RaveLibrary JournalEffectively translated by Kover, the narrative has a somewhat complex structure, but despite all the flashbacks, the story is not hard to follow, and the well-drawn characters readily gain readers’ sympathy ... Not only a significant contribution to our understanding of the Holocaust but a moving reflection on loss, memory, and the past, in equal measures heartwarming and heartrending. Highly recommended.
Jan Swafford
RaveLibrary JournalWithout resorting to technical terminology or offering musical illustrations, Swafford traces Mozart’s development from prodigy to mature composer, weaving together the events of Mozart’s life and the cultural milieu in which he worked ... The copious detail will appeal to musicologists, while the flowing, conversational style will draw in general readers who’d like to learn more about the composer. Heartily recommended to everyone with an interest in the subject.
Annik LaFarge
PositiveLibrary Journal... engaging ... Well recommended to anyone with an interest in Chopin, though those seeking a definitive study of the composer’s life and music are directed to Alan Walker’s Fryderyk Chopin: A Life and Times.
Ellen Feldman
RaveLibrary Journal... gripping ... vivid depictions of Paris in wartime ... Things are seldom as they seem in this engrossing tale of identity, survival, loyalty, and love. With frequent time shifts and dubious identities, the author adds considerable depth to her well-crafted tale. Recommended with enthusiasm to anyone with an interest in Paris at war and the much broader themes noted above.
Tomasz Jedrowski
RaveLibrary JournalGerman born of Polish parents, debut author Jedrowski here writes in English, and his lyrical prose reveals a complete command of the language. Readers who enjoy this impressive work will eagerly anticipate the author’s next book. Highly recommended for all who enjoy a tale of love under the most difficult circumstances.
Courtney Maum
RaveLibrary Journal... readable, well-organized ... Far from dry and dusty, this account is laced with humor not for its own sake but to make a point—eschewing \'perfectionism,\' Maum claims, \'bad writing is the only way you’re going to start writing well\' ... Highly recommended for anyone who thinks they have a book in them.
Nino Haratischvili, Trans. by Charlotte Collins and Ruth Martin
RaveLibrary JournalIf it’s a family saga you’re seeking, look no further than this grand tale, ably translated by Collins and Martin. The author gracefully interweaves the historical backdrop of her novel with the lives of her characters, thus adding depth to her story. Heartily recommended.
Jane Glover
PositiveLibrary JournalOne of the most intriguing aspects of this biography is Handel\'s relations with members of the British monarchy, who offered continuing financial support for his musical aspirations. Another strength is its description of the cultural and political setting in which Handel worked. Remarkably, there is hardly a mention of Handel\'s personal life, for instance, his attitude toward women or religion. Moreover, there is no commentary on Handel\'s opinion of the work of other composers, though Bach is noted in passing. Numerous usually Italian arias from Handel\'s operas are cited in the text but rarely translated ... Recommended for readers who wish to know more about Handel as an empresario for his own works.
Robin Wallace
RaveLibrary JournalBeethoven scholar Wallace...offers a probing examination of the artist\'s creative process and how he turned his hearing loss to his advantage ... The author deepens readers\' knowledge of Beethoven\'s artistic life while broadening their understanding of hearing and loss. Highly recommended.
