Letters From Yelena by Guy Mankowski.

Letters From Yelena by Guy Mankowski

(Legend Press, Oct 2012.)

Yelena is a Ukrainian Ballerina who is brilliant but flawed. She has come to the UK to fulfill her dream and dance one of Ballet’s most prestigious roles: Giselle.

Yelena soon meets Noah – a writer visiting the school whilst researching for his new book and both of them are soon on a journey of discovery. Life then takes an unexpected turn and the two of them begin writing letters to each other. During this process, Yelena visits dark areas of her life and her past soon catches up with her.

I found this book surprising. If I’m honest, I did struggle through the first few pages but I am glad I stuck with it as I found it to be a beautifully written story with convincing characters and a good if sometimes heartbreaking plot. Written from Yelena’s point of view, it explores her story in letters from her to Noah. I’ve found that I also wanted to read Noah’s replies too.

Yelena’s journey is compelling and I found that I did want everything to work out for her. There is information about the Ballet world within the book but it doesn’t weight down the overall plot. After struggling through at the beginning, the further into the story I got, I found that I couldn’t put it down.

Overall, a great novel from Mankowski.

by

Laura

I’m Laura. I started Novel Kicks in 2009. I wanted a place to post my writing as well as give other writers like me the opportunity to do the same. There is also a monthly book club, a writing room which features writing prompts, book reviews, competitions, author interviews and guest posts.

I grew up by the sea (my favourite place in the world) and I currently live in Hampshire. I am married to Chris, have a cat named Buddy and I would love to be a writer. I’m trying to write the novel I’ve talked so much about writing if only I could stop pressing delete. I’ve loved writing since creative writing classes in primary school. I have always wanted to see my teacher Miss Sayers again and thank her for the encouragement. When not trying to write the novel or writing snippets of stories on anything I can get my hands on, I love reading, dancing like a loon and singing to myself very badly. My current obsession is Once Upon a Time and I would be happy to live with magic in the enchanted forest surrounded by all those wonderful stories provided that world also included Harry Potter. I love reading chick lit. contemporary fiction and novels with mystery.