Mozart's Sister - Lacking in depth
The book was generally well written, but got a bit boorish. Because I knew nothing of Nannerl Mozart when I started the book (I didn't even know Wolfgang had a sister), I found the first half quite appealing. I like the way Charbonnier moved between the narrative and the letters. However, about midway through I tired of her constant repeating that poor Nannerl was gypped out of her own life and success by an overly chauvinistic father who forced her to give up her dreams and ambitions to help secure her brother’s rightful place in the musical world. I was hoping for more real depth into Nannerl’s life, not just a sob story.
Rated of 5
by Laura (Wheeling IL)
Mozat's sister
This historical fiction is of high interest as the subject is one that is not well known. Yet the writing does not allow the reader to feel the richness of that era of history. We see little of the history of the times, save for the music. And even that is sketchy. Mozart is depicted as a spoiled child/boy/man and his brilliance is masked in silly episodes. Yet I wanted to keep reading as the story line drew me in. At times, though, I felt that I was reading someone's thesis paper with a little action thrown in. I would recommend this book for a beach read but little else.
Rated of 5
by Marcia (Batavia IL)
Lacked details & historical facts of the period
I was very excited to review this book as it deals with a subject that I am not familiar with. I felt that the first half of the book moved along very slowly, almost boring. At times it was confusing and hard to follow. The book seemed to lack the details and historical facts of the period. The characters seemed to be underdeveloped. However, the final third of the book did pick up and become more interesting and I finally learned more about Nannerl in her final years. On the whole, I found Mozart's Sister to be disappointing.
Rated of 5
by Kathy (Richmond VA)
it won me over!
Initially, I was a little bored by and with Mozart's Sister, but about 2/3 of the way through, it began to come alive for me. Although some aspects of the narrative wrapped up a little too conveniently, I found myself enjoying the last 1/3 of the book. I must say I might've given up on it, had I not committed to a review! Some of the characters could have been more fleshed out, and I found one or two scenarios/plot points to be overly contrived. A solid 3 for sure. I will be interested in reading other reviews when the book is released.
Rated of 5
by Cecilia (Burlington VT)
Mozart's Sister
I looked forward to reading what I thought would be a fascinating story of Nannerl Mozart's life but was disappointed in this rather sketchy, melodramatic book. It read like a romance novel with undeveloped characters and little depth. It does impart some broad general knowledge of the period but little is learned of the Mozart family's history, motivations, etc. However, the story will spark an interest in further reading and research on the topic.
Rated of 5
by Liz (Morristown NJ)
Mozart's Sister
I was really looking forward to reading this book because I love historical fiction. I found this novel to be a bit boring. I prefered the first half of the book to the second. I was torn between pity and annoyance towards Nannerl when her father shunned her and set her aside to Wolfgang. It was hard for me to feel sorry for her when she was so bitter. I was glad that she renewed her passion for music at the end of the book. Overall, I probably would not have finished the book if I did not have to give a review.
Rated of 5
by Lenora (Altoona FL)
Review of Mozart's Sister
A book about a dysfunctional family, scandals, true love and music. Lots and lots of music. Sad that women have come so far and how little has changed.
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of 5
by Jan (Saratoga CA)
