The Last Pirouette

A Novel in Three Acts

Published by She Writes Press
Distributed by Simon & Schuster

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About The Book

A haunting, emotionally charged novel about the burden of being a woman, the grip of childhood trauma, and a mother’s fight to reclaim her life before losing her daughter—and herself—forever.

When Delia lands a coveted spot with a prestigious New York ballet company, she steps into a world of beauty, betrayal, and brutal ambition—while her mother, Victoria, is left behind to confront the wreckage of her own unrealized dreams and long-buried trauma. A cryptic prophecy shadows their lives and as Delia’s path toward womanhood is marred by injury and manipulation, Victoria embarks on a tender, midlife metamorphosis—rekindling her own desire and learning, too late, that letting go is not the same as giving up. 

Told with lyrical grace and unflinching honesty, this haunting, feminist portrait of art, sacrifice, and rebirth reminds us: life dances on, a tragic ballet.

About The Author

Janette DeFelice is a lecturer in Health Sciences and a former professional dancer/actor with degrees in medicine, public health, humanities, and political science. A mom of teenage twins, she lives in the suburbs of Chicago.

Product Details

  • Publisher: She Writes Press (July 14, 2026)
  • Length: 328 pages
  • ISBN13: 9798896363446

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Raves and Reviews

"DeFelice has a true gift for storytelling, and a gentle and graceful voice to carry us through the many twists and turns of a novel that reads like nonfiction. Heart-breaking. Crushing. Beautiful."—Sondra R. Brooks, author of Not Good Enough Girl

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