Welcome

Hi! I'm Robyn Bavati and I write novels for teens. My debut novel, Dancing in the Dark, was first published by Penguin Australia in 2010, and was released in the US on February 8th, 2013. My next book, Pirouette, will be out in November.

When not writing, I love visiting schools, libraries and community centres to discuss my work and/or conduct writing workshops.

If you'd like me to come to your school, judge a competition, attend a literature festival, or answer interview questions on your blog, please contact me.

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Latest News

Since its release in the US earlier this year, Dancing in the Dark has received some lovely reviews. Here's one of my favourites:

"What if the very thing you were passionate about were forbidden by your family? This is the conundrum that Ditty Cohen has to face. Coming from an ultra-Orthodox Jewish family, she is expected to go to school and synagogue until she is old enough to be married and start a family. However, when she discovers ballet on TV, she knows she was born to do much more, and the story follows her from the time she is 12 until she is 17. Forced to keep her dancing lessons a secret from her disapproving family, she begins to wonder which is more important: passion or faith.

The author gives an in-depth look at one aspect of Orthodox Judaism and how it can affect families. Although the religion plays a large role in the plot, Ditty’s inspiring story will resonate with many people. It’s an insightful look into the hardships that some young people must endure to find themselves, even at the risk of leaving everything they know behind. The theme of making sacrifices in order to pursue a dream is a universal one. An excellent debut novel."

–Kimberly Castle-Alberts, Hudson Library & Historical Society, OH (School Library Journal)

Publishers Weekly called Dancing in the Dark "a subtle first novel about family loyalties and individuality" and "an intriguing glimpse into a singular culture".

Clear Eyes, Full Shelves says: "Ditty's story explores universal themes and questions presented in a thoughtfully-written book that left me thinking about the many choices we make in life, why we make them, and what results."

For more reviews from 2013, visit Goodreads.

Quote of the Week

“The two most engaging powers of an author are to make new things familiar, and familiar things new.”

                                                                                                            Samuel Johnson