Dancing for Degas by Kathryn Wagner

Written from the point of view of one of the dancers painted by Degas, this book is more about life in the Paris Opera Ballet during the late 1860s. I found it somewhat interesting, but certainly not compelling. The story line drags a little, and it was wrapped up much too conveniently at the end.

It is a work of fiction, but I was disappointed to learn in an interview with the author at the end of the book that some of the parts that I found interesting to learn about were not true: that ballerinas were all expected to become a mistress of a patron of the opera, or else be available as an "escort" if they were not. Turns out this happened sometimes, but not always. Also the parts she included to flesh out Degas' character were not true. Too bad, because I like learning a little more about real people and events in historical fiction.

Personally, rather than read this book, I would recommend either of Susan Vreeland's books, Girl in Hyacinth Blue, or The Luncheon of the Boating Party. I liked The Luncheon of the Boating Party much more than this book.