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To Dance at the Palais Royale (published by Tuckamore Books) is the touching story of Agnes Maxwell, a beautiful young Scottish girl who immigrates alone to Toronto in the late 1920s and finds a position as a maid for a wealthy Toronto family. With feelings of loneliness and homesickness, she keeps her spirits about with the thought of seeing her family again and bringing them to Canada, with the help of the money she is earning. Aggie also learns to cope with life in the big city, make new friends, and fall in love. Yet not even the strong arms of her beloved Will can shelter her from the venomous beliefs and narrow-minded views of the arrogant city folks around her, especially when their hatred eventually threatens to tear her apart from her dearest friend, Rachel, the kindest soul she has ever known.
Aggie's admirable strength, tolerance, and kindness are greatly contrasted to their prejudice and resentment, which oppress happiness, and taint the human spirit.
Anti-Semitism, discrimination, and the class struggles so common to Aggie still exist today. McNaughton brings us Canadian history, while delivering a thought provoking story that is sure to warm many hearts. A sentimental read, especially for those who find their own family history portrayed in the pages.
ANITA LAL
Ages 12-15
$11.95 suggested retail price
