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In and Out of Step
Think about the woman you’re becoming!’ Leonie said, trying to prevent Cassie’s flight from home and the problems there. 'You could find yourself out of the frying pan and into the fire.'
Her past denied and dance championship dreams discarded, Cassie Sleight leaves home. In the seemingly idyllic coastal town of Keimera, she starts a career on the English staff of the local high school. Exposure to Mark Talbut, a man struggling to be modern yet threatened by power shifts in the workplace and in society, causes Cassie to assess her reactions as a teacher and a woman. As she does so, the secrets of her past surface. Will that past continue to choreograph Cassie’s present steps? What sort of woman does she become?
‘In and Out of Step' looks at how the world a person lives in shapes that person for good and for bad. It is a story about friendship and family, belonging, alienation, sexual harassment, and change. The title alludes to the way Cassie Sleight uses dance as a way to interpret life and process her reactions to it.
Her past denied and dance championship dreams discarded, Cassie Sleight leaves home. In the seemingly idyllic coastal town of Keimera, she starts a career on the English staff of the local high school. Exposure to Mark Talbut, a man struggling to be modern yet threatened by power shifts in the workplace and in society, causes Cassie to assess her reactions as a teacher and a woman. As she does so, the secrets of her past surface. Will that past continue to choreograph Cassie’s present steps? What sort of woman does she become?
‘In and Out of Step' looks at how the world a person lives in shapes that person for good and for bad. It is a story about friendship and family, belonging, alienation, sexual harassment, and change. The title alludes to the way Cassie Sleight uses dance as a way to interpret life and process her reactions to it.
- GenresFiction
482 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2010
1 person is currently reading
851 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
August 20, 2012
I've returned to upgrade this review. The impact of the story lingers like the aftertaste of an award-winning wine (of which I've been lucky to sample a few). Another reason I upgraded this review is that I gave 'Across the Nightingale Floor' 3 stars, and this novel is much richer than it (hence the upgrade). Also, I think my initial 3 star rating was influenced by the fact that it was a woman's story - yes, I was a bit embarassed!
This novel was an out-of-character read for me. My girlfriend asked me to read it. She wanted me to understand what sexual harassment was like from the female perspective. 'In and Out of Step' sure makes it clear! I think men should read this novel, especially football players and male teachers. The HG and Roy parody is really good.
The school plot was riveting for me. It's an honest account of what first-year-out female teachers experience (my observations of what they go through). The underlying explanation for why they are expected to put up with so much abuse was very interesting. I can now see male school managers at my school are passive aggressive when dealing with women teachers experiencing classroom discipine problems. From mate teachers elswhere this is wide spread.
I got Jake's motivation and empathised with his situation. That subplot makes a man think!
This may seem like an odd comparison but Knight's style of writing reminds of Conn Iggulden in terms of creating a very real world. He is my preferred writer.
This novel was an out-of-character read for me. My girlfriend asked me to read it. She wanted me to understand what sexual harassment was like from the female perspective. 'In and Out of Step' sure makes it clear! I think men should read this novel, especially football players and male teachers. The HG and Roy parody is really good.
The school plot was riveting for me. It's an honest account of what first-year-out female teachers experience (my observations of what they go through). The underlying explanation for why they are expected to put up with so much abuse was very interesting. I can now see male school managers at my school are passive aggressive when dealing with women teachers experiencing classroom discipine problems. From mate teachers elswhere this is wide spread.
I got Jake's motivation and empathised with his situation. That subplot makes a man think!
This may seem like an odd comparison but Knight's style of writing reminds of Conn Iggulden in terms of creating a very real world. He is my preferred writer.
September 29, 2011
A story for teachers, students, dancers, actors, husbands, wives, men, women and everyone in between. In and Out of Step is a triumph perfectly portraying beauty, ugliness, heroism, friendship, decision making, power struggles, sex and disaster.
As an avid fantasy reader I found the first quarter to be a bit tough. Instead of dark wizards, sorcerers, dungeons and dragons, I found myself confronted with an evil far greater than Voldermort or Sauron. Humanity.
This book details the events of Cassie's life paying particular attention to the beginning of her career as a high school teacher. As a travelling educational performing artist, I noticed the depiction of the staff room struggles and power plays to be disturbingly accurate. It was interesting to have insight into what happens behind closed doors and the struggles that happen inside teacher's minds that determines their reasoning.
At times this book had me so caught up that I forgot to breathe! The realness of these characters had me so interested in THEIR lives that I became uninterested in my own (evidently).
The author told me that in order to write these characters, she had to use her skills as an actor to BECOME the characters. Some of these characters are so realistic and disturbing that I wince to think of the process Knight had to go through in order to accurately portray them.
The brutality of the treatment of some of these characters made me prickly and red with anger. Some scenes left me so angry and disturbed that I had to leave the book for a week or two before returning. Brilliantly effective story-telling.
The last 150 pages nearly left me with an anxiety attack as the events played out.
I love how Knight's ability as a teacher is reflected in the way that we are taught lessons not through 'teachings' but through 'experiences' that she gives us. A method which her character Cassie also utilizes.
This book perfectly demonstrates the beauty, ugliness, blindness, artistry, friendship, brutality, heroism and patience of the human condition.
Full marks.
As an avid fantasy reader I found the first quarter to be a bit tough. Instead of dark wizards, sorcerers, dungeons and dragons, I found myself confronted with an evil far greater than Voldermort or Sauron. Humanity.
This book details the events of Cassie's life paying particular attention to the beginning of her career as a high school teacher. As a travelling educational performing artist, I noticed the depiction of the staff room struggles and power plays to be disturbingly accurate. It was interesting to have insight into what happens behind closed doors and the struggles that happen inside teacher's minds that determines their reasoning.
At times this book had me so caught up that I forgot to breathe! The realness of these characters had me so interested in THEIR lives that I became uninterested in my own (evidently).
The author told me that in order to write these characters, she had to use her skills as an actor to BECOME the characters. Some of these characters are so realistic and disturbing that I wince to think of the process Knight had to go through in order to accurately portray them.
The brutality of the treatment of some of these characters made me prickly and red with anger. Some scenes left me so angry and disturbed that I had to leave the book for a week or two before returning. Brilliantly effective story-telling.
The last 150 pages nearly left me with an anxiety attack as the events played out.
I love how Knight's ability as a teacher is reflected in the way that we are taught lessons not through 'teachings' but through 'experiences' that she gives us. A method which her character Cassie also utilizes.
This book perfectly demonstrates the beauty, ugliness, blindness, artistry, friendship, brutality, heroism and patience of the human condition.
Full marks.
August 31, 2011
This is a richly layered story filled with characters who emerge as real people. As in life, there weren't any quick fixes to the issues these people faced, especially in matters of the heart. The twists and turns in the storytelling, as people tried to work out their lives, kept me hooked as a reader. I really liked the way the plot and subplots provided different perspectives on the novel's themes and concerns. The evolving love story, the family matters, the workplace issues, the dilemma of the bystander, and the way a minority group becomes a catalyst for change were fascinating. This novel story is highly relevant in today's world. It is a novel that will endure.
This author does more than tell an intriguing story. She is an artful writer. For me, this added an extra dimension to the reading experience, making it even more pleasurable.
I absolutely loved the dance scenes and the way dance was woven into the storytelling process. The scenes when Mavis and her men sang were such fun! I could actually hear them! What a great movie this would make!
Overall, this is a great read, compelling and entertaining. There are many light moments in the storytelling to offset the dark parts of the story. You feel for the characters and experience a range of emotions, including laughter. I liked the ending which was unpredictabe and the way dance was integral to it. I totally recommend this novel to you. I'm going to reread it now so that I savour how the story is put together and enjoy the developing love story.
This author does more than tell an intriguing story. She is an artful writer. For me, this added an extra dimension to the reading experience, making it even more pleasurable.
I absolutely loved the dance scenes and the way dance was woven into the storytelling process. The scenes when Mavis and her men sang were such fun! I could actually hear them! What a great movie this would make!
Overall, this is a great read, compelling and entertaining. There are many light moments in the storytelling to offset the dark parts of the story. You feel for the characters and experience a range of emotions, including laughter. I liked the ending which was unpredictabe and the way dance was integral to it. I totally recommend this novel to you. I'm going to reread it now so that I savour how the story is put together and enjoy the developing love story.
October 1, 2011
This book is amazing. I couldn't put it down, I got sucked right into Cassie's life. This is a well written book, I would recommend it to everyone.
September 2, 2011
I so enjoyed reading 'In and Out of Step'. First, as a reader, you not only develop a rapport with the characters, you believe in them. They lift off the page and exist in real time. Second, you develop strong feelings for them and care about what happens to them. You also feel a full range of emotions as you share their life journeys.
The coastal Australian landscape is one that many readers will recognise. Overseas readers will get a genuine taste of the Australian scene. I particularly liked the way this story focused on the coastal world and didn't continue the myth that we are an outback nation. It is a complete world with a cross-section of generations that mirrors the world Aussie readers know.
I loved the way the story was constructed. As the setup of characters and the world of Keimera is being established, the reader has the unravelling mystery of Cassie's past to solve as well as work out how that past is somehow linked to her present. Add to that the mystery of what on earth is going on in the undercurrents of the workplace and the evolving love story. The plot and subplots weave together cleverly and add dimension to the story. I really enjoyed the way lighter, sometimes comic, moments balanced out the serious parts of the plot action. This made the story even more gripping.
The multi dimensional nature of the plots in 'In and Out of Step' added to my reading enjoyment. Dance forms the heart of this novel in an unusual way, and it is crucial to Cassie's development. Dance is threaded into the story from the title to the final paragraph. The dance scenes were just great! I loved the exploration of the many faces of love, or what passes for love. The many faces of love are effectively contrasted against lust. The sexual dilemmas that young women face today are explored sensitively. I think this is a must-read for women of all ages. As men are part of the relationship equation, they would enjoy this book too.
The school plot really is an exposé of teaching that deals with substance versus system and the source of discipline issues for women teachers in a reader friendly way. It gives a chillingly accurate picture of school life as well as some of the comic aspects of it. If you've been in the public school system, you recognise the truth underpinning that subplot. My cousin in England, also a teacher, confirms that the teaching issues in this novel are relevant to her world as well.
In addition to a really good story line, the writing is skilful, subtle, and, at times, downright beautiful. I heartily recommend this novel to you. It is one of those novels that you will reread more than once. It would be a great movie!
The coastal Australian landscape is one that many readers will recognise. Overseas readers will get a genuine taste of the Australian scene. I particularly liked the way this story focused on the coastal world and didn't continue the myth that we are an outback nation. It is a complete world with a cross-section of generations that mirrors the world Aussie readers know.
I loved the way the story was constructed. As the setup of characters and the world of Keimera is being established, the reader has the unravelling mystery of Cassie's past to solve as well as work out how that past is somehow linked to her present. Add to that the mystery of what on earth is going on in the undercurrents of the workplace and the evolving love story. The plot and subplots weave together cleverly and add dimension to the story. I really enjoyed the way lighter, sometimes comic, moments balanced out the serious parts of the plot action. This made the story even more gripping.
The multi dimensional nature of the plots in 'In and Out of Step' added to my reading enjoyment. Dance forms the heart of this novel in an unusual way, and it is crucial to Cassie's development. Dance is threaded into the story from the title to the final paragraph. The dance scenes were just great! I loved the exploration of the many faces of love, or what passes for love. The many faces of love are effectively contrasted against lust. The sexual dilemmas that young women face today are explored sensitively. I think this is a must-read for women of all ages. As men are part of the relationship equation, they would enjoy this book too.
The school plot really is an exposé of teaching that deals with substance versus system and the source of discipline issues for women teachers in a reader friendly way. It gives a chillingly accurate picture of school life as well as some of the comic aspects of it. If you've been in the public school system, you recognise the truth underpinning that subplot. My cousin in England, also a teacher, confirms that the teaching issues in this novel are relevant to her world as well.
In addition to a really good story line, the writing is skilful, subtle, and, at times, downright beautiful. I heartily recommend this novel to you. It is one of those novels that you will reread more than once. It would be a great movie!
October 6, 2011
NOTE: I upgraded the star rating from 4 to 5 stars on 6 October after having read other books.
This is an original and compelling story for sure! The title is brilliant and works well on so many levels for the various characters' lives. The world of Keimera emerges strongly as a real place with very real people living there. I was impressed by the weaving of plot and subplots to form this crafted narrative.
I really like the way this world reflects the complexity of everyday people's lives rather than focusing on one aspect of a life. It made perfect sense to me that Cassie could be a teacher by day but at heart a ballroom dancer. Similarly, Mavis and Kate with their day jobs versus their heart's true leanings. I enjoyed the dimension that characters' lives had.
I loved the way dance formed the backbone of this story. It was interesting how it informed Cassie's approach to life's challenges. I loved the community dance scenes. It was interesting to see how compatibility in partnerships was explored through dance. I've decided to take dance lessons as a result of reading this novel.
The school plot was fascinating. It was a relief that this was not a formula story echoing 'To Sir with Love' or 'Dangerous Minds' etc. The school plot, I suspect, is really an exposé on the underlying reasons for the breakdown in discipline in public schools as well as the decline in respect for women. From my own student days, I can see that this happened. The double standard between what male teachers rejected and yet expected female teachers to endure was clear in my days too. I just didn't think about it then.
The exploration of the culture that nurtures sexual harassment was riveting. So too was escalation in events because the crossing of boundaries went unchecked. Would a timely drawing of the line by male leaders have saved 'the women who cannot be named' from such pain? 'In and Out of Step' better deserves the hype that was given to Helen Garner's 'First Stone'.
My favourite plot was the evolving love story and the exploration of how a heart can be divided between two people. I've been torn that way myself but didn't understand it until Cassie gained insight into herself. For this reason, reading is so enriching.
Summing up, this novel is extremely good. I originally gave it 4 stars because it isn't always a cozy read due to some of the darker themes even though Knight provides many light moments though, including humour, to insulate the reader and to offset the darkness. Ultimately the story is uplifting. This is one of those novels you'll want to reread which I am now going to do having read a fewer lesser novels recently.
This is an original and compelling story for sure! The title is brilliant and works well on so many levels for the various characters' lives. The world of Keimera emerges strongly as a real place with very real people living there. I was impressed by the weaving of plot and subplots to form this crafted narrative.
I really like the way this world reflects the complexity of everyday people's lives rather than focusing on one aspect of a life. It made perfect sense to me that Cassie could be a teacher by day but at heart a ballroom dancer. Similarly, Mavis and Kate with their day jobs versus their heart's true leanings. I enjoyed the dimension that characters' lives had.
I loved the way dance formed the backbone of this story. It was interesting how it informed Cassie's approach to life's challenges. I loved the community dance scenes. It was interesting to see how compatibility in partnerships was explored through dance. I've decided to take dance lessons as a result of reading this novel.
The school plot was fascinating. It was a relief that this was not a formula story echoing 'To Sir with Love' or 'Dangerous Minds' etc. The school plot, I suspect, is really an exposé on the underlying reasons for the breakdown in discipline in public schools as well as the decline in respect for women. From my own student days, I can see that this happened. The double standard between what male teachers rejected and yet expected female teachers to endure was clear in my days too. I just didn't think about it then.
The exploration of the culture that nurtures sexual harassment was riveting. So too was escalation in events because the crossing of boundaries went unchecked. Would a timely drawing of the line by male leaders have saved 'the women who cannot be named' from such pain? 'In and Out of Step' better deserves the hype that was given to Helen Garner's 'First Stone'.
My favourite plot was the evolving love story and the exploration of how a heart can be divided between two people. I've been torn that way myself but didn't understand it until Cassie gained insight into herself. For this reason, reading is so enriching.
Summing up, this novel is extremely good. I originally gave it 4 stars because it isn't always a cozy read due to some of the darker themes even though Knight provides many light moments though, including humour, to insulate the reader and to offset the darkness. Ultimately the story is uplifting. This is one of those novels you'll want to reread which I am now going to do having read a fewer lesser novels recently.
December 29, 2011
'In and Out of Step' possesses all the ingredients of a great Australian novel. It was a compelling read. The characters stepped off the page and became real for me. The writing style pulled me into the story so I was there in my imagination. I haven't loved a novel like this one for a long time. In some ways the writing style and layering of perspectives reminds me of Austen because the point of view shifts from inner thought to dialogue to situational arena, and embedded messages underpinning the story are replayed and examined from several standpoints. It's the sort of novel you read more than once.
October 13, 2011
As my father says, "A bloody good read!"
I'd add: honest, insightful, clever, very moving (a range of emotions) and witty.
Update: 14 October '11
Having given Marchetta's 'Jellicoe Road' 4 stars, I needed to upgrade this novel. It is superior - depth and breadth of themes and characterisation. Really beautiful writing.
It has imprinted on my memory in a way that novels haven't for a while.
I'd add: honest, insightful, clever, very moving (a range of emotions) and witty.
Update: 14 October '11
Having given Marchetta's 'Jellicoe Road' 4 stars, I needed to upgrade this novel. It is superior - depth and breadth of themes and characterisation. Really beautiful writing.
It has imprinted on my memory in a way that novels haven't for a while.
June 16, 2016
I thoughly enjoyed the journey. A truly wonderful book.
March 9, 2012
I won this book in a goodreads give away. Thank you to goodreads.com and Christine M. Knight.
Although an interesting book I found the style of the book hard to make friends with. At times I felt that an opening had been created and left undealt with or put off for a paragraph of "fill in" before taken up again. I also got the impression that the author wanted to deal with every human problem and emotion in relation to the role of women in the 1980's, especially the women's struggles to move out of the role of the "woman who stays at home and get's the husbands dinner ready" to a more modern woman who works and is "an equal partner in the relationship". As well as the emotionally stunted ways of men who had been raised in a chauvinistic way and couldn't deal with their own failings or emotions. A complex topic that was overwhelemd by too many people's issues. In the end I felt overloaded with the problems of too many minor players crammed into the one book. Loos of child, domestic violence, parent-child relationship issues, unwanted pregnacies, bush fires, recession, rape, the list keeps going on. The one issue every reader wanted to know about, whether Cassie is going ahead and moves to Canberra for Michael remains left open to the readers interpretation.
Although an interesting book I found the style of the book hard to make friends with. At times I felt that an opening had been created and left undealt with or put off for a paragraph of "fill in" before taken up again. I also got the impression that the author wanted to deal with every human problem and emotion in relation to the role of women in the 1980's, especially the women's struggles to move out of the role of the "woman who stays at home and get's the husbands dinner ready" to a more modern woman who works and is "an equal partner in the relationship". As well as the emotionally stunted ways of men who had been raised in a chauvinistic way and couldn't deal with their own failings or emotions. A complex topic that was overwhelemd by too many people's issues. In the end I felt overloaded with the problems of too many minor players crammed into the one book. Loos of child, domestic violence, parent-child relationship issues, unwanted pregnacies, bush fires, recession, rape, the list keeps going on. The one issue every reader wanted to know about, whether Cassie is going ahead and moves to Canberra for Michael remains left open to the readers interpretation.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 28, 2012
'In and Out of Step' belongs to the not-to-formula genre of women's fiction. As such, the journey and the backdrop are important as are the influences that have shaped the central character and influence her over the course of the novel.
The story opens with the reader in Cassie Sleight's car, looking outward at the landscape as Cassie observes it. She emerges as a shy, naive, and idealistic young woman scarred by an undisclosed darkness in her past. Life and the events leading up to the start of the novel have not worked out 'happily ever after' for her. Her sister, Leonie, thinks Cassie is escaping from the unpleasant realities of life rather than dealing with it whereas Cassie thinks by her departure that she has done just that, accepted what has happened and moved beyond it. The reader is left to decide as Cassie's life journey progresses and the mystery of her past unravels.
We experience Cassie's new landscape through her lens and interpretation of what she sees and experiences. Our view of her shifts and adjusts as we learn how others view her and from her actions and reactions in the workplace as well as in social and personal spheres. Likewise, our view of others in her world shifts and adjusts as we see characters interact. As in real life, the reader and Cassie have to look beyond the masks that people wear to the slowly revealing truth about them. The notion of reality and perception are thoughtfully explored. As part of this exploration, there are some lovely light-hearted asides such as Cassie's discussion with Mrs. Madison about the canopy over Cassie's bed. I chuckled there and in other places. Irony is a regular source of humour in this novel.
We experience Cassie's growth from repressed to courageous young woman as she comes to understand herself and the motivating forces that 'drive' her. The central narrative question on the front cover (will the past continue to choreograph Cassie's present?) directs the reader's focus. As in real life, the answer is not easily found by Cassie and definitely not decoratively boxed for the reader as happens in chick-lit.
Passion is a force that underlies much of what happens in this novel. Through careful plotting, we are prompted to think about the nature of passion (its beauty and ugliness, its harmony and jaggedness) through contrasting and parallel character experiences that are skilfully interwoven throughout the narrative. You cannot skim this book. The smallest piece of information has purpose as well as meaning and cannot be discounted. I loved the way this lead to the resolution of the crime in one of the subplots. I loved the way the various plots reached staggered climaxes and resolutions while building to the next stage in Cassie's journey at the closure of the novel. What a great ending! And while I'm on that, the use of dance as metaphor for relationships and the communication process is brilliant. One of my favourite pictures from this novel is the very unusual love scene shown through dance when Cassie's partner accompanies her impromptu towards the end of the novel.
'In and Out of Step' shows that while women may be liberated in the western world, that 'freedom' comes with complex challenges for women and men that bring us in and out of step with one another as unscripted CHANGE takes its course. This is a thinking reader's novel and a significant work.
The story opens with the reader in Cassie Sleight's car, looking outward at the landscape as Cassie observes it. She emerges as a shy, naive, and idealistic young woman scarred by an undisclosed darkness in her past. Life and the events leading up to the start of the novel have not worked out 'happily ever after' for her. Her sister, Leonie, thinks Cassie is escaping from the unpleasant realities of life rather than dealing with it whereas Cassie thinks by her departure that she has done just that, accepted what has happened and moved beyond it. The reader is left to decide as Cassie's life journey progresses and the mystery of her past unravels.
We experience Cassie's new landscape through her lens and interpretation of what she sees and experiences. Our view of her shifts and adjusts as we learn how others view her and from her actions and reactions in the workplace as well as in social and personal spheres. Likewise, our view of others in her world shifts and adjusts as we see characters interact. As in real life, the reader and Cassie have to look beyond the masks that people wear to the slowly revealing truth about them. The notion of reality and perception are thoughtfully explored. As part of this exploration, there are some lovely light-hearted asides such as Cassie's discussion with Mrs. Madison about the canopy over Cassie's bed. I chuckled there and in other places. Irony is a regular source of humour in this novel.
We experience Cassie's growth from repressed to courageous young woman as she comes to understand herself and the motivating forces that 'drive' her. The central narrative question on the front cover (will the past continue to choreograph Cassie's present?) directs the reader's focus. As in real life, the answer is not easily found by Cassie and definitely not decoratively boxed for the reader as happens in chick-lit.
Passion is a force that underlies much of what happens in this novel. Through careful plotting, we are prompted to think about the nature of passion (its beauty and ugliness, its harmony and jaggedness) through contrasting and parallel character experiences that are skilfully interwoven throughout the narrative. You cannot skim this book. The smallest piece of information has purpose as well as meaning and cannot be discounted. I loved the way this lead to the resolution of the crime in one of the subplots. I loved the way the various plots reached staggered climaxes and resolutions while building to the next stage in Cassie's journey at the closure of the novel. What a great ending! And while I'm on that, the use of dance as metaphor for relationships and the communication process is brilliant. One of my favourite pictures from this novel is the very unusual love scene shown through dance when Cassie's partner accompanies her impromptu towards the end of the novel.
'In and Out of Step' shows that while women may be liberated in the western world, that 'freedom' comes with complex challenges for women and men that bring us in and out of step with one another as unscripted CHANGE takes its course. This is a thinking reader's novel and a significant work.
November 5, 2011
I totally enjoyed 'In and Out of Step' and was hooked from the opening paragraph in Chapter 1. In fact, I read into the early hours of two consecutive mornings to finish it and in my breaks at work on Friday and Saturday. 'In and Out of Step' is a story about love as well as the dualities of women's roles in the modern world presented to the reader from different character viewpoints. It is not a romance novel.
A rich picture of Australian life and the concerns of the time form the backdrop to what is a very strong storyline about passion, power, fear, belonging, and alienation. Cassie's growth to self-knowledge and her finding the strength to move past her fears were fascinating as well as uplifting. In this novel, fear, like an undiagnosed cancer, is a silent destroyer of lives. It is at the root of Cassie's personal issues and puts at risk her chance at happiness. Two questions central to the story are: Can she move beyond the shaping influences of her past? What will her future be?
The school scenes were insightful as were the issues in that plot. Cassie’s struggle as a teacher within the school system is used to track her personal growth. Entrenched practice, resistance to change, withdrawal of corporate support for a minority group, and the breakdown of discipline are effectively explored. The school plot works as a metaphor for any community dealing with the arrival of unwanted newcomers. Very clever. I got angry a number of times at the way women were treated, more so because I've experienced the same thing. At times, I was shocked - what happens is so possible.
The portrayal of how men in the workplace choose to communicate is cleverly done through the white noise of riddles, banter, and sexual puns. Educated men, they enjoyed sharing and airing their cleverness. The references to mythology really loaded meaning into the undercurrents of what was being said. I ended up liking Selton and Van der Huffen and could understand the difficulty they faced in having to get off the fence. I liked the men from Madison House with one exception. I'd like to meet Gary.
The dance scenes and the scenes with Mavis singing really lightened the story and were a lot of fun. I'm not a dancer but it made me want to be. The ending, which I loved, is tied tightly to dance and the final song. I reread the ending after downloading 'Sway' from iTunes. This would be a great movie.
Although 'In and Out of Step' is very easy to read, it is definitely a thinking reader's novel and one that you can't skim. While it is a skilfully told story that generates strong feelings in the reader and understanding of issues, it is also much more than a story; it is a work that captures a people, their lifestyle and concerns, and the times they live in. I recommend this novel to readers who want something more substantial than the equivalent of fast-food in storytelling. Overall, I found it inspirational. It is a novel that I will reread as there is so much in it to savour. Christine M Knight is definitely a writer to follow.
A rich picture of Australian life and the concerns of the time form the backdrop to what is a very strong storyline about passion, power, fear, belonging, and alienation. Cassie's growth to self-knowledge and her finding the strength to move past her fears were fascinating as well as uplifting. In this novel, fear, like an undiagnosed cancer, is a silent destroyer of lives. It is at the root of Cassie's personal issues and puts at risk her chance at happiness. Two questions central to the story are: Can she move beyond the shaping influences of her past? What will her future be?
The school scenes were insightful as were the issues in that plot. Cassie’s struggle as a teacher within the school system is used to track her personal growth. Entrenched practice, resistance to change, withdrawal of corporate support for a minority group, and the breakdown of discipline are effectively explored. The school plot works as a metaphor for any community dealing with the arrival of unwanted newcomers. Very clever. I got angry a number of times at the way women were treated, more so because I've experienced the same thing. At times, I was shocked - what happens is so possible.
The portrayal of how men in the workplace choose to communicate is cleverly done through the white noise of riddles, banter, and sexual puns. Educated men, they enjoyed sharing and airing their cleverness. The references to mythology really loaded meaning into the undercurrents of what was being said. I ended up liking Selton and Van der Huffen and could understand the difficulty they faced in having to get off the fence. I liked the men from Madison House with one exception. I'd like to meet Gary.
The dance scenes and the scenes with Mavis singing really lightened the story and were a lot of fun. I'm not a dancer but it made me want to be. The ending, which I loved, is tied tightly to dance and the final song. I reread the ending after downloading 'Sway' from iTunes. This would be a great movie.
Although 'In and Out of Step' is very easy to read, it is definitely a thinking reader's novel and one that you can't skim. While it is a skilfully told story that generates strong feelings in the reader and understanding of issues, it is also much more than a story; it is a work that captures a people, their lifestyle and concerns, and the times they live in. I recommend this novel to readers who want something more substantial than the equivalent of fast-food in storytelling. Overall, I found it inspirational. It is a novel that I will reread as there is so much in it to savour. Christine M Knight is definitely a writer to follow.
December 1, 2011
In and Out of Step follows the life of a first year female school teacher, Cassie. As the cover states, the book revolves around the question "Will Cassie's past continue to choreograph her present?" Cassie deals a rocky past that causes her to carry baggage around. This book dealt with a lot of serious topics, such as abortion, death of a baby, rape, abusive relationships, and natural disasters so much so that it didn't go into too much depth on the issues that were presented.
A major part of the book deals with heterosexual relationships and I thought it was really interesting how Knight chose to use dance as a metaphor for life partnerships. Traditionally, ballroom dance features a dominant male leading the female. Over and over in the book, Cassie states that she doesn't want to just be the passive female or the wallflower. This made me think that the book would quite interesting and I was excited to see how Cassie would fight against a chauvinistic society.
In the end, I was left disappointed with how gender politics were dealt with. Nearly all the men in the story are slimeballs - Cassie's ex, Jake; Jake and Cassie's fathers; the men that work in the school; the male students in her trouble class; and Mavis's abusive boyfriend. I thought the novel built too much of a stereotype between the genders - at one point in the novel, it is even literally stated that the gender stereotypes hold true - one male is grieving a major loss and none of the other males can help him. Only the women can fill that role. Although Cassie wanted to fight against the set role of the passive woman, it felt that most of the novel reinstated the status quo in terms of how genders are dealt with. In another instance, Cassie tries to talk a woman out of an abusive relationship, telling her that violence is never acceptable, and then later in the book, kicks a man in the shins for not understanding how she is feeling. I felt that this was a sort of double standard since the man wasn't really threatening her and just wanted to talk and understand her feelings. I understand that being kicked in the shins is not equivalent to getting one's face smashed in, but why couldn't words be used instead?
Overall, it was an interesting read and a nice way to experience Australian culture in literature. The dance scenes were beautiful and I especially enjoyed the one near the end of the novel. Many deep issues were dealt with, but I wish that maybe there were less of them so that the book could deal with the issues more deeply.
A major part of the book deals with heterosexual relationships and I thought it was really interesting how Knight chose to use dance as a metaphor for life partnerships. Traditionally, ballroom dance features a dominant male leading the female. Over and over in the book, Cassie states that she doesn't want to just be the passive female or the wallflower. This made me think that the book would quite interesting and I was excited to see how Cassie would fight against a chauvinistic society.
In the end, I was left disappointed with how gender politics were dealt with. Nearly all the men in the story are slimeballs - Cassie's ex, Jake; Jake and Cassie's fathers; the men that work in the school; the male students in her trouble class; and Mavis's abusive boyfriend. I thought the novel built too much of a stereotype between the genders - at one point in the novel, it is even literally stated that the gender stereotypes hold true - one male is grieving a major loss and none of the other males can help him. Only the women can fill that role. Although Cassie wanted to fight against the set role of the passive woman, it felt that most of the novel reinstated the status quo in terms of how genders are dealt with. In another instance, Cassie tries to talk a woman out of an abusive relationship, telling her that violence is never acceptable, and then later in the book, kicks a man in the shins for not understanding how she is feeling. I felt that this was a sort of double standard since the man wasn't really threatening her and just wanted to talk and understand her feelings. I understand that being kicked in the shins is not equivalent to getting one's face smashed in, but why couldn't words be used instead?
Overall, it was an interesting read and a nice way to experience Australian culture in literature. The dance scenes were beautiful and I especially enjoyed the one near the end of the novel. Many deep issues were dealt with, but I wish that maybe there were less of them so that the book could deal with the issues more deeply.
November 20, 2011
I loved the time I spent this past week with the characters and world of 'In and Out of Step'. It is a layered story that meshes plot and subplots so that I could consider linked themes and character values from differing perspectives. It captures the Australian landscape in a distinctly visual way and portrayed the ongoing worry about drought and bushfire that I grew up with and which overseas readers may not have.
While I really enjoyed Cassie's evolving love story and coming to terms with her past, a really interesting aspect of the novel was the exploration of women's issues and the culture that fosters abuse of women in the name of passion. This was done subtly and effectively through the use of parallels and contrasts and through the use of three strongly drawn environments that made up the world of Keimera. I loved the gentle humour and irony as well as the observations embedded in the story telling.
The author's poem at the beginning of the novel frames the story and the reader's role. You have to step back and consider the whole picture that Knight is weaving and consider the impact of the colours (plots). As the poem says, this novel is a tapestry, a picture of changing relationships in our world and the issues that come with those changes.
With respect to the abortion issue, it was treated deftly and in a balanced way without belabouring or preaching any particular value system. This plot encouraged me to think about the issue without 'selling' me one perspective on it. I liked that! I liked the restraint shown in the development of this subplot. The same applies to the exploration of the contemporary culture that fosters sexual harassment and other abuses which, when unchecked, led to domestic violence and in another instance to rape. Knight's focus went beyond the acts of disrespect and violence to women to something much more important, to the ramifications on women's lives. Knight showed how far-reaching those consequences could be. Again, I really liked this in the story telling.
I also really liked the way women dealt with their problems (while men worked behind the scenes in response to same). I liked the debunking of the dark desirable 'romance' figure (Jake) who in real life is only trouble and heartache. I liked the portrayal and valuing of other types of men (Gary, Michael, George, and Selton.) One of the best things about this novel was the interweaving of light and dark, laughter, joy, fear, and tears.
The fact that Knight doesn't take sides but paints the whole picture in strong brush strokes may offend some readers because they want just one view treated in depth and sold to readers but I thought the broad experience portrayed in this made the novel really strong.
A novel of substance by a skilled writer, 'In and Out of Step' is more than enthralling storytelling it is literature.
While I really enjoyed Cassie's evolving love story and coming to terms with her past, a really interesting aspect of the novel was the exploration of women's issues and the culture that fosters abuse of women in the name of passion. This was done subtly and effectively through the use of parallels and contrasts and through the use of three strongly drawn environments that made up the world of Keimera. I loved the gentle humour and irony as well as the observations embedded in the story telling.
The author's poem at the beginning of the novel frames the story and the reader's role. You have to step back and consider the whole picture that Knight is weaving and consider the impact of the colours (plots). As the poem says, this novel is a tapestry, a picture of changing relationships in our world and the issues that come with those changes.
With respect to the abortion issue, it was treated deftly and in a balanced way without belabouring or preaching any particular value system. This plot encouraged me to think about the issue without 'selling' me one perspective on it. I liked that! I liked the restraint shown in the development of this subplot. The same applies to the exploration of the contemporary culture that fosters sexual harassment and other abuses which, when unchecked, led to domestic violence and in another instance to rape. Knight's focus went beyond the acts of disrespect and violence to women to something much more important, to the ramifications on women's lives. Knight showed how far-reaching those consequences could be. Again, I really liked this in the story telling.
I also really liked the way women dealt with their problems (while men worked behind the scenes in response to same). I liked the debunking of the dark desirable 'romance' figure (Jake) who in real life is only trouble and heartache. I liked the portrayal and valuing of other types of men (Gary, Michael, George, and Selton.) One of the best things about this novel was the interweaving of light and dark, laughter, joy, fear, and tears.
The fact that Knight doesn't take sides but paints the whole picture in strong brush strokes may offend some readers because they want just one view treated in depth and sold to readers but I thought the broad experience portrayed in this made the novel really strong.
A novel of substance by a skilled writer, 'In and Out of Step' is more than enthralling storytelling it is literature.
September 19, 2012
This is a Good Reads First Reads Giveaway review.
'In and Out of Step' is quality women's fiction and not chick-lit. It is an intriguing journey and a really good read set against a backdrop of a coastal Australian town during a time of changing values and attitudes in the late 1980s.
Major women's concerns such as love versus lust, sexual harassment, non-consensual sex, abortion, and rape are explored through a collage of interlinked character experiences fitted beautifully into Cassie's world and relationships and firmly set within the novel form. Each character's experience functions as a jigsaw piece. It was an unusual approach to exploring the issues; the breadth of the experiences reinforced the relevance of them. The author's voice is subtle as she draws the picture, shows the impact, and explores the aftermath. I was impressed by the quality of her writing. Lesser writers would have belaboured the points and tried to force the reader to a conclusion. Knight's technique provokes thought about the issue instead.
If you enjoy literature then 'In and Out of Step' is for you. It has depth and is a highly entertaining but not always a comfortable read. Well worth the money and your time. It is definitely a novel that you'll reread.
'In and Out of Step' is quality women's fiction and not chick-lit. It is an intriguing journey and a really good read set against a backdrop of a coastal Australian town during a time of changing values and attitudes in the late 1980s.
Major women's concerns such as love versus lust, sexual harassment, non-consensual sex, abortion, and rape are explored through a collage of interlinked character experiences fitted beautifully into Cassie's world and relationships and firmly set within the novel form. Each character's experience functions as a jigsaw piece. It was an unusual approach to exploring the issues; the breadth of the experiences reinforced the relevance of them. The author's voice is subtle as she draws the picture, shows the impact, and explores the aftermath. I was impressed by the quality of her writing. Lesser writers would have belaboured the points and tried to force the reader to a conclusion. Knight's technique provokes thought about the issue instead.
If you enjoy literature then 'In and Out of Step' is for you. It has depth and is a highly entertaining but not always a comfortable read. Well worth the money and your time. It is definitely a novel that you'll reread.
September 19, 2014
I won this book as part of the GoodReads First-Reads contest. Taking place in Australia in the 1980s, the story's main character is Cassie who has recently moved to Maddison House as a lodger to start a new life away from her family and friends. She is a teacher who runs into numerous problems with her male colleagues and some mis-behaving students. The novel follows her journey in making new friends, dealing with issues such as domestic violence and her past colliding with her present plus her love of dance. I gave this book a four star and not a five because I found the first part of the book hard to get through, for some reason it didn't capture my attention, but that did change! The end of the novel did leave me wanting to know more about how Cassie's future and whether or not she chooses to go ahead with her impending marriage.
April 27, 2014
I read 'Life Song' first and then curious about the backstory of Mavis Mills I bought 'In and Out of Step'.
'In and Out of Step' is big story that sets up the world of Keimera and provides a snapshot of a world in transition. That world is moving from a lifestyle when men dominant and hold power to one that integrates women into the workforce and learns to accept them as equals. There are some confronting things in this novel (as in Game of Thrones) but unlike Game of Thrones readers know this stuff really happened. That said, there is also a lot of ironic humour and light wonderful moments to offset the darkness. Like Game of Thrones, this novel explores the interconnectedness of people and how things in one person's life actually influence those who stand witness to it. Everything the plot and subplots are relevant and important. Nothing is unnecessary. For that reason, you have to read the novel carefully.
A fan of 'Mad Men' I can now see after reading 'In and Out of Step' that 'Mad Men' romanticises such men. The TV show is from a male perspective. 'In and Out of Step' is from a sensitive young woman's perspective. It should be compulsory reading for any work arena where men still dominate.
I found the exploration of antipathy and the role of the silent bystander fascinating. Ditto the unfolding mystery about Cassie's past trauma. The reader learns about Mavis Mills backstory in this novel. Mavis is an important secondary character. Her subplot contrasts to Cassie's journey. Both women make choices based on their family experiences. Both women were innocent and learn people are not what they seem.
The difficulty in unmasking a so-called good guy was honestly shown. There aren't any slick ways to do this and the author shows the real life difficulties in doing so. You need evidence to show the dark heart behind the smiling exterior.
Both novels are crafted. The central metaphor is brilliant. Knight is an author to follow. I agree with other reviewers who note this is a novel that will push people's buttons. Knight doesn't sell an agenda she provokes thought and great discussion.
'In and Out of Step' is big story that sets up the world of Keimera and provides a snapshot of a world in transition. That world is moving from a lifestyle when men dominant and hold power to one that integrates women into the workforce and learns to accept them as equals. There are some confronting things in this novel (as in Game of Thrones) but unlike Game of Thrones readers know this stuff really happened. That said, there is also a lot of ironic humour and light wonderful moments to offset the darkness. Like Game of Thrones, this novel explores the interconnectedness of people and how things in one person's life actually influence those who stand witness to it. Everything the plot and subplots are relevant and important. Nothing is unnecessary. For that reason, you have to read the novel carefully.
A fan of 'Mad Men' I can now see after reading 'In and Out of Step' that 'Mad Men' romanticises such men. The TV show is from a male perspective. 'In and Out of Step' is from a sensitive young woman's perspective. It should be compulsory reading for any work arena where men still dominate.
I found the exploration of antipathy and the role of the silent bystander fascinating. Ditto the unfolding mystery about Cassie's past trauma. The reader learns about Mavis Mills backstory in this novel. Mavis is an important secondary character. Her subplot contrasts to Cassie's journey. Both women make choices based on their family experiences. Both women were innocent and learn people are not what they seem.
The difficulty in unmasking a so-called good guy was honestly shown. There aren't any slick ways to do this and the author shows the real life difficulties in doing so. You need evidence to show the dark heart behind the smiling exterior.
Both novels are crafted. The central metaphor is brilliant. Knight is an author to follow. I agree with other reviewers who note this is a novel that will push people's buttons. Knight doesn't sell an agenda she provokes thought and great discussion.
January 3, 2016
I read this novel after 'Life Song' and 'Song Bird' - two other novels by Knight. 'In and Out of Step' was a fascinating and moving read, especially so because it introduces Cassie Sleight and Mavis Mills (Mavis is the major character in the other two novels) and the world they live in.
'In and Out of Step' centres around two truly intriguing mysteries.
1. What happened to Cassie Sleight when she was sixteen that changed her as a person and shaped her life's course? Related to this, can she rise above that dark trauma and find happiness?
2. Why can't Keimera High School English faculty keep women on its staff? Is one of the male teachers a wolf in sheep's clothing? How can the truth be revealed?
Cassie Sleight's journey is honestly told. Recovery from trauma is never easy. The novel doesn't make her journey into a Wonder Woman approach to dealing with a chauvinistic culture. For that reason, it reads as a true chronicling of a young woman's experience. It shows the difficulty in achieving change and how hard moving beyond the scars of trauma can be.
Each of Knight's novels was an engrossing read for very different reasons. I love her use of imagery and the way it forms the backbone to each story.
Having completed my degree recently, I strongly feel novels like this one should be mandatory reading for Women's Studies courses because the novel positions readers to feel what life in that type of world was like and to better understand the challenges women face.
'In and Out of Step' is a great read.
'In and Out of Step' centres around two truly intriguing mysteries.
1. What happened to Cassie Sleight when she was sixteen that changed her as a person and shaped her life's course? Related to this, can she rise above that dark trauma and find happiness?
2. Why can't Keimera High School English faculty keep women on its staff? Is one of the male teachers a wolf in sheep's clothing? How can the truth be revealed?
Cassie Sleight's journey is honestly told. Recovery from trauma is never easy. The novel doesn't make her journey into a Wonder Woman approach to dealing with a chauvinistic culture. For that reason, it reads as a true chronicling of a young woman's experience. It shows the difficulty in achieving change and how hard moving beyond the scars of trauma can be.
Each of Knight's novels was an engrossing read for very different reasons. I love her use of imagery and the way it forms the backbone to each story.
Having completed my degree recently, I strongly feel novels like this one should be mandatory reading for Women's Studies courses because the novel positions readers to feel what life in that type of world was like and to better understand the challenges women face.
'In and Out of Step' is a great read.
November 18, 2011
Firstly I would like to thank the author for this copy of In and Out of Step, which I won through First Reads.
I would really like to give this book 3.5 stars and up until about half way through the book, I would have given it 4 stars. It has believable characters and an interesting storyline. I like the fact that it is set in a coastal Australian town and it definitely has an Australian feel to the story.
The reason it ended up with 3 stars instead of 4 (or 3.5 if it were possible) is that from the middle onwards there were just too many issues occuring with not enough attention paid to any of them. Rape, domestic violence and bushfires were just a few of the issues touched on - and I do mean touched on. I found it unsatisfying that there were so many of these major issues going on in the storyline without the proper attention devoted to any of them.
I very much liked the portrayal of school life. It was very politically incorrect (as it was meant to be) and shocking, but that was what made it intriguing!
The relationship between Cassie and Michael just didn't gel for me. Where most books you are really rooting for the couple to get together, I just didn't care whether they did or not. It was yet another part of the storyline that just lacked substance for me.
Overall, I enjoyed reading the book and I very much liked the writing style. Where it fell down for me was too many characters, with too many storylines that were not developed enough for my liking.
I would really like to give this book 3.5 stars and up until about half way through the book, I would have given it 4 stars. It has believable characters and an interesting storyline. I like the fact that it is set in a coastal Australian town and it definitely has an Australian feel to the story.
The reason it ended up with 3 stars instead of 4 (or 3.5 if it were possible) is that from the middle onwards there were just too many issues occuring with not enough attention paid to any of them. Rape, domestic violence and bushfires were just a few of the issues touched on - and I do mean touched on. I found it unsatisfying that there were so many of these major issues going on in the storyline without the proper attention devoted to any of them.
I very much liked the portrayal of school life. It was very politically incorrect (as it was meant to be) and shocking, but that was what made it intriguing!
The relationship between Cassie and Michael just didn't gel for me. Where most books you are really rooting for the couple to get together, I just didn't care whether they did or not. It was yet another part of the storyline that just lacked substance for me.
Overall, I enjoyed reading the book and I very much liked the writing style. Where it fell down for me was too many characters, with too many storylines that were not developed enough for my liking.
May 31, 2015
Every once and a while you come across a gem of a book. Something that represents more than a story. 'In and Out of Step' is such a book.
Although the novel has a dark hard edge to it at times, this is a wonderful coming-of-age story for Cassie Sleight (central character) and Mavis Mills (significant secondary character).
'In and Out of Step' traces the impact of role models from their most impressionable years on Cassie and Mavis. Cassie rejects the lifestyles and relationships of her parents and their friends and goes in search of a seaschange. She knows what she doesn't want but not what she seeks. A trauma in Cassie's teens hardens her resolve for a different life - the mystery behind that experience is revealed in the story. Bubbly and appealing, Mavis Mills accepts the relationship role models from her world. She goes boldly into it without being discerning.
Both women find their judgements and assumptions are flawed. Both women have much to learn about life and love. Music and dance are tightly woven into this story.
As a reader, I felt a range of emotions - including anger. It is an uncomfortable read at times because it reveals the truth about sexual harassment and power games in the workplace. It is a joy as well because it is about love, friendship, and loyalty. This book is literary fiction and in no way fits the romance genre.
Best book I've read since I don't know when!
Although the novel has a dark hard edge to it at times, this is a wonderful coming-of-age story for Cassie Sleight (central character) and Mavis Mills (significant secondary character).
'In and Out of Step' traces the impact of role models from their most impressionable years on Cassie and Mavis. Cassie rejects the lifestyles and relationships of her parents and their friends and goes in search of a seaschange. She knows what she doesn't want but not what she seeks. A trauma in Cassie's teens hardens her resolve for a different life - the mystery behind that experience is revealed in the story. Bubbly and appealing, Mavis Mills accepts the relationship role models from her world. She goes boldly into it without being discerning.
Both women find their judgements and assumptions are flawed. Both women have much to learn about life and love. Music and dance are tightly woven into this story.
As a reader, I felt a range of emotions - including anger. It is an uncomfortable read at times because it reveals the truth about sexual harassment and power games in the workplace. It is a joy as well because it is about love, friendship, and loyalty. This book is literary fiction and in no way fits the romance genre.
Best book I've read since I don't know when!
November 29, 2017
I like stories that are entertaining and that have depth to them. If the story is anchored in the times in which it is set and provides insights into issues relevant in that time and now, all the better.
'In and Out of Step' is such a novel. Cassie and Mavis are wonderful real women and not just names on the page. They both have moving coming-of-age stories.
Imagine my delight when I discovered Knight was also exploring a really hot topic - sexual harassment and the culture that feeds it. I had such a wow! moment when I realised I was experiencing events in the same way that Cassie was. It was really insightful to see how an entrenched group of people could use language to exclude women or for that matter any minority group.
The story gets really tense as Cassie looks for a way to deal with a wolf-in-sheep's clothing. Previously I thought that type of disguise (based on cartoons I'd seen) was pretty easy to see through. Knight shows that it is not.
I won't say more other than 'In and Out of Step' is a must read, especially given all the sexual harassment scandals in the news around the world. 'In and Out of Step' gives you deep understanding of the issue and the culture. It has some pretty shabby men in the story - men who are products of their times and locker room mentality - but it has some great men too. My fav's: Michael, Gary, George, and Selton.
'In and Out of Step' is such a novel. Cassie and Mavis are wonderful real women and not just names on the page. They both have moving coming-of-age stories.
Imagine my delight when I discovered Knight was also exploring a really hot topic - sexual harassment and the culture that feeds it. I had such a wow! moment when I realised I was experiencing events in the same way that Cassie was. It was really insightful to see how an entrenched group of people could use language to exclude women or for that matter any minority group.
The story gets really tense as Cassie looks for a way to deal with a wolf-in-sheep's clothing. Previously I thought that type of disguise (based on cartoons I'd seen) was pretty easy to see through. Knight shows that it is not.
I won't say more other than 'In and Out of Step' is a must read, especially given all the sexual harassment scandals in the news around the world. 'In and Out of Step' gives you deep understanding of the issue and the culture. It has some pretty shabby men in the story - men who are products of their times and locker room mentality - but it has some great men too. My fav's: Michael, Gary, George, and Selton.
February 16, 2014
I received this book in a giveaway off goodreads. The book was based in the 1980's and had many views that the time period would. Overall, the book managed to keep me reading until the end, which is impressive as it was obviously a book for girls and I am a guy who normally doesn't read this kind of thing. The writing was well-paced and well-written consistantly throughout the book. This book is a book that I would definately recomend to a feminine audience. As a male, I thought that it contained a lot of biased opinions of men in the story, in the sense that there were 1 or 2 good men, and a dozen or so men who are made out to be abusers, rapists, or jerks in some way or another. Seeing as I was not born in that era, I have absolutely no idea what it was like, but I couldn't get over the fact that the men were portrayed so badly, most at least, throughout most of the book. The women were also always the innocent victims. Despite this complaint it was an interesting book that held my attention enough for me to finish it in a matter of a few nights. On another note, I really enjoyed the paper that the story was printed on... it was thick and felt good for a book.
I would give this book a 3.5 star rating, rounding up to 4
I would give this book a 3.5 star rating, rounding up to 4
October 29, 2014
I read this novel after 'Life Song'. It is not a prequel to 'Life Song' but is set in the township of Keimera and uses characters from 'Life Song'. I guess you could say the author flipped her main characters in book 1 and 2 - Cassie Sleight is the central character in 'In and Out of Step' and Mavis Mills is a secondary character.
This novel is a meaty one and is one of the few novels to accurately position the reader to feel what sexual harassment and workplace harassment is like. You get angry that women were treated that way. From what a friend of mine has said, women are still treated this way in some workplaces. That issue is a backdrop to the central themes of discovery and transformation.
I loved the author's use of dance and the way it was integrated into the story. It shows the therapeutic benefits of dance. I'd love to see this novel and 'Life Song' as mini series or movies.
The author vividly sets the scene without belabouring the description. Her characters read as authentic people and not imitations of them. I loved the integral brilliance of the 'invisible' people in the school -the cleaners and their role in the unravelling mystery.
A book of substance for sure and a writer whose work will endure.
This novel is a meaty one and is one of the few novels to accurately position the reader to feel what sexual harassment and workplace harassment is like. You get angry that women were treated that way. From what a friend of mine has said, women are still treated this way in some workplaces. That issue is a backdrop to the central themes of discovery and transformation.
I loved the author's use of dance and the way it was integrated into the story. It shows the therapeutic benefits of dance. I'd love to see this novel and 'Life Song' as mini series or movies.
The author vividly sets the scene without belabouring the description. Her characters read as authentic people and not imitations of them. I loved the integral brilliance of the 'invisible' people in the school -the cleaners and their role in the unravelling mystery.
A book of substance for sure and a writer whose work will endure.
September 21, 2017
A complex and rich story about Cassie Sleight and the world she lives in. That world is going through major change in the late 1980s as the power dynamic in gender relationships changes. The author creates a world where many women have big hair, where there are dance clubs, and sexual harassment is widespread in the workplace.
Cassie (the central character) and Mavis (an important secondary female character) are masterfully drawn. They emerge as real people and I cared about them both but for different reasons. Cassie is a deceptively courageous heroine.
Because Knight was exploring a culture that supports and fosters sexual harassment and related abuses, there are a number of men who represent that culture. There are also powerful positive portrayals of men too.
Cassie’s quiet and convincing story is told against backdrop of building tensions that come to head in the final 1/3 of the novel. I could not put it down. I was struck by the subtle foreshadowing throughout the novel. When I talked about the story with my mother, she said the 1980s workplace was a world where people were in and out of step with change. Sexual predators did eventually get unmasked.
I just loved this novel! I loved the unusual ending that was nonetheless satisfying.
Cassie (the central character) and Mavis (an important secondary female character) are masterfully drawn. They emerge as real people and I cared about them both but for different reasons. Cassie is a deceptively courageous heroine.
Because Knight was exploring a culture that supports and fosters sexual harassment and related abuses, there are a number of men who represent that culture. There are also powerful positive portrayals of men too.
Cassie’s quiet and convincing story is told against backdrop of building tensions that come to head in the final 1/3 of the novel. I could not put it down. I was struck by the subtle foreshadowing throughout the novel. When I talked about the story with my mother, she said the 1980s workplace was a world where people were in and out of step with change. Sexual predators did eventually get unmasked.
I just loved this novel! I loved the unusual ending that was nonetheless satisfying.
January 16, 2012
The cover on the back of this doesn't do justice to the book. The description said will Cassies pat choreograph her present? This doesn't really tell us about the book and it isn't that exciting making u want to read it. this book is a whole lot better than the back cover description really says. I like how Christine told the story and incorporated the relationship between the men and the woman. My favorite line in this book was when Christine said that Cassie needed to figure out the dance steps of life. There was one part in this book where a short period of time passed and I didn't know how much time had passed, what was happening, or how the characters had gotten to where they are. The book started to slow down and you started to get bored but Christine put in some echoing events to live it up. The ending was a little abrupt at first but afterwards you really thought that the ending was good and go you thinking about what really happened. Overall this book was an interesting read and I enjoyed it.
October 5, 2015
A fascinating study of the way childhood role models significantly shape the choices young women make with both positive and negative effects.
I shared this novel with my mother who had actually lived the years of chauvinism in the workplace form the 1960s to 1990s. Her reaction to the men was quite different from mine. She felt Knight portrayed the culture of chauvinism accurately and was impressed by the way Knight positioned readers to feel what life in such a culture as like. I've rated this book as 4 stars because I didn't like living via the characters in such a sexist period.
I did like Cassie's growth, the dance imagery, and the positive men: George, Gary, Michael, Selton, and Vander Huffen. Mum had great sympathy for Jake whose sex drive at sixteen - 20 years old go him into lots of trouble. Like Cassie he was shaped by his childhood role models. Mum and I had a heated discussion as to whether he could be excused or not.
Overall, Mum and I felt the story was compelling and socially relevant.
January 11, 2012
After reading:
A great, intricately woven story where absolutely everything in the plot matters. Read the opening poem carefully as that tells you the intent behind how this novel is constructed. The author uses contrasting views (subplots) on her themes to explore the novel's concerns. Importantly, 'In and Out of Step' is about the connections between people in workplace, social, and personal spheres and how they shape Cassie as a person. Overall, I found the novel to be a highly satisfyng and rich read!
Before reading:
I'm doing a buddy reading of this novel with a friend. We live in Australia.
From the title and the book cover, I think this story may be about how relationships change and why. The silhouettes suggest there is conflict between one or more male adolescents and the female character and a key male figure is in the background waiting. My questions before reading - who is he? what is he waiting for? why? How do these three figures 'fit' together?
A great, intricately woven story where absolutely everything in the plot matters. Read the opening poem carefully as that tells you the intent behind how this novel is constructed. The author uses contrasting views (subplots) on her themes to explore the novel's concerns. Importantly, 'In and Out of Step' is about the connections between people in workplace, social, and personal spheres and how they shape Cassie as a person. Overall, I found the novel to be a highly satisfyng and rich read!
Before reading:
I'm doing a buddy reading of this novel with a friend. We live in Australia.
From the title and the book cover, I think this story may be about how relationships change and why. The silhouettes suggest there is conflict between one or more male adolescents and the female character and a key male figure is in the background waiting. My questions before reading - who is he? what is he waiting for? why? How do these three figures 'fit' together?
October 26, 2015
A significant work of contemporary fiction that was very easy to read. I really enjoyed it. I loved Cassie's story and her evolution. The use of dance was very clever and artfully done.
I disagree with reviewers who say there weren't enough positive male characters. There were many such men (George, Gary, Selton, Van der Huffen, Michael, Coachman), but they were a product of their times. I don't believe you can write about that time without accurately portraying the attitudes of men and even women alive at that time - chauvinism and sexism was rampant but the majority of people didn't think of it as such. I was a young adult back then when the whole idea of sexist attitudes was new, and people resisted looking at gender relationships through that new lens.
This novel is so good it should be listed as reading at universities offering courses in Gender Studies and Women's Studies.
I disagree with reviewers who say there weren't enough positive male characters. There were many such men (George, Gary, Selton, Van der Huffen, Michael, Coachman), but they were a product of their times. I don't believe you can write about that time without accurately portraying the attitudes of men and even women alive at that time - chauvinism and sexism was rampant but the majority of people didn't think of it as such. I was a young adult back then when the whole idea of sexist attitudes was new, and people resisted looking at gender relationships through that new lens.
This novel is so good it should be listed as reading at universities offering courses in Gender Studies and Women's Studies.
December 5, 2017
I so enjoyed this novel I read it twice. It has a complex and layered plot and is a story of substance.
One of the subplot deals with sexual harassment and shows why it is hard to actually bring an end to it. The novel is entertaining and thought provoking. There are times when some of the action is confronting - not sexually but in terms of harassment and violence.
The novel is a bildungsroman narrative and deals with Cassie Sleight (the central character) and Mavis Mills (an important secondary character) formative years (from sixteen years) and their respective psychological and 'moral' growth.
As in real life, the central character interacts with a cast of characters from her work life, her social life, and her personal life. A handy character list is provided at the front of the novel.
This would make just the best of Aussie movies!!
One of the subplot deals with sexual harassment and shows why it is hard to actually bring an end to it. The novel is entertaining and thought provoking. There are times when some of the action is confronting - not sexually but in terms of harassment and violence.
The novel is a bildungsroman narrative and deals with Cassie Sleight (the central character) and Mavis Mills (an important secondary character) formative years (from sixteen years) and their respective psychological and 'moral' growth.
As in real life, the central character interacts with a cast of characters from her work life, her social life, and her personal life. A handy character list is provided at the front of the novel.
This would make just the best of Aussie movies!!
November 13, 2011
I received this book as a freebie from goodreads.
As I live on the south coast of NSW, I was looking forward to reading a book set in an area I'm familiar with. I found the storyline of domestic violence for Mavis was the most believable. For the main character, Cassie, I didn't really feel like the writing helped me to understand her. The relationship between the middle-aged couple Minna & George was one that could have been explored more as they sought to adjust to the changes of getting older and developing new roles.
Overall, I think there were too many characters and issues for the author to fully do justice to, but an enjoyable read.
As I live on the south coast of NSW, I was looking forward to reading a book set in an area I'm familiar with. I found the storyline of domestic violence for Mavis was the most believable. For the main character, Cassie, I didn't really feel like the writing helped me to understand her. The relationship between the middle-aged couple Minna & George was one that could have been explored more as they sought to adjust to the changes of getting older and developing new roles.
Overall, I think there were too many characters and issues for the author to fully do justice to, but an enjoyable read.
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