The Belly Dancer
reissued March 6, 2012
ISBN-13: 978-0425246566
Berkley Books
Mass-market paperback
A scandal
that shocks a nation…
A passion
that transforms a woman…
At the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, the modern, the
exotic, and the ground-breaking collide as exhibitions from all corners
of the globe draw millions of spectators. But Dora Chambers has more
pressing matters to consider.
Dora has hopes to begin a
long-dreamed-of life of wealth and privilege in
But Dora's sensibilities are not so
easily flustered by the dancers. She finds herself captivated by these
exotic women, and by their enigmatic manager, Hossam Farouk, who makes
his mistrust of her known--although his lingering glances hint at
something else.
As Dora's eyes are opened to the world
beyond her own oppressive life of social expectations and quiet
servitude, she finds the courage to break free of her self-imposed
bondage, and discover the truth about the desire and passion in her own
heart.
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EXTRAS
Reading Group Questions | Recipes | Playlists | Etc.
Historical Photos from the 1893 Chicago World's Fair
What Belly Dancing Looked Like Circa 1890
Travel article on New Orleans that appeared in Orange Coast magazine
REVIEWS & QUOTES
“Whew, this book has it all! … As young women, as experienced women, as a dancer – you will love this book!” (The Chronicles magazine, summer 2009 )
“A great summer read” (Orange Coast magazine, July 2009 issue)
“very enjoyable” (Devourer of Books blog)
“THE BELLY DANCER is a must-read for everyone who was ever tempted to
peek under the tent when the dancing girls came to town. Cameron brings
the Chicago World’s Fair to life in a richly woven tale of scandal,
seduction and the dance that has captivated audiences for centuries.”
~Anne Thomas
Soffee, author of Snake Hips:
Belly Dancing and How I Found True Love
“I enjoyed The Belly Dancer. Pour yourself something to drink, pull up a comfy chair and settle in for a weekend of pleasurable reading.” (The Printed Page blog)
“Depicts with accuracy and sympathy the very real plight of women in 19th century America … intriguing.” (Publishers Weekly)
“The characters in this novel will dance right off the page and into
your imagination! Cameron’s representation of late nineteenth century
Chicago is rich and evocative, and the whispered echoes of old New
Orleans in Dora’s fragmented memory left me hoping this author goes
there with her next novel.”
~Brenda
Rickman Vantrease, bestselling author of
The Illuminator and
The Mercy Seller
“A beautifully written page-turner with characters that leap off the
page, THE BELLY DANCER transports readers into an exotic and sensual
world within a world, as plucky but initially naïve Dora Chambers fights
Chicago society’s conventions and her husband’s indifference to
discover, in the thrall of the Egyptian Theatre, a passion beyond her
wildest dreams. Will she risk security and society’s approval to live
what many would think a dissolute life? Cameron keeps us guessing until
the end. I love it … (and picked up a few useful tips about seduction in
the process!).
~Lynette
Brasfield, author of Booksense pick
Nature Lessons: A Novel
“I just finished reading DeAnna Cameron’s THE BELLY DANCER. What a
fantastic read! Cameron’s protagonist, Dora Chambers, must perform a
tension-filled balancing act between the two very different worlds in
which she finds herself. The socially restrictive sphere of Chicago high
society and the wondrously sensuous environment of Cairo Street and the
Egyptian Theatre at the Chicago World’s Fair of 1893 are brought to
vivid life here. This is a cleverly plotted story in which the worlds of
belly dancers and Lady Managers collide, forever altering the way Dora
defines herself. THE BELLY DANCER kept me riveted, turning the pages
right to the climactic close.”
~Natasha
Bauman, author of The Disorder of
Longing
“[w]ith a strong and vibrant picture of the era and a feminist approach to history, Cameron makes statements about women's rights and society's constraints.” (Romantic Times BOOK Review magazine, four stars, July 2009 )
Selected as a Cover Attraction at The Printed Page blog.
OTHER VERSIONS
Trade
Paperback
Berkley Books
ISBN: 0425227782
Published July 2009
