'A novel that will be read and loved for the next one hundred years and essential reading for
right now. I could not have loved it more.' Coco Mellors author of Blue Sisters 'This story
left me thinking about the ways we overcome setbacks and redefine what truly matters.' Reese
Witherspoon A REESE'S BOOK CLUB PICK FOR DECEMBER 2024 * A HARPER'S BAZAAR BEST BOOK OF
2024 Slowly recovering from a terrible accident Natalia is faced with a devastating choice
- to return to the cutthroat world of Russian ballet that nearly broke her or to walk away
forever - in this sweeping novel of love and redemption Prima ballerina Natalia Leonova was
once celebrated across the world her signature bravura in demand on stages from St. Petersburg
to Paris to New York. But at the top of her career an accident forces her into sudden
retirement. Injured and alone she turns to pills and alcohol to numb the pain of her past
still haunted by her relationships with two gifted dancers Dmitri and Alexander. These men
were responsible for her soaring highs her darkest hours and ultimately both played their
part in her downfall. So when Dmitri resurfaces with a tantalising offer for Natalia she
must decide what she is willing to sacrifice in order to dance again - and for the chance to
return to the great love of her life. Painting a vivid portrait of a world in which ruthless
ambition desire and sublime artistry collide City of Night Birds unveils the making of a
dancer with profound intimacy and breathtaking scope. From the author of Beasts of a Little
Land winner of the Yasnaya Polyana Award 'A beautifully crafted must read' Jason Mott
author of Hell of a Book
