Olivia Curtis wakes to her seventeenth birthday and her presents: a roll of flame-coloured silk for her first evening dress, a diary for her innermost thoughts, a china ornament, and a ten shilling note. Safe within the bosom of a family at once lovingly familiar yet curiously remote, she stands poised on the brink of womanhood, anticipating her first dance with tremulous uncertainty and excitement - the greatest, yet most terrifying, event in her restricted social life.
For her pretty, poised elder sister, Kate, the dance will be a triumph, but for Olivia, shy and awkward, what will it be?
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"I really enjoyed this book published in 1932. Sounds like a hideous romance novel, but is actually a very simple story about a girl turning 17 and attending her first dance. The prose is very beautiful, and I will definitely add the sequel to my tbr pile." — Shelley (4 out of 5 stars)
"I really enjoyed this book published in 1932. Sounds like a hideous romance novel, but is actually a very simple story about a girl turning 17 and attending her first dance. The prose is very beautiful, and I will definitely add the sequel to my tbr pile."
" I have a first-print edition of this book - a fast read & cute story that reminded me a lot of I Capture the Castle & Brideshead Revisited, for era and feeling. "
" Thought this was good -- sensitive, very readable style. Was impressed by the evocation of Olivia's moods and vulnerability. "
" Hated it - found it boring and was not interested in the two girls at all "
" Simply charming. I loved it and now want to read moer by Ms. Lehmann. The book is delightful, moving and funny at times. I devoured it. "
" a girl's diary entry on the occasion of her 17th birthday. written in the 20's it will resonate with any young girl, or woman, even today. "
" A pleasant read! "
" I adored this book - it was about as perfect as can be! Must buy it! "
" Charming, lyrical, and an utter delight!!!! "
" My Mum gave me the book having heard it discussed on Radio 4. While nothing much happens at all, the thought processes are of interest. "
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