This lovely little read takes you into the lives of Marie, Antoinette & Charlotte, three girls of the 9th arrondissement who struggle with their mother to make a living in the shadow of Montemartre. I always looked forward to picking this book up again, and found myself thinking about these young ballerinas-in-training, life in Paris in the 1880s, and how M. Degas found his muse for his Little Dancer even when I was not actively reading. Were these real girls? Were the lives of those supporting the Opera like that?

I have to admit some disappointment in the ending, which felt abrupt although not surprising. Still, I recommend this book fully for its well-rounded portrayal of the girls and their captivating story.