Thursday's Children (original 1984; edition 1984)

This is one of my all-time favourite books.

To be honest, I also enjoy the cliches of the children's dancing school books. But this is far beyond them. The various emotions in the family, the sexual awakening of Crystal, the intensity of Doone are all aimed at the adult reader. ( )

I watched "Billy Elliot" again recently and it made me want to reread the book I think of as the kinder, gentler, "Billy Elliot": Rumer Godden’s Thursday’s Children.

Originally published in 1984 as an adult novel, you most often see it suggested for the 10 – 14 cohort, which I think is probably appropriate, although I was older than that when I first read it. It’s the tale of Doone Penny, the youngest child in the family of a London greengrocer, unwanted by his mother and firmly in the shadow of his older sister, Crystal. Their mother wants Crystal to be a dancer; Doone tags along to her lessons. Doone quickly discovers he wants to dance, but will he be given the chance?

Thursday’s Children does a nice job of stressing how much hard work and dedication go into becoming professional ballet dancer and how children who follow that path give up any chance of a regular childhood – willingly.

I enjoy reading this book. If Doone is a little too perfect, well, I’m willing to forgive it; this is a warm, fuzzy read.