Mozart's Sister ( Lost In Translation)
I have enjoyed this book enormously, but not because of outstanding or even good writing. The characters and the story are fascinating, so those two things kept me going. I had difficulty relating to the dialogue of the young people. It seemed way too formal, too adult...but maybe they were so outstanding that they really spoke that way...or maybe the author's true version was "lost in translation".
Rated of 5
by Anna (Auburn AL)
Should appeal to a variety of book clubs
Charbonnier's first attempt at a novel is a good, if somewhat uneven one. The unevenness may be more a function of the translation than of the author's art and skill. In spite of that, I enjoyed the book very much and found the events described to be faithful to what we know of the events of "Nannerl's" life. The book should appeal to a wide variety of book clubs, especially those interested in music and/or women's issues.
Rated of 5
by Betty (Jasper GA)
Long Name, Short Career
I have been interested in the life of genius composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart ever since seeing the movie "Amadeus" several years ago. This novel about the life of his sister, Maria Anna Walburga Ignatia Mozart, sheds new light on the Mozart family.
Fraulein Mozart (Nannerl to the family) had musical talent very nearly equal to that of her illustrious brother. Modern readers will be incensed at Herr Mozart's unilateral decision that Nannerl must give up her dreams of developing her talent and become a music teacher to support the family while the favored son, Wolfgang, develops and displays his talents in the capitals of Europe.
This book is an easy read and presents insight into the lives of a middle class family in Eighteenth Century Europe. The only quibble I have is with some awkward phrasing which may stem from the translation of the work into English from the Italian.
Rated of 5
by Catherine (Nashua NH)
Mozart, Dad, Mom and I or the dysfunctional family
I discovered Mozart the brother, the child, the man completely different from Mozart the musical genius and the picture is far from a nice one. Despite a very unorganized story, I did enjoy the book. As for Mrs. Charbonnier, I would say "talented writer but can do better".
Rated of 5
by Virginia (Forest Park IL)
Mozart's Sister
I enjoyed the book. While I found it slow to start, all of a sudden I found myself absorbed by Nannerl's life and then the story was over. The book made me want to find out more about Nannerl and her relationship with her brother -- though I'm sure it was similar to all siblings today: a love/hate relationship.
I think this book would do very well as a book club selection.
Rated of 5
by Kim (Branchville NJ)
Mozart's Sister
I enjoyed reading this book, although parts were a bit difficult to get through. The beginning of the book was interesting, watching the interplay of the siblings and their growing knowledge of music. The middle of the book was more difficult to get through, as Nannerl, the main character, becomes quite boorish and the action slows down considerably. Things pick up in the end of the book, however, making it worth while to finish.
Rated of 5
by Stephanie (Prattville AL)
Complex female character
Part history, part romance, part coming-of-age, Mozart's Sister describes the difficulty Nannerl has growing up in the shadow of her larger-than-life younger brother. Whether we sympathize with Nannerl or are frustrated with her stubbornness, we are drawn along anxious to know whether she will find happiness in herself or forever be a victim of a society that oppressed her because she was a girl. The novel has an interesting structure, some told in letters, some told in prose, and parts are given names of musical movements. The musical passages are descriptive and almost bring the music alive. I would highly recommend this novel to any reading group because there is much to discuss in the complex character of Nannerl.
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by Alice (Sacramento CA)
