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Thursday, December 8, 2011

'Mozart's Last Aria' by Matt Rees (TLC Book Tour)


The news arrives in a letter to his sister, Nannerl, in December 1791. But the message carries more than word of Nannerl's brother's demise. Two months earlier, Mozart confided to his wife that his life was rapidly drawing to a close....and that he knew he had been poisoned. In Vienna to pay her final respects, Nannerl soon finds herself ensnared in a web of suspicion and intrigue-as the actions of jealous lovers, sinister creditors, rival composers, and Mozart's Masonic brothers suggest that dark secrets hastened the genius to his grave. As Nannerl digs deeper into the mystery surrounding her brother's passing, Mozart's black fate threatens to overtake her as well.
First thoughts after I finished: "I want to read more about Nannerl!"

I love books that make me feel as if I have a front row seat to the story and this one delivered in that aspect in every way. I love historical fiction, especially when the author finds such an interesting and real life person such as Nannerl. I hate to admit the fact that I didn't even realize that Mozart had a sister! My heart hurt for her knowing how much she sacrificed over the years. Her father forced her to put her own love and talent for music on the back burner. Instead, Mozart took front and center while she took care of their father until his death.  I loved her spirit and how she really became immersed into trying to find out the truth about her brother's death.

Recommend?  Nothing intrigues me more than true facts blended with fiction. I was totally immersed into this story and didn't want it to end. You should all know by now that I make a habit of reading "About the book or Afterwards" before diving into the story. I'm always glad that I do because it has really added to my enjoyment of the story. I did what the author suggested and listened to specially selected music. I think it really helped to put me into the mood and captured the time period perfectly. I highly recommend this book to lovers of music, intrigue, mystery and beautifully written historical fiction!

Author:Matt Rees

Matt Rees is an award-winning crime novelist and foreign correspondent. He is the author of the internationally acclaimed Omar Yussef crime series, including The Collaborator of Bethlehem. He is also the author of Cain’s Field, a nonfiction account of Israeli and Palestinian society. Matt lives in Jerusalem.
You can Matt at his website, www.mattrees.netread his blog, and follow him on Facebook and Twitter.
Source: TLC Book Tours and Harper Perennial
Genre: Historical Fiction
Pages: 303
Published:  2011
ISBN:
9780062015860

Disclaimer:Thank you to TLC Book Tours for sending me a review copy. I was not compensated for my review. My thoughts on this book were in no way influenced by the author or publicist.They are my personal reflections based solely on MYexperience while reading this novel.


© 2011, Staci of Life in the Thumb. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Life in the Thumb or Staci's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

27 comments:

  1. Sounds great, Staci. I'm a former music teacher (piano and vocal) and I've played plenty of Mozart. Adding it to the list!

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  2. Love your description ... front row seat to the story, I agree it's awesome when the author provides that. I think I'd love this one too :)

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  3. Now this is something I KNOW I would loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee to read!!!!! WOW!!! :):):):):):):):):):):)

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  4. I actually don't like facts blended with fiction unless the author appends a section telling which is which!

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  5. I love the book jacket but wanted to wait to see a few reviews before reading (I have so many books in my NetGalley right now).

    Like you, I love it when an author finds someone near a figure from the past and is able to tell a tale with such detail and emotion.

    So glad you loved this one, I will add it to my list.

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  6. I play piano and I love playing Mozart. I am sure I will love this book- thanks for the great review!

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  7. This totally sounds like my kind of book!

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  8. I usually wait to read the afterword and often wish I'd read it before the book. This book sounds wonderful.

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  9. This sounds like a wonderful read! I have read next to none when it comes to historical fiction this year and I've been in the mood for some lately. I'm off to add this one to my TBR list!

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  10. Glad to see you liked it a lot because I read one other review that was not too flattering. The cover alone really appeals to me and I too, like historical fiction.

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  11. Sounds absolutely wonderful. I'll be looking for this one! Great review Staci.

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  12. I was hoping you'd like this one! Must keep this in mind.

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  13. What a name! Nannerl?? LOL.

    I've read some mixed reviews on this one. Not sure it's for me.

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  14. The story sounds like a good one but that cover is gorgeous. That blue is amazing.

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  15. Glad you liked this one. It is sitting on my stacks. Mozart's Sister by Nancy Moser is good too.

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  16. I wish I had been on the tour for this one. My library has a copy so as soon as I finish with the one I'm reading I'll get this one out. I'm glad you enjoyed it - makes me more anxious to get to it.

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  17. Didn't know about the sister either. Nice review!

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  18. Wouldn't it be great if all book came with a recommended play list?

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  19. As a former music student this really speaks to me. I have played and heard many Mozart pieces. Putting this one on the list now! I never heard about his sister!

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  20. This sounds fantastic. I have a love for Mozart. I cannot imagine not reading this.

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  21. Historical fiction-Have you read already The Dovekeepers by Alice Hoffman? The story is of four extraordinary women based on the heroic/tragic resistance of the Jewish people in Masada year 70 CE against the Roman forces.Alice Hoffman writes in almost poetic,meditative language.I'm halfway in the novel.

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  22. I am very curious about this book. I am glad you enjoyed it!

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  23. I love historical fiction especially when its about an artist or composer. Added it to my christmas wish list.

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  24. I love that you got so into this book. I think the music must add an entirely new dimension to it and I hope other readers follow your example and check it out!

    Thanks for being a part of the tour. I'm featuring your review on TLC's Facebook page today.

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  25. Adding this one to my wishlist! Sounds fabulous, love historical fiction and listening to music that goes with the theme of the book sounds wonderful! Great review!

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  26. I had a music appreciation teacher (when I finished my degree a few years ago) who spent about three weeks telling us about Mozart's life and music. So I know a wee bit about Nannerl and the family dynamics. Mozart is one of my favorites, and his music conjures up such emotions for me. Glad this one does not disappoint and gave you an in-depth look at Mozart.

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