The Royal Show by Anton du Beke- Historical fiction
Oh what a treasure, what a delight! Anton is back! I first read “ A Christmas to Remember '' which was a joy and pleasure. Anton now as a seasoned author comes back with a bang in this book about a touring company about to do a royal command performance for a young Queen Elizabeth just after her first decade on the throne. The leader's son has just returned after a five year absence and many are not happy about it, not least of all his twin sister, who felt his leaving after their mothers death was unforgivable. A star is brought in to draw the crowds and there is much to do to revive what could have been a fading touring group.
“Decorum dictates” - this is the early 1960’s and there is much more “decorum” than in modern times. A time of gentleman and ladies but also much misogyny and disparity. The reader is quickly waltzed into the era by the wonderful writing style of Anton. It's as if you are dancing, in the arms of a consummate professional who gently guides and glides you around and takes all the pressure away- I was quickly taken into another world- to me the mark of an excellent writer. There is a little of everything in this- a little romance, a mystery or two, even a murder and an abundance of drama befitting a story of theatre of that era. A wonderful, era evocative, spellbinding treasure of a read.
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