When, in 2012, the novel You, Fascinating You debuted in print, the dance community rallied in enthusiastic support.
For the past four months, I have been working quietly behind-the-scenes with Punch Audio and the brilliant actor, Susan Hanfield, on the audiobook version of this award-winning novel.
Next year will mark fully a decade devoted to this epic, real-life story. A headstrong Jewish ballerina, Margit Wolf, seeking her fortune in 1920s Italy, inspires a timeless love song, only to fade from history without a trace.
Why an audiobook? From the time You, Fascinating You was first published, reviewers have noted its “cinematic quality.” A story this inherently dramatic cries out for performance. Susan Hanfield’s nuanced characterizations, impressive command of multiple languages and accents, and tireless commitment to excellence, bring scene after scene vividly to life.
“Having loved ballet all my life,” says Hanfield, “I found myself moved by Margit Wolf's story and wanted to be a part of its telling. Margit was a woman of extraordinary talent who lived during an uncommonly dark time and never gave up despite the challenges she faced.”
Margit Wolf’s example has buoyed me through the long, and often trying, journey from inspiration to first draft, from paperback to e-Book, from audition to audiobook.
Listening to this expertly produced and brilliantly narrated audio-saga, an emotion-packed twelve hours, I know it has all been worth it.
For more information, please visit germainewrites.com.
