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Synopsis

MARIE is a ballet student in a studio owned by her mother and a former ballet dancer BARBARA in a Northeastern town. She has good friends who also practice ballet in the same class, including JASMINE and JOHN. One day, Barbara announces that the studio hosts an annual Nutcracker performance soon and introduces a talented ballet dancer PETER BLAIR, this year’s winner of the annual New York Metropolitan Ballet Competition. Peter’s assigned a lead role alongside with Jasmine, which makes her elated. Marie wants to be good in the production even in a smaller role as she wants to follow the ballerina career path like her mother.

Barbara also reveals the studio’s partnership with a new company led by SANDRA BELL which brings together a totally new Nutcracker Baleet into a movie version. Sandra plans to hire a few of students at the studio to partake in the project and observes the studio’s rehearsals to identify the most suitable ones. Also, Sandra needs the studio for last-minute rehearsals as the movie is set for shooting at the same location. While the stage production is in rehearsal, Marie doesn’t feel comfortable with the role sometimes, but she’s supported by Peter. When Marie is approached by Sandra to play a mouse, she feels hesitant before Peter also volunteers to take on the same role. Jasmine feels a bit upset with their decision as she wants to be in a high-level circle of talents. Once the movie announces that WHITNEY SMITH, a pop star, takes on a lead role in the production, Jasmine starts to ditch her friends and hang out with Whitney.

As both the productions move forward, Barbara receives a help from ROLAND, her former ballet partner back in the day and Peter’s uncle, in her own stage project. Marie learns from Roland that her mother quits the ballet after the pregnancy with her. She feels bad for her mother, but Roland consoles her that Barbara just uses it an excuse to have a family with her father BILL. Marie gets more serious with the rehearsal and everytime she practices with Peter she feels more confident. At the same time, Jasmine needs to practice with John who’s cast as an understudy to Peter and she feels upset with him when they don’t work along well as expected. Jasmine then counts Whitney as a real friend as sees Marie and others more scornfully.

One day, Whitney walks up to Marie crying and shares with her that she is cheated. Also, she tells Marie that being a pop star hinders her from finding a joy of singing and performing. Marie suggests her playing a mouse in her mother’s production to just focus only on those crafts. Whitney’s intrigued by the idea and accepts to do so. Not long after, Jasmine’s friendship with Whitney starts to fall apart as Whitney feels Jasmine is too overwhelming for her. Whitney starts to come hang out with Marie more while Jasmine attacks her for stealing her best friend.

During the shooting of the movie, Marie gets emotionally closer with Peter and she feels more enjoyable doing the dance on working. While promoting the stage version, Marie sees Peter and Jasmine romantically gesturing in front of the camera, leaving her quite dismal. Jasmine still tries to force her into Whitney’s circle but is blocked by her full attention to Marie. They get a bit physical grabble, which makes Jasmine a bit injured. Being pushed by Whitney, Jasmine feels depressed and eventually accidentally hurts herself on the stage on the premiere day. Marie steps in to play the lead alongside Peter and it’s successfully performed.

Barbara feels tremendously overwhelmed by the success of her show and the collaboration of the cast and crew. She feels her dream is now fulfilled. Jasmine leaves the town and pursue her fame dream in another city. Marie still focuses on being a good ballet dance and dates with Peter.

Comments:

MARIE’S NUTCRACKER is such a vividly detailed novel about the ballet performance of the Nutcracker in multiple media, including the stage and the movie versions. Obviously, the author has a deep knowledge about the craft and specifically the Nutcracker as each chapter completely narrates how the ballet moves forward with details in music and choreography. The author also manages to weave the ballet into the narrative without being too dramatic. The development of the productions in the story is gradually progressed to show how crafty and delicate this kind of ballet is and how each character tenderly handles the material to make it as accurate and elaborated as possible. The book seems to teleport us into the world of ballet with sheer perfection.

The craft of the narrative in this novel feels realistic and grounded while maintaining some magic from the Nutcracker material. The story aspect tackles a mundane life of ballet dancers and production workers who desire to make their work as perfect as possible. It realistically shows how the stage performance is maintained through many phases, from casting to production. Also, explicit details of the production aspect are well highlighted in the story without being too informational. However, as the story is laid out as realistically as shown, the pacing of the story can be a bit too slow at some points, especially in the middle part. The conflict isn’t strongly presented as the main focus of the book is on the vividness of the ballet craft. If the book featured a more significant conflict or issue into the story, it’d make the novel more ambitious and challenging to read in relation to the main element of ballet.

In terms of the characters, they’re portrayed as real humans whose desire and goal are ultimately woven in the production of the Nutcracker. Marie is lively and observant about her life and all around. She has an agency to take while sometimes retaining it when the situation isn’t technically in her court. Despite a bit less seasoned in her character, Marie’s lovely personality is surely admired. Other characters, including Peter, Jasmine, Whitney and Barbara, have their own arc to lead on, which feels balanced among each other in the narrative scope. Their character is pretty well elaborated, but sometimes it’s too monotonous as seen in Jasmine who appears to be extremely devilish and dark.

I can see this book can be adapted into a family-friendly movie and TV show at any streamers or studios as it has a well-respected IP at its base and its positive message is surely welcomed for any groups of audience. The adaptation still needs to be elaborated in its story conflict for more entertaining mood with a few characters to be less extreme in their character. Overall, this novel is a great source to revisit the popular admiration for the Nutcracker.

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Marie’s Nutcracker by Margaret Marie Klenzing is a fun and refreshingly honest novel about the hardship that ambitious ballet dancers must face in their pursuit of perfection. Set in the snowy Northeast, this beautifully written novel will charm readers with its genuine and gentle prose and enchanting wintry landscape.

Marie is a teenager for whom dancing is her whole life, and she’s set to participate in the annual production of Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker” run by her town’s dance studio at Christmastime. As the title beautifully encapsulates, this production of “The Nutcracker” is more than a simple show to Marie, but it is a personal, intimate journey that brings her to life-changing realizations about love, passion, perfection, and happiness.

Marie is not a dancer like the others – for a start, she is Barbara’s daughter, the dance school’s headmaster. She often feels that her mother, a former ballet star, criticizes her more harshly than her classmates for her technique, which really doesn’t help with her insecurity. She asks herself the same questions as everyone else – Am I good enough? Will I ever make it? Are my classmates better than me? But she never allows competition to dent the pure joy that she feels when she dances.

In her mother’s Nutcracker this year she will be the understudy of her direct competitor in class, Jasmine, a smug girl her age who often uses her talent to discourage and bully others. Jasmine will interpret the protagonist Clara and dance with the gorgeous and super-talented Peter, a rising star in the ballet world. Parallel to the theatre production, Barbara has made a deal for her studios to be used to film a modern “Nutcracker” production. While Jasmine thinks it beneath her, Peter and Marie decide to participate, which gives them the opportunity to dance together and ultimately grow closer.

Klenzing’s novel is written in easy-flowing and light prose, without shying away from difficult topics, as Klenzing writes with great candor about the dark side of competitive dancing, in which unfortunate issues such as self-hatred, body dysmorphia, and serious eating disorders are all too common. With delicacy, the author also unpacks the difficult relationship between Marie and her mother, where Marie blames herself for her mother quitting the big stage, exploring the dread that professional dancers inevitably face about aging and no longer being able to dance, which the author skillfully weaves into the story alongside Marie’s own ambitions.

Though the book deals with vital and sometimes painful issues, Klenzing has a light touch overall, and the book is most of all a celebration of dance and self-expression, guiding readers to reflect on their own passions and ambitions, while also asking what it means to be happy and satisfied. In the competitive world of ballet, the pursuit of perfection is an intimate and haunting goal, one that can keep you up at night. But is it even possible, or desirable, to be perfect?

All told, Marie’s Nutcracker is a powerful and inspiring story that surprises with its complexity and sincerity. Punctuated by a clear love for Tchaikovsky’s iconic work, it is a moving ode to music, dance, and the holidays, which will appeal to a wide range of readers.

Here is your Amazon Editorial Review:

"This beautifully written novel will charm readers with its genuine and gentle prose and enchanting wintry landscape. Marie’s Nutcrackeris a powerful and inspiring story that surprises with its complexity and sincerity. Punctuated by a clear love for Tchaikovsky’s iconic work, it is a moving ode to music, dance, and the holidays, which will appeal to a wide range of readers." Self-Publishing Review, ★★★★

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Growing up as the daughter of a ballet instructor is not easy for seventeen-year-old Marie, especially during the busy Christmas season. In addition to her mother’s annual Nutcracker production, a film crew is creating their own version of the iconic ballet using the same rehearsal spaces. Marie is as immersed in ballet as she has ever been, but as the pressure of the two performances continues to build, she must dig deep to remain true to the spirit of the season and her own love of the dance.

This story is well-designed for young adults with a passion for ballet because of the frequent scenes surrounding dance, the use of ballet terms throughout the narrative, and the friction that can sometimes occur with people outside the realm of ballet.

Additionally, the spirit of the Nutcracker comes through both in the amateur production and in the more polished, professional one, which amplifies the fact that this story can be told in any number of ways.

Additionally, occasional black and white illustrations depict scenes from the Nutcracker, and these add an important visual quality to the book.

Marie narrates the story in the first person, but there is additional character information inserted, as well. This unfortunately detracts from the strength of Marie’s voice and makes her individual story arc less clear, though it does provide insight into other characters’ internal feelings. Despite this narrative ambiguity, the writing is clear and guides readers through the story, placing the creation of the Nutcracker performances as its primary focus.

Though Marie is a teenager, the narrative is accessible to a wide range of readers thanks to its generally family-friendly storytelling style. Readers who enjoy both ballet and the traditional story of the Nutcracker will appreciate this novel, especially as the holiday season quickly approaches.

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Marie’s Nutcracker introduces Marie, a seventeen-year-old dancer. Marie’s grown up in her mother’s shadow and under her thumb as Barbara was a great ballerina in her own right and now owns the dance studio where Marie trains and performs.

Marie’s a good dancer, one of the best at her mom’s studio, but her own insecurities and need for her mother’s approval hold her back and behind the very stuck up prima donna, Jasmine. But when a movie production company agrees to utilize her mother’s studio, bringing in some of the best dancers and popstars in the world, Marie’s life changes. She meets and dances with some of the most talented dancers in the world, gets an opportunity to be an extra in their modern version of The Nutcracker, befriends a young woman she never thought she’d have anything in common with, and then there’s the talented and handsome Peter...

Will Marie overcome her insecurities and rise to the promise everyone around her seems to know she has?

Trigger Warning: sexual references, reference to eating disorders, bullying

Overall, I enjoyed this story. I mean, who doesn’t love to read a Christmas story around the holidays? One of my favorite memories is going to see the Nutcracker Ballet with my mom when I was young and getting to pick out a little ballerina ornament when it was over. So, yes, I am familiar with the ballet and was eager to read this modern take. The story did not disappoint. The main protagonist of Marie, is a sweet and vulnerable young woman. Most of the story is told through her POV with deviations to what other characters are feeling or thinking (which I found distracting). Marie’s likable and her insecurities and relationships with her parents and brother are relatable. Many of the ancillary characters like her mother, Barbara, and Jasmine are also well developed and with strong personalities that stand out. The setting is lovely as are the visuals of the dances and the modernization of the ballet. The illustrations are really gorgeous and complement the story: black and white drawings that depict various important and Christmas-filled scenes from the book. The author has a significant dance background which is evident in the love poured into the scenes of choreography, but as a layman I did not feel lost by the terminology. A note about this story is the age delineation/advertisement. It is written with main characters in the NA genre and with some more adult themes like eating disorders (though not focused on), with a YA tone and use of language which carries except for one particular scene with an joke a little too inappropriate for an MG audience. The ending was sweet, but a little predictable. I did like the epilogue as it wrapped up the storylines of all the main characters.

OVERALL REVIEW:

A charming tale about a young ballerina with insecurities to overcome. Set during the filming of a modern Nutcracker Ballet and filled with friendship, a little romance, and puppies, it’s a great story to read around Christmas.

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Prepare to be utterly captivated by the enchanting illustrations that grace the pages of this book. While the story primarily targets teenagers, its appeal knows no bounds, making it a delightful tale for audiences of all ages.

This narrative weaves a compelling journey, filled with unexpected twists and turns, creating an experience that is nothing short of enthralling. At its heart, this book is a profound exploration of conquering insecurity and discovering the art of shining brightly. Through the lens of ballet, it delves into the love for this art form, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the intricate relationship between dance and fine art. It sheds light on the emotional and physical challenges that dancers bravely confront, offering readers newfound empathy and admiration for their dedication.

This novel serves as a gateway to a deep comprehension of the essence of art and dance, touching upon the very core of life's meaning. It ignited a deep reflection within me, unveiling the intricate layers of dance in a way I had never before considered. If you've ever harbored a desire to dance, the author's words are akin to a gentle yet compelling invitation, urging you to explore this world of movement and expression. The book emphasizes that ballet belongs to all, and should be accessible to everyone, breaking down barriers and fostering inclusivity. It commendably spotlights racial diversity, a facet often overlooked in other ballet-themed literature.

As the narrative unfolds against the backdrop of The Nutcracker Ballet, a beloved performance cherished by many, it evokes a sense of nostalgia and fondness for this holiday tradition. The author's writing is not only well-crafted but also highly engaging, painting vivid and illustrious descriptions that immerse you in the story, leaving you yearning for more. One of the book's remarkable qualities is its ability to maintain a swift pace, ensuring that readers remain thoroughly engaged throughout. Time seems to slip away as you delve deeper into this beautiful and elegant tale, and you may even find yourself contemplating a second reading, especially during the winter holiday season.

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Synopsis: Marie’s Nutcracker is a new young-adult novel by up-and-coming author Margaret Marie Klenzing. It is fully illustrated with nineteen original drawings by Rori Alexander.

Marie’s Nutcracker tells the charming story of a seventeen-year-old dancer on the cusp of becoming a professional ballerina. Marie is a good dancer, one of the best in her local dance studio. Yet she often feels insecure, particularly around Jasmine, a self-centered prima donna who has the starring role in the yearly production of the Nutcracker. Surprisingly, a Hollywood movie company comes to town to film its own production of the Nutcracker at the local mall. Many dance school students, including Marie, are hired as extras for the film and are delighted to be cast. During filming, Marie bonds with Whitney, a teenage popstar hired to sing in the film production of the Nutcracker. As friends, they find a path toward reinforcing the love of their art.

Exciting behind the scene action with many new twists and turns make Marie’s Nutcracker relevant to today’s teenagers. It is written for general audiences and contains no strong language or sexual situations. Fun and enjoyable and focused on dance.

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Margaret Marie Klenzing’s new young-adult novel, Marie’s Nutcracker, is an endearing addition to the world of dance literature, weaving together the timeless charm of ballet with the modern appeal of behind-the-scenes film production. Illustrated with nineteen original drawings by Rori Alexander, the book captivates readers from the very first page with its enchanting visuals and heartfelt storytelling.

The story centers on seventeen-year-old Marie, a talented dancer who struggles with insecurity, particularly when she compares herself to Jasmine, the star of the local dance studio. The narrative takes an unexpected twist when a Hollywood movie company comes to town to film a new production of The Nutcracker at the local mall. Marie and her fellow dance students are ecstatic to be cast as extras in the film, adding a fresh and unique backdrop to the classic ballet story.

Klenzing’s writing is clean, engaging, and accessible, ensuring that the book is enjoyable for readers of all ages, not just its intended young adult audience.

One of the novel’s most engaging elements is Marie’s friendship with Whitney, a teenage popstar involved in the film. Their bond becomes a powerful narrative thread, illustrating how support and camaraderie can help overcome personal doubts and foster a deeper love for their art. Whitney’s character adds a layer of contemporary relevance, making the story resonate with today’s teenagers who might also be navigating the pressures of performance and public life.

This fresh take on The Nutcracker is both nostalgic and innovative. The novel’s illustrations by Rori Alexander are so good. Each drawing adds depth to the narrative, bringing the characters and their dance scenes vividly to life making the book a visual treat as well as a literary one.

The book shines in its exploration of themes such as overcoming insecurity and the power of friendship, as well as its emphasis on inclusivity and racial diversity.

Marie’s Nutcracker offers an inspiring journey into the heart of dance and self-discovery, presenting a compelling mix of drama, friendship, and artistic passion. It’s a story that will strike a chord with anyone who has experienced the exhilaration of performance or grappled with self-doubt.

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In Klenzing’s debut YA novel, two simultaneous productions of a classic ballet unfold in a small town.

High school senior Marie is the understudy for the lead role in a local production of The Nutcracker, and she practices at her mother Barbara’s dance studio, located in a suburban shopping mall in the Northeast United States. With the ballet’s performance just weeks away, Barbara, who’s directing the production, announces that she’s casting Peter Blair, who won a New York Metropolitan Ballet competition, as the Prince. Also, a movie production company will be sharing the studio’s rehearsal spaces and filming scenes for a Nutcracker movie inside the local mall at night; in between practices for the small-town performance, local dancers will get bit parts in the film. Jasmine, the self-centered lead in Barbara’s production, tries to get closer to Peter, as well as to the film’s star, famed pop singer Whitney Smith. However, her prima-donna attitude ends up causing conflict, instead—especially after she notices that kindhearted Marie has made friends with both Peter and Whitney. Klenzing provides readers with an enthralling glimpse into the world of ballet, in which dancers face pressure to maintain a certain weight and live in constant fear of injury. Throughout, the author skillfully develops her characters; for example, a visit from Barbara’s former dance partner, Roland, brings her past as a dancer to light; meanwhile, Marie wonders if her mom gave up her ballet career because she became pregnant with her. Marie is an affable narrator, but troublesome Jasmine is a more intriguing character as she screams insults with reckless abandon.

Throughout, the author provides beaucoup nods to French ballet terminology, while also offering enough context to appease readers who are unfamiliar with the techniques. Alexander’s lightly sketched but detailed grayscale illustrations sublimely depict the various ballet numbers, including the Dance of the Clowns and the Battle of the Mouse King.

A mostly low-key but compelling melodrama that spotlights a precise, graceful art form.