The Phoenix Ballroom

Venetia Hargreaves has just buried her husband of 50 years. Her overbearing son wants to consign her to the scrap heap, but she decides to reinvent herself. To this end, she rescues a large dog, gets a full makeover, and employs a personal companion. When her son and his wife take their business to France, Venetia’s 10-year-old grandson, Kite, joins her household. Then, while walking the dog, Venetia rediscovers an old building where she taught ballroom dancing years ago, which now houses a spiritualist church and community center. Remembering her dream of owning a dance school, Venetia buys the building. More changes come when her eccentric sister-in-law turns up, enlivening the household. The ballroom reopens for business, the church is revitalized, and life begins again for Venetia. When her son returns from abroad, he finds his mother wholly transformed. Hogan creates an affirming story of family and community that emphasizes the often-overlooked strengths of women and older adults. Jane Copland expertly narrates the numerous voices, providing delightful accents and cadences.