a book on a musician by a musician
I'm not normally a big fan of historical fiction but finding out that the author Wesley Stace is also the musician John Wesley Harding I thought I would give it a read.really glad I decided to, it's quite a good story told by the music critic Leslie Shepard,who befriends the up and coming composer Charles Jessold,it seems, at least to me, to mirror the opera Mr.Jessold was composing.The insights into the English society at that period of time, before the great war and after, were very interesting. The collecting and transcription of the folk songs of the countryside, the period during and after the war, all add to the authenticity of the story. But mostly it's the story of the rise and downward spiral of a musical genius by someone who knows. Give it a read, well worth the time.
Rated of 5
by Carole A. (Denver, CO)
An intimate view of music, murder and the creative life
Literature frequently offers a chance to voyeur through the lives of others. Wesley Stace certainly offers that activity throughout this novel. The initial chapter offers great promise. Several ensuring chapters are somewhat tedious; however, having read Misfortune, the promise of a good writer remained. If you slug through the Jessold novel does pick up and is its own reward.
Stace’s participation and knowledge of the musical world brings a vivid picture of the intrinsic ups and downs. The introspection and descriptions by the narrator are enlightening. The use of language, somewhat forgotten by many authors, is delightful and charming.
Not a mindless read for sure, but a thoughtful read that offered even more on the second reading. There is a plethora of research and avenues to offer a serious book club.
Rated of 5
by Rachel B. (Waynetown, IN)
Descriptive, rich and enjoyable. A touch slow in pace
I was immediately drawn into the question of whether this was a story about HOW the event described in the first pages came to pass, or if it was about how that event did not happen as described. Along the way, I enjoyed the passion for music that the author shared through his characters, as well as the subtle wit and humor throughout. The only thing that bothered me was that very often I found that the narrator's excessive descriptions and musings tended to bog down the rhythm and take me out of the story fairly often. A little streamlining would push this story from a 4 to a 5 for me.
Rated of 5
by Dona N. (San Rafael, CA)
Murder, Music and Mystery
This is a rare combination which makes for an intelligent work of historical fiction. Well developed characters, sharp dialog, and an exciting plot result in a well-paced story. An intriguing and unique mystery in a musical setting.
Rated of 5
by Deanna W. (Port Jefferson, NY)
Atonal Music - Atonal Plot
The story is set in the early 20th century. It deals with English Classical music set against a macabre and tragic tale of love and passion. As told by a first person narrator, the plot takes many twists and turns. However, the revelation of what really happened in the end was not that hard to predict.
Rated of 5
by Mary L. (Madison, MS)
Difficult Read
I received this book with much excitement. However, I struggled to read it. The plot was slow to develop. The book was written in the manner of speaking of Victorian England. It also had many references to opera and music that although I am fairly versed in this subject, I still had to look up the references. Once the plot finally gelled, I began to enjoy the book. (I read the ARC. I expect a good editor will tighten the plot). However, I was able to anticipate the plot twist. This book is a fair first attempt at a mystery. Any opera lover would enjoy this book just to gain a feel of English opera in Victorian England. up the references. Once the plot finally gelled, I began to enjoy the book.
Rated of 5
by Wendy E. (Mechanicsville, VA)
I Just Couldn't Embrace It
I wanted to like it. I certainly enjoyed the erudite language, the plentiful allusions and the premise -"music-club" men collecting authentic English songs before they were lost to time. This was a slow read. I was hoping for a more engaging mystery and a bit quicker pace. Sometimes that clever language and reference-rich prose became tiresome.
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of 5
by Gary R. (bolingbrook, IL)
of 5
by Deanna W. (Port Jefferson, NY)
