Becoming Belle

In 1887, Isabel Bilton is the eldest of three daughters of a middle-class family. By 1891 she is the Countess of Clancarty and a powerful member of the Irish aristocracy. Inspired by a true story, this is the real life rags-to-riches tale of a woman far ahead of her time.Bored of the countryside, nineteen-year-old Isabel Bilton escapes for the stages of Victorian London. Armed only with her talent, charm and determination, she takes the city by storm. Soon Isabel has become 'Belle', the star of a dancing double act, reigning over the Empire Theatre and the Corinthian Club, where only the most select society entertain. It is here she falls passionately in love with a young aristocrat. In only four years Belle has achieved the impossible, rising from nothing to join the exclusive ranks of Irish nobility. Yet a steep ascent is a dangerous thing, for there are always those who wish to drag you back down . . .PRAISE FOR BECOMING BELLE:'Reminiscent of Edith Wharton at her very best' Liz Nugent'O'Connor has the thrilling ability to step back nimbly and enter the deep dance of time' Sebastian Barry, award-winning author of Days Without End 'A glorious novel in which Belle Bilton and 19th centrury London are brought roaring to life' Hazel Gaynor, New York Times bestselling author of A Memory of Violets