A fantastic reimagining of the fairy tale "The Twelve Dancing Princesses," The Girls at the Kingfisher Club takes readers into the speakeasies of New York in the Roaring '20s.
Although the third-person narration is primarily centered on Jo, the eldest of the Hamilton sisters, the reader is occasionally allowed insight to the other eleven sisters. Valentine does a wonderful job of distinguishing each of the girls, making each one her own force within the larger group. The background characters are also distinct and memorable, weaving in and out of the Hamilton sisters but never overshadowing them.
The writing style is also great. The jargon is authentic- at least according to my grandmother, who remembers the '20s as some of the best years. The dances and popular music of the time are also presented accurately, making at least this reader want to try it all.
While the ending can't be described as the perfect romantic closing, it is nonetheless hopeful. Real life doesn't always work out with full closure and happy endings for all, but this story will leave readers feeling satisfied with leaving the Hamilton sisters, knowing that even if everything isn't how they imagined, they're at least together and happy.
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