An unputdownable tale of obsession, jealousy and heartache against the backdrop of WW2

May 1945 and at long last, Rosamund Caradon is feeling optimistic. As she returns the last few evacuees to London from her Devonshire manor, she vows to protect dance-obsessed daughter Jasmine from further peril.

But a chance meeting with a Sadler’s Wells ballet dancer changes everything.

When the beautiful, elusive Briar Woods bursts into Rosamund’s train carriage, it’s clear her sights are set on the immediately captivated Jasmine. And Rosamund cannot shake the eerie feeling this accidental encounter is not what it seems.

For Briar may be far away from the pointe shoes and greasepaint of the Sleeping Beauty ballet that is so much a part of her, but her performance for Rosamund might just be her most successful yet.

This, Briar feels, is a show for a mother and daughter. A dance that could turn deadly…

One of Lucy Popescu’s Books to Look Forward to in 2024 in Camden New Journal

An unputdownable tale of obsession, jealousy and heartache against the backdrop of WW2About the Author

After training at the Royal Ballet School for eight years, Lucy decided to change career plans and go to university, where she read English Literature before doing a PGCE teaching qualification, and she is now a teacher. Her poetry and short stories have been published in a number of literary journals and she was shortlisted for the 2020 Impress Prize for New Writers. The Sleeping Beauties is her second novel.

Reviews

‘This was such a well-written and gripping read and I was completely in awe of how Ashe kept me guessing with the story’s twists. You will not be able to put it down!’ Stacey Thomas, author of The Revels

‘A compelling novel with a twist that you won’t see coming! It completely arrested my attention and I couldn’t stop reading until I’d devoured every single page.’ Awais Khan, author of No Honour

‘Rich with historical detail and high-stakes drama. Mesmerising.’ Alice Robb, author of Don’t Think, Dear

‘An enchanting mix of historical fiction, fairy tale, and above all, ballet novel. Ashe’s ballet background shines through as her dancers come to life… Well researched, but communicated with a light touch. Recommended for anyone who ever dreamed of becoming a dancer.’ Laura Shepperson, author of Sunday Times bestseller The Heroines

‘A wonderfully compelling, truly competent thriller… Rarely have I been so keen to uncover the truth. Simply excellent.’ Historical Novel Society

‘Lucy Ashe has done it again – a beautiful, intriguing historical novel… Rich and compelling… This is a novel to sink into and luxuriate in.’ Cailean Steed, author of Home

‘As with her debut, Ashe confidently drags the reader into her suspenseful and unsettling tale, until you’re right there, watching every move the dancers make… Ashe is surely establishing herself as the queen of historical ballet fiction.’ Lexie Elliott, author of How to Kill your Best Friend‘Impeccably researched and atmospherically written, The Sleeping Beauties features rich period detail on the Sadlers Wells Ballet and the real historical figures who shaped the company… It’s the perfect read for fans of dance and historical fiction.’ Culturefly

‘Phenomenal… The Sleeping Beauties is compelling and captivating, calling for its readers to remember the past whilst offering hope for new beginnings.’ Aspects of History

‘Exquisite… A work of feminist fiction that is full of heart, but also unflinching in describing a world still full of obstacles as well as opportunities.’ Plays to See

‘A complex tale of passion and rejection, obsession and coercion, and also of guilt and friendship…a story of such huge emotional depth, and so rich with a slice of history not often explored. Regardless of the genre label it merits, it’s a page-turner. You’ll want to follow Briar’s story to the sometimes-bitter end.’ Mystery People

Book InformationISBN 9780861548248Author Lucy AsheFormat HardbackPage Count 336Imprint MagpiePublisher Oneworld PublicationsDimensions(mm) 216mm * 135mm * 29mm