16 Oct 2017

LIFE UNFINISHED.

LIFE UNFINISHED by MARTIN WHITE.

BACK COVER BLURB ...

Franz Schubert - genius and ladies' man ... or a composer whose dark secrets play out against the background of Metternich's police state.

FIRST SENTENCE ...


August 1797

It is a world full of woes.

- Part 1: Chapter 1 .. Cradle Song.

MEMORABLE MOMENT ...


He returns to his place in the score, where the opening is now repeated, but in shockingly varied form. Fortissimos speak an angry defiance at the doom which the music postulates, and the single solitary dotted figure takes on a new and sinister identity, self replicating into a serpent's tail of bitter obsession, disrupting the steady rhythm of the opening theme and its reply.

- Page 166

SOURCE ...

Having read/reviewed another of the author's books, To Catch The Conscience Of The King, I was delighted to accept a copy of this.

READ FOR ...

Not applicable.

MY THOUGHTS ...

Shortlisted for the Daniel Goldsmith Associates First Novel Prize 2016 ...

Whilst I can't say I was drawn to the era nor indeed the characters of Life Unfinished in the same way I was with the author's To Catch The Conscience Of The King .. nothing to do with the book itself and everything to do with the fact that I simply have more of an interest in the period in which the latter  is set .. the very penmanship with which the author writes makes it a winner in my eyes.

A fictionalised account into the life of Franz Schubert. Whilst I cannot claim to know much about the man, such is the authority (and passion) with which Martin White writes that this is one of those books that feels authentic, that left me wondering just where fact ended and fiction began.

A novel in which you can really get into the character 'warts and all'. I was slightly concerned that it might be too musical an account. But, whilst we do get to experience Schubert's musicality, it was the insight into his life overall; his relationships, his sexuality, that kept me reading way past my bedtime.


15 comments:

Shooting Stars Mag said...

I'm glad to hear that you really enjoyed this one. It's not one I'd heard of!

-Lauren
www.shootingstarsmag.net

Kelly said...

Having studied piano for a number of years growing up, I'm certainly familiar with Schubert, but not in any detail. I wasn't sure about this at first, but your compelling review has me putting it on my wish list.

Gina said...

Sounds like it is well written, though outside my own interests. I'm certainly glad it struck a chord with you!

Brian Joseph said...

I also do not know much about the life of Franz Schubert. The book does sound good. I would probably want to find out more about his real life before reading it though.

Melissa (Books and Things) said...

Oh I like books like this one. I'm always curious about historical artistic figures. Always makes me curious.

Natasha said...

Oh this sounds so interesting! Definitely one to add to my list. I love it when books like these really delve into their lives and keep you hooked, and from your review it sounds like this does just that. Great review as always Tracy. - Tasha

Mary (Bookfan) said...

I have a degree in music so this really appeals to me. Placing it on my TBR list. Thanks for sharing!

Yvonne @ Fiction Books Reviews said...

Hi Tracy,

This definitely wouldn't be one for me, having checked out some of the author's other work, as compelling as it sounds.

This is one of those occasions when fact and fiction should work independently and the book come dpwn firmly in either in one genre or the other.

However I do like both the title and cover of the book and of course I am pleased that you enjoyed it :)

Yvonne

Suko said...

Tracy, I'm glad you enjoyed this book about Franz Schubert, and that it seemed authentic.

Kimberly @ Caffeinated Reviewer said...

I must say, I enjoyed the memorable moment.

Anonymous said...

Tracy,
Your excellent review struck a
chord with me, as well as that
I appreciated your memorable moment.
I love Franz Schubert's music and
many years ago I saw a television
series about him which was rather
grim. But I will add this book to
my list. And thank you for your
kind comment on my blogpost.
Raven

DMS said...

This sounds very interesting. So glad to hear you enjoyed it so much! Thanks for sharing. :)
~Jess

Barbara said...

I agree with Jess, it does sound interesting and I've added it to my list. Have a lovely week Tracy.

Literary Feline said...

I am not too familiar with Schubert admittedly, but this book does sound interesting. I bet it is one my mother-in-law would really enjoy in particular.

Nina said...

I haven't heard of this book before, but it sounds very interesting.
Have a great week!