The Four Temperaments

More about the book

In this captivating tale, a father and son, both married, become enamored with the same enchanting ballerina. Oscar Kornblatt, a seasoned first violinist with the New York City Ballet, becomes spellbound by Ginny Valentine, a dancer who stands out among the corps de ballet. When his wife Ruth is away, Oscar invites Ginny to his Upper West Side apartment, and they embark on a brief but intense affair. Despite its end, Oscar's feelings for Ginny persist. He invites her to Thanksgiving dinner, where she meets his eldest son, Gabriel, who is home from San Francisco. Gabriel, married to a beautiful yet unstable woman, finds himself drawn to Ginny as well. As family ties begin to unravel, Ruth takes drastic actions to protect her most cherished possession: her granddaughter, Isobel. Set against the glamorous backdrop of the New York City Ballet, the narrative delves into the complexities of love and marriage. Through its vivid characters, the story reveals how desires can disrupt lives in unexpected ways. With masterful storytelling, Yona Zeldis McDonough weaves a powerful and emotionally charged tale of two affairs, exploring the tumultuous nature of human relationships.