Reviews

The Lost Melody by Joanna Davidson Politano

kelseyjvg's review

dark mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Diverse cast of characters? No

2.5

jmschnepp's review

dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

The Lost Melody tells the story of concert pianist Vivienne Mourdant following her father's death. Vivenne learns that her father had a "ward" in Hurstwell Pauper Lunatic Asylum. She sends word inquiring of the ward, Rosamand Swansea. When inquires meet with resistance followed by dismissal, Vivienne applies for employment at the asylum. She is hired on as an aide, but eventually she becomes a patient in the asylum. All of the characters have their own story. 

Politano does a deep dive into the inhumane treatment of individuals who were deemed insane and those who get to decide what equates insanity in the late 1800s. This book joins the likes of Ten Days in a Madhouse and The Yellow Wallpaper in dealing with the issues of mental health - especially from a female perspective.

The characters were believable, and there are several who are God-fearing Christians, adding to the complexity of the story that seldom exists in other secular work. I enjoyed the book immensely. It is one that I will reread occasionally.

milica95's review

slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

1.75

rachelle_reads's review

emotional hopeful medium-paced

3.75

car3b3ar's review

dark emotional hopeful mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

tchaffs's review

dark hopeful mysterious tense medium-paced

3.5

swbowers's review against another edition

slow-paced

• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No

2.0

klingman's review

dark reflective sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No

3.5

emmyleepanda's review

mysterious slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

sheilasamuelson's review

adventurous challenging emotional hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Rating: 5 Stars!! 
Review: 
Thank you to Revell for sending me this FREE ARC COPY to review for them last year!! This was my first time reading a Novel by Joanna Davidson Politano so i wasnt sure what to expect but i have to say i really enjoyed this one. 

The Characters were so enjoyable and intriguing to read about. Vivienne and Cora were definately my favorites. Loved learning about their history. 

The Setting was beautifully described which made me feel like i was actually in 1886 Manchester, England especially when the scenery was described. 

Overall a Phenomenal Historical Fiction Novel about a pianiest tryng to find a woman she remembers from her childhood after her father's passing!!