Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is known the world over for his compositions during the classical period of music. He was a child prodigy, composing music at age five. What many people do not know is that his sister, Maria Anna, affectionately known as Nannerl, was also a child prodigy. Nannerl learned how to play the harpsichord at age seven, and often went on tour with Wolfgang.
While on their travels, Nannerl and Wolfgang invented stories about an imaginary place called the “Kingdom of Back”. Marie Lu’s newest book, The Kingdom of Back, is based on these stories the child prodigies told to one another while traveling for musical performances.
Lu’s story is told from Nannerl’s perspective. Nannerl, a child prodigy in her own right, only wants her music and compositions to be remembered forever. Since she is a female living in 18th century Austria, composing is forbidden. Young ladies do not compose music; they are subservient to their fathers and husbands. Her father, Leopold Mozart, has made it quite clear that her time as a performer is limited. Once she reaches marriageable age, her music career will be over. Nannerl’s brother, Wolferl, also takes up music lessons with their father. He too, is a musical prodigy. As the years pass by, Nannerl sees that there will only be one Mozart remembered forever. Wolfrel’s talents soon surpass her own, making him the star of the Wolfgang family. One day, Nannerl makes a wish for her and her music to be remembered forever. Upon making this wish, a strange, otherworldly boy appears to her, with promises of fulfilling her wish. All she has to do is help him reclaim the throne of the Kingdom of Back by completing a series of tasks. If Nannerl helps this strange boy, all her dreams will come true—but at what cost?
The Kingdom of Back is a haunting tale. Maria Anna and her brother, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, really invented an imaginary place called the “Kingdom of Back”. Marie Lu does an excellent job of expanding the story of these siblings, giving a unique insight to their early lives. The characters are very relatable. They struggle with doing what is right, and what is easy. Marie Lu provides insight into a lovely sibling relationship as well. The beginning of the book is a bit slow, but the last 1/4 is truly beautiful. Toward the end, I found myself weeping for all the Nannerls of the world; women who were denied their place in history just because of their gender. If you enjoy historical fiction and dark fantasy, this book is worth checking out.
Availability: Book; eBook in cloudLibrary; eAudiobook in cloudLibrary
Rating: **** Stars (I really liked it) Reviewer: Katie, Reference Librarian
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The Kingdom of Back
GENRE: Historical Fantasy THEME: Be Careful What You Wish For ("I wish for a million bucks!" *sounds of hooves and disgruntled animals in all directions* -- Genies have to amuse themselves somehow.); Faerie Realm (The land of the immortal fae, other and apart from the human world, is a setting in these tales, though the heroes might not cross over into it.)
WRITING STYLE: Compelling; Well-Researched TONE: Moving TIME PERIOD: 18th Century LOCATION: Austria; Europe SUBJECTS: Brothers & Sisters; Composers; Consequences; Fairies; Faustian Bargains; Imaginary Kingdoms; Magic; Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart; Musicians; Teenage Girl Musicians; Women's Role
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