Dance with Me

by Victoria Clayton

Book Overview

Young, decorative and almost without formal schooling, Viola Otway takes a job with a charity working for the conservation of old houses. An assignment at Inskip House in Nottinghamshire brings her... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0752834215
• ISBN13: 9780752834214
• Release Date: January 2000
• Publisher: Not Avail
• Length: 475 Pages
• Weight: 1.20 lbs.

Customer Reviews

A lot of fun

I enjoyed this book so much that I could hardly put it down. The main character in this book, Viola, is a young woman without a very thorough education but a good heart and good instincts about how to be a friend to others. She learns to cook, makes costly mistakes, and becomes friends with some incredible characters. It is mostly a funny, romantic book but it touches on a few serious issues. It made me think some and laugh a lot! This book is definitely worth your time especially if you enjoy cooking, art, or the "romance" of the English countryside!

A delightful read

I bought this book at a used book sale, and was very pleased with my purchase. The comparison to Nancy Mitford. Victoria Clayton's use of words and humorous descriptions made me want to keep on reading. The characters were real enough to sympathize with, while being kooky and oh-so-British-upper-class (or at least, how I imagine them to be) at the same time. I liked the introduction of more serious elements in the midst of the humor. I have since read "Past Mischief," which actually occurs prior to the events in this book, and will read everything else Ms. Clayton writes.

Wonderful!

I picked up Dance With Me becuase I was in the mood for some light reading with a dash of that high society escapist farce which I usually associate with the likes of Nancy Mitford. I was not disappointed! The story follows the romantic antics of the young and rather scatty, but very likable, Viola Otway as she starts towards independence from her rich Aunt and guardian. Although it's pretty obvious early on which of her potential lovers she'll eventually fall for, this touch of predictability in no way detracts from the enjoyment of the novel, perhaps even adding to the romantic suspense as Viola tumbles from one unsuitable beau to another.My only critism would be that Clayton has attempted to tackle a few more serious issues which, while certainly very readable, are slightly incongruous against the generally light-hearted backdrop. Having said that, Dance With Me is a thoroughly enjoyable read, complete with tumble-down country mansions, handsome rakes, and farcical disasters. Once I started, I couldn't stop! I definately recommend it.