The Ballroom Blitz

In September 1940, the staff at the famed Buckingham Hotel in London struggles to keep their guests in luxury and evoke the magic of the Grand Ballroom, while Raymond de Guise, home on leave from Dunkirk, struggles to define his role and do his duty to his country and wife. With profiteers skulking the streets and rivals plotting the hotel's downfall, the staff must hold onto what matters most and decide where their loyalties truly lie.

Format: Hardback
Length: 480 pages
Publication date: 13 October 2022
Publisher: Orion Publishing Co

In his novel "Du Beke," Anton Du Beke delves into the gritty and unsettling aspects of war-torn Britain, juxtaposing the glamour and aspiration of the ballroom with the darker realities of life at home. Set against the backdrop of September 1940, when London is bombarded by enemy planes, the novel follows the staff of the prestigious Buckingham Hotel as they strive to maintain the luxury and charm of their establishment for their guests.

Home on leave from Dunkirk, Raymond de Guise, a dashing soldier, grapples with his role in this new world and his commitment to his country and his beloved wife, Nancy. As the bombing intensifies and the threat of the hotel's downfall looms, the staff must navigate treacherous waters, with profiteers lurking in the shadows and rivals plotting their demise.

Despite the overwhelming challenges, the hotel staff remains determined to keep the show going, using their skills and creativity to create a sense of magic and celebration amidst the chaos. As Christmas approaches, the pressure mounts, but the staff refuses to let the war interrupt their traditions and the joy of the season.

"Du Beke" is a lively and engaging read that appeals to fans of historical fiction and ballroom dancing alike. Through its vivid characters and captivating plot, the novel offers a glimpse into the resilience and determination of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Weight: 730g
Dimension: 240 x 160 x 38 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781398710085