‘Libby Sommer lays bare the foibles of human nature in her finely observed stories of love and loss in the singles dance scene. Brilliantly drawn with wit, compassion and poignancy, the characters you meet in The Crystal Ballroom are sure to remind you of someone - maybe even yourself.’ - Jan Cornall, Writer’s Journey
‘Libby Sommer exposes the secret lives of the singles who dance at the Crystal Ballroom. Authentic and powerful, this unique book will be loved by the dancers and readers.’ - Frida Kotlyar, ballroom, Latin and Argentine tango dancer
‘Libby Sommer’s fiction has wit but is essentially serious with a subtle but strong underlying pathos, a wry humour and accomplished satirical tone.’ - Amanda Lohrey, Patrick White Award winner
‘Sommer’s existentialism is one of the best and most articulate voices of middle-age angst ever.’ - Richard English, novelist and visiting lecturer, Brunel University London'
(Publication Summary)
'Have you ever heard Latin American music coming from an upper room over a shop, and lingered briefly at the sign about dancing classes? Perhaps you have seen people-- a man in built-up shoes or a woman with a surfeit of silver bangles --heading for an old town hall after dark. The world of ballroom dancing and tango lessons has its own etiquette and hierarchies. Libby Sommer's new fiction, The Crystal Ballroom, lifts the lid on the delights and pitfalls of this fascination sub-culture.' (Introduction)
'Have you ever heard Latin American music coming from an upper room over a shop, and lingered briefly at the sign about dancing classes? Perhaps you have seen people-- a man in built-up shoes or a woman with a surfeit of silver bangles --heading for an old town hall after dark. The world of ballroom dancing and tango lessons has its own etiquette and hierarchies. Libby Sommer's new fiction, The Crystal Ballroom, lifts the lid on the delights and pitfalls of this fascination sub-culture.' (Introduction)
