This was such a weird mix of genres but I absolutely loved it. I can truly say I have never read another book like this, because even though it is historical fiction, no other historical fiction is like this, and even though it is fantasy, no other fantasy is like this. I have never read another book that mixes these genres so seamlessly and effortlessly into such a beautiful story.
I did not know that the famous Mozart had a sister until I heard about this book, but I was inspired to do a little research about her. It’s true that she was just as talented as he was and that she likely composed as well, but because she was a girl she never became famous like her brother. It is also true that the Mozart children invented a fantasy world to entertain themselves with on their long journeys between performances.
This incredible book combines those two amazing truths and brings them to life. It brings to life Nannerl, who wanted to play music AND write it AND be remembered for her work. It imagines her jealousy of her brother, who was getting the recognition she wanted for the simple fact that he was a boy, and who may have even gotten recognition for her compositions. And it brings to life the Kingdom of Back, the fantasy world that Nannerl and her brother visit. The transition between the two worlds was so subtle and effortless that sometimes I barely even noticed that a chapter began in the real world and ended in the fantasy world. I was wary about the fantasy elements because they just didn’t seem to go with this real life historical context, but it just worked so well.
I actually loved the storyline as well, not just the idea of the story. I loved following Nannerl and Woferl through their musical performances, and I thought the brother/sister relationship was portrayed so excellently. Nannerl loved her brother but also resented him. I also loved the storyline in the Kingdom, how it so slowly developed into something I was not expecting.
I am so interested in Nannerl Mozart now after reading this. I’m so glad that she is getting some recognition through stories like this, although we may never know for sure whether we have actually heard her music or not. I definitely want to read more stories about her that are based in a little more truth than this one. But I absolutely loved every minute of this book and think it was brilliant.
I did not know that the famous Mozart had a sister until I heard about this book, but I was inspired to do a little research about her. It’s true that she was just as talented as he was and that she likely composed as well, but because she was a girl she never became famous like her brother. It is also true that the Mozart children invented a fantasy world to entertain themselves with on their long journeys between performances.
This incredible book combines those two amazing truths and brings them to life. It brings to life Nannerl, who wanted to play music AND write it AND be remembered for her work. It imagines her jealousy of her brother, who was getting the recognition she wanted for the simple fact that he was a boy, and who may have even gotten recognition for her compositions. And it brings to life the Kingdom of Back, the fantasy world that Nannerl and her brother visit. The transition between the two worlds was so subtle and effortless that sometimes I barely even noticed that a chapter began in the real world and ended in the fantasy world. I was wary about the fantasy elements because they just didn’t seem to go with this real life historical context, but it just worked so well.
I actually loved the storyline as well, not just the idea of the story. I loved following Nannerl and Woferl through their musical performances, and I thought the brother/sister relationship was portrayed so excellently. Nannerl loved her brother but also resented him. I also loved the storyline in the Kingdom, how it so slowly developed into something I was not expecting.
I am so interested in Nannerl Mozart now after reading this. I’m so glad that she is getting some recognition through stories like this, although we may never know for sure whether we have actually heard her music or not. I definitely want to read more stories about her that are based in a little more truth than this one. But I absolutely loved every minute of this book and think it was brilliant.