Scan barcode
A review by jmschnepp
The Lost Melody by Joanna Davidson Politano
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.
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.