Description

Title: A Candle For St Jude
Author/Publisher: Rumer Godden Michael Joseph
Publication Year: 1948
Format: First Edition Hardcover with Dust Jacket

A Candle for St. Jude is the tender, evocative tale of a London ballet school, the heroic taskmistress who is its guiding force, and the young dancers whose passionate devotion to the dance fill the school with buoyant hopes, clashing temperaments, and the vibrant energy of youth. As the Madame and her students prepare for a forthcoming recital to commemorate her fifty years of dedication to the ballet, the reader shares in their special world...the unique relationship between Madame and the brilliant youngsters she trains, the backstage tensions and onstage triumphs, the tender loves and the burning frustrations of youth.

Synopsis

Rumer Godden's 'A Candle For St Jude', first published in 1948, is a poignant and evocative work of vintage fiction that immerses the reader in the demanding yet passionate world of a London ballet school.

The narrative centres on its formidable, long-serving taskmistress, whose dedication has shaped the institution for decades. The story vividly portrays the fervent devotion of her young dancers, whose lives are consumed by the art form, bringing together buoyant hopes, clashing temperaments, and the vibrant energy of youth.

As the school prepares for a significant recital, commemorating the Madame's fifty years of unwavering commitment to dance, the intricate dynamics and intense passions within this unique artistic community come compellingly to the fore.

• The Ballet School's Pulse: The novel offers an intimate portrayal of a dedicated London ballet academy, capturing its rigorous training, demanding schedules, and the all-consuming passion for dance that defines its students and staff.
• Madame's Enduring Legacy: At its heart is the 'heroic taskmistress,' the school's venerable founder, whose half-century of unwavering commitment to ballet shapes the lives and aspirations of every dancer under her tutelage, culminating in a momentous anniversary performance.
• Youthful Aspirations and Tensions: Through the experiences of its young dancers, the narrative explores the complex interplay of high hopes, fierce rivalries, and profound devotion that characterises life within this vibrant artistic community, where dreams are both nurtured and tested.

Rumer Godden is a critically acclaimed author renowned for her nuanced portrayals of character and setting. This First Edition, complete with its original dust jacket, represents a desirable acquisition for collectors of vintage fiction and admirers of Godden's distinctive literary voice.

Condition

This item has been professionally inspected and is in Acceptable condition. Please refer to the photographs for detailed visual assessment.

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