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ambernh1984's review
4.0
Not a book I would have ever chosen for myself, however it came in my Once Upon a Book Club Box, so I read it. I enjoyed it much more than I thought I would! I loved many of the characters and felt as though I was always rooting for the underdog.
hugbandit7's review
5.0
This book is one that touched my soul. Despite the dreariness of the setting, it is inspirational and uplifting.
I love well told historical novels, and this one is no exception. While based on some facts, such as who was put into asylums and why, it is purely fictional. I have read several books that are set in asylums, and it is heartbreaking to think of how they were treated, or not treated, 100+ years ago. People were often put into asylums for things that the doctors didn't understand, such as depression, epilepsy, and so much more. But that is how things were in the 1800s; medicine was still evolving.
In this story, we meet Vivienne, a concert pianist, who has just lost her father and discovered that there wasn't much left of his estate except for someone named Rose, that was in the Hurstwell Asylum, and he was paying for her care. But attempts to discover who this person is and why her father was paying for her care were met with opposition from the staff. They claimed they had no idea who she was talking about. This leads Vivienne to go undercover to uncover the truth. What she finds is deplorable, and things continue to go south for her when she is locked up as a patient in this asylum.
There are so many inspirational characters that, despite their situation, continue to be a beacon of light for Vivienne and those around them. They lift each other up in times of despair and sorrow and want what is best for everyone. Other characters are closed-minded, and I think they have become frustrated with the job, which is understanding. The conditions are deplorable, and because of the century, modern medicine is not ready for all of these issues.
What fascinated me was the beginnings of music therapy in this story. Music touches everyone's soul in one form or fashion, and it was heartwarming to see how it opened up some of the patients they thought to be a lost cause. Music is in everything. We just have to be open to hearing it.
There is even a little bit of romance in this novel. Because of the era, it is very mild, but we see a relationship developing between Vivienne and Dr. Turner. Will it continue, or is it two people caught in a situation that holds them hostage for different reasons?
This book held me captive, and I did not want to put it down or the book to end. There is so much growth due to the situations that the characters were embroiled in that it might make one take a look at their own life.
We give this book 5 paws up.
I love well told historical novels, and this one is no exception. While based on some facts, such as who was put into asylums and why, it is purely fictional. I have read several books that are set in asylums, and it is heartbreaking to think of how they were treated, or not treated, 100+ years ago. People were often put into asylums for things that the doctors didn't understand, such as depression, epilepsy, and so much more. But that is how things were in the 1800s; medicine was still evolving.
In this story, we meet Vivienne, a concert pianist, who has just lost her father and discovered that there wasn't much left of his estate except for someone named Rose, that was in the Hurstwell Asylum, and he was paying for her care. But attempts to discover who this person is and why her father was paying for her care were met with opposition from the staff. They claimed they had no idea who she was talking about. This leads Vivienne to go undercover to uncover the truth. What she finds is deplorable, and things continue to go south for her when she is locked up as a patient in this asylum.
There are so many inspirational characters that, despite their situation, continue to be a beacon of light for Vivienne and those around them. They lift each other up in times of despair and sorrow and want what is best for everyone. Other characters are closed-minded, and I think they have become frustrated with the job, which is understanding. The conditions are deplorable, and because of the century, modern medicine is not ready for all of these issues.
What fascinated me was the beginnings of music therapy in this story. Music touches everyone's soul in one form or fashion, and it was heartwarming to see how it opened up some of the patients they thought to be a lost cause. Music is in everything. We just have to be open to hearing it.
There is even a little bit of romance in this novel. Because of the era, it is very mild, but we see a relationship developing between Vivienne and Dr. Turner. Will it continue, or is it two people caught in a situation that holds them hostage for different reasons?
This book held me captive, and I did not want to put it down or the book to end. There is so much growth due to the situations that the characters were embroiled in that it might make one take a look at their own life.
We give this book 5 paws up.
allison_on_a_book_break's review against another edition
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
foundfiber's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
I received this book from my Once Upon Book subscription and didn’t realize it was classified as Christian fiction. Kind of surprised they would make that choice. Not something I would normally pick up or gravitate towards. For me that takes down the rating.
suvata's review against another edition
5.0
#StoryGraph: fiction historical romance dark emotional reflective
384 pages • first pub 2022
#OUABC Once Upon A Book Club December 2022 (Custom Edition)
This edition includes:
384 pages • first pub 2022
#OUABC Once Upon A Book Club December 2022 (Custom Edition)
This edition includes:
mtnest's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
gretchenlouise's review
5.0
The Lost Melody is a story of light shining in darkness. It is a story set in the darkest of places—a Victorian asylum—and yet as the chapters came, it became truly hopeful, as well.
Resplendent with musical references, The Lost Melody is not just the story of a pianist, a musician. It also provides a glimpse into the history of music therapy.
Reminiscent of George MacDonald’s works, The Lost Melody is a book of contrasts: in characters, in scenes, in architecture, even in temperature.
While not a light read, The Lost Melody is a powerfully thought-provoking tale. Well-done, Joanna Davidson Politano!
Content Warning: the themes of mental illness and the setting of the asylum make this book a more difficult read.
Resplendent with musical references, The Lost Melody is not just the story of a pianist, a musician. It also provides a glimpse into the history of music therapy.
Reminiscent of George MacDonald’s works, The Lost Melody is a book of contrasts: in characters, in scenes, in architecture, even in temperature.
While not a light read, The Lost Melody is a powerfully thought-provoking tale. Well-done, Joanna Davidson Politano!
Content Warning: the themes of mental illness and the setting of the asylum make this book a more difficult read.
maggie56's review
1.0
I couldn't even finish it.
Moved slowly and was unable to see where the plot was going.
First time ever.
Moved slowly and was unable to see where the plot was going.
First time ever.
kaylalivingston's review
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0