The book goes back and forth between reality and fantasy. The telling is inspired with crystalline images from the fantasy world and interesting historical details of Mozart’s time. I was fascinated by the main characters, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and his older sister,
Maria Anna Walburga Ignatia Mozart.( nicknamed Woferl and Nannerl ). Although I love fantasy, the main fantasy character, Hyacinth never really convinced me. The strength of the book is Nannerl’s story; her struggle and dreams. The fact that it’s based on a true story and that she represents women today who are still trapped and marginalized is heartbreaking. It’s hard to grasp that the brilliance of Mozart’s music would never be known if he had been born female as his talented sister was.
SP 7-14-20