When the three van Goethem sisters are left to fend for themselves in 1878 Paris, Marie and Charlotte are sent to the Paris Opera where Marie models as a ballet dancer in the studio of Edgar Degas and becomes the model for his sculpture, Little Dancer Aged Fourteen. Marie's older sister, Antoinette, first finds work as an actress but soon resorts to less desirable/acceptable options in society as she looks for a way to support herself. This novel is an award-winning, period piece set in a time of great societal, cultural and artistic change.--Ministry of Education website.

English language arts 20 (2012). Note: This novel contains profanity and scenes of sexuality and violence. Educators are advised to consult their local learning resources evaluation policy before using this resource.--Ministry of Education website.