Cry to Dream Again

Shirley is a talented ballerina who meets a handsome young man, Alan, in 1930s Greater London. She becomes obsessed with finding him and longs to fulfill her dreams in the ballet. With the outbreak of the Second World War, Shirley's priority becomes to help in the war effort, but with Alan appearing again, she knows she cannot cope if she loses him again.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 480 pages
\n Publication date: 28 June 2018
\n Publisher: Alma Books Ltd
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In the vibrant city of Greater London during the 1930s, a young girl named Shirley possessed an extraordinary talent for ballet. Her dream was to become a principal dancer at the renowned Sadlers Wells Ballet Company, a place where her passion for the art would flourish. However, her path to success was not without its challenges.

One summer, while returning from a visit with her grandparents in France, Shirley encountered a handsome young man named Alan. It was a fleeting moment, but it left an indelible mark on her heart. She became obsessed with finding him, convinced that he was the key to fulfilling her dreams. Shirley's desire to be noticed by Alan grew stronger, and she dedicated herself to achieving greatness in the ballet, hoping that one day he would see her name in lights and know where to find her.

As the Second World War erupted, Shirley's priorities shifted. She knew that her loved ones were in danger, and she felt compelled to contribute to the war effort. She joined the Women's Royal Naval Reserve, where she trained as a radio operator and served on a destroyer. The war brought with it a sense of uncertainty and fear, but Shirley remained determined to stay strong and support her country.

Despite the challenges and dangers of her new role, Shirley never lost sight of her love for Alan. The war threatened to separate them once again, and she couldn't bear the thought of losing him a second time. She found solace in the letters that they exchanged, sharing their hopes and fears and expressing their unwavering devotion to each other.

Years passed, and the war eventually came to an end. Shirley returned home, eager to resume her dancing career and reunite with Alan. She auditioned for the Sadlers Wells Ballet Company, and her talent and dedication were evident. She was offered a position as a principal dancer, and her name was once again in lights.

As Shirley danced on the stage, she felt a sense of fulfillment and happiness that she had never experienced before. She knew that she had achieved her dream, but more importantly, she had found true love. Alan was there to support her, watching from the audience with tears in his eyes.

In the end, Shirley's journey was a testament to the power of determination, love, and the pursuit of one's dreams. She had faced countless obstacles, but she never gave up on her passion. And in the end, she had everything she had ever wanted.

\n Weight: 436g\n
Dimension: 198 x 129 x 38 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781846884375\n \n