The Last Dance of the Debutante by Julia Kelly is a wonderful study of a time gone by and family deceptions. 1958 is the last year that Debutantes will be presented to the Queen. This end to a huge tradition has forced Lily to agree with her mother and grandmother and to her coming out. The whole shebang – fancy dresses, teas, balls and the making of alliances and looking for a husband.
Lily’s mother is totally dependent on her grandmother for money. Lily’s father died long ago and Lily’s ability to go to the right school and maintain the presence of her class. Lily befriended a number of debutantes including the “deb of the year” Leana Hartford and a person who was much less accepted from new money Katherine Norman. Lily was forced to find her way through a cluster of old fashion rules, gossip and difficult people. It is under this backdrop that Lily stumbles on some information that will change her world forever,
I really enjoyed this novel. I found the personalities and the expectations of the old guard fascinating. I love how Lily became who she should be. I found her intelligence and fearlessness so important to her future.