is important, as Hope learns to stop comparing herself to others and to acknowledge that everyone has their own strengths, weaknesses, and struggles.
