Scan barcode
brendanlambourne's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book, engaged from the very first page.
theconstantreader's review against another edition
4.0
This felt like an earnest and self-effacing account of teenage years spent striving. What Goldsworthy manages to achieve through ardent application of herself in spite of the temptations of cool, is pretty inspiring.
So many of the anecdotes were highly relatable and had me blushing as I recollected similar times in my life. Like when you test the waters of your own talent, only to have your feet placed gently back on the ground with some truth-telling about your limitations from the ones who love you most.
Despite being told that she would not be a concert pianist, Goldsworthy applied herself, not just in piano but all her studies, to prove that with hard work and focus, she could achieve it all. And she does, it’s a real treat to see the dividends pay off like they do for Goldsworthy. It’s a sweet reminder that life gets to be what you make it, that you get to be what you work for.
Since reading this book, it’s stuck with me and had me thinking: but what for? Did Goldsworthy make the right decisions for her? Were the accolades worth the lack of social connections? What matters in the end? Big questions, I know, but perhaps some commentary on these thoughts from Goldsworthy at the end and in retrospect, would have been interesting.
One thing to note is that the audio book is a totally cut down version of the printed book despite being listed as unabridged. I had got the audio to listen along while I read the physical copy and was really disappointed so beware! I’ve never had that happen before.
So many of the anecdotes were highly relatable and had me blushing as I recollected similar times in my life. Like when you test the waters of your own talent, only to have your feet placed gently back on the ground with some truth-telling about your limitations from the ones who love you most.
Despite being told that she would not be a concert pianist, Goldsworthy applied herself, not just in piano but all her studies, to prove that with hard work and focus, she could achieve it all. And she does, it’s a real treat to see the dividends pay off like they do for Goldsworthy. It’s a sweet reminder that life gets to be what you make it, that you get to be what you work for.
Since reading this book, it’s stuck with me and had me thinking: but what for? Did Goldsworthy make the right decisions for her? Were the accolades worth the lack of social connections? What matters in the end? Big questions, I know, but perhaps some commentary on these thoughts from Goldsworthy at the end and in retrospect, would have been interesting.
One thing to note is that the audio book is a totally cut down version of the printed book despite being listed as unabridged. I had got the audio to listen along while I read the physical copy and was really disappointed so beware! I’ve never had that happen before.
alexowens's review against another edition
5.0
A stunning memoir on the power of music, and that special connection between student and teacher. The way Anna talks about music, moving through her education composer by composer, captures the effervescent sparkle of music that I seldom see in literature, and captures the character and excitement and depths of the story of these pieces with magic. It’s also really inspiring to read a story that isn’t immediate mastery, of uncanny giftedness, but instead see this love of craft that’s challenged and channelled through so much hard work into the career Anna leads today. I’m looking forward to devouring more of Anna’s books soon!
sonjbean's review against another edition
4.0
Made me love piano even more. Also, because the author lives in Adelaide, I could picture perfectly everywhere she was describing! Including my work!
polyhy_14's review against another edition
4.0
Using exquisite language, Anna Goldsworthy describes the relationship over a number of years between her and her piano teacher. I was amazed at her ability to recall so many details of the conversations, but this woman was a truly remarkable person who went far beyond the teaching of notes and technique to open up a wonderful world of interpretation. I listened to the audio book, read by the author herself, which gave additional insight into the influence of this relationship and I came away feeling that it should be required reading for all serious students of the piano, as well as any who would seek to become music teachers.
bookpossum's review against another edition
4.0
A lovely book about a wonderful teacher and about growing up.
kimswhims's review against another edition
4.0
A beautifully written short memoir about the author's relationship with her eccentric Russian piano teacher. The author is an accomplished writer as well as an accomplished professional pianist.
This was fabulous as an audiobook, with some short piano pieces that accompany the chapters.
A lovely tribute to the woman who was instrumental in her musical education.
This was fabulous as an audiobook, with some short piano pieces that accompany the chapters.
A lovely tribute to the woman who was instrumental in her musical education.