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A review by melissasbookshelf
The Lost Melody by Joanna Davidson Politano
5.0
“There is no such thing as hopeless cases. Only those who have lost hope.”
This book completely touched my soul. It’s a tragically beautiful journey into the darkest places yet offers a hopeful, positive message. The writing is absolutely breathtaking with its own musical prose. There were many scenes which caused me to weep and others where I anxiously anticipated a first kiss. It’s a Victorian mystery, inspirational drama, and romance all rolled into one, with characters who will completely capture your heart.
Set in 1886 England, famed concert pianist Vivienne Mourdant learns on her father’s death of a mysterious ward she vaguely remembers from childhood who’s kept at the Hurstwell Pauper Lunatic Asylum. When the asylum denies Rose’s existence, Vivienne goes undercover in search of her. But when she begins hearing music no one else can hear and receives mysterious notes, she begins to question her own sanity. As Vivienne navigates the asylum, she befriends the patients and a handsome yet troubled physician who struggles with his own grief and pain.
At first, I was unsure of the actual mental state of the heroine. Was she “mad” or the victim of a horrible misunderstanding? The author brilliantly illustrates the fine line between sanity and madness and gives the reader a jarring glimpse into the trapped feeling of Victorian age asylums where men and women were put away for convenience, greed, or medical conditions easily understood today.
Woven throughout is the power of music and its ability to lift and inspire, offering hope and a healing balm to the suffering. Each chapter begins with quotes ranging from Mozart to Wagner highlighting the struggle between “normalcy” and madness.
The characters are amazing and I grew to adore the inmates of the asylum, especially Bridget, Clara, and Anna. Their stories were heart wrenching. One of my favorite moments was when Vivienne was prompted to “wash her feet.” It was a powerful metaphor which brought me to tears and profoundly impacted me in remembering the need to listen to those promptings to help others. Though Vivienne is a prisoner herself, her light touches those around her. Her unique experiences bring understanding and healing for those who have been previously misunderstood or misdiagnosed.
The romance is inspiring and heart-achingly lovely. There are some definite villains in the story, yet the author manages to humanize them somewhat. While the setting and subject matter is at times dark, the power of light, hope, and faith, with a touch of romance make this book unforgettable with a little something for everyone. I was especially happy to see characters from Midnight Dance make an appearance in this book.
Highly recommend this must read favorite. Music lovers will especially enjoy this book. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review.
This book completely touched my soul. It’s a tragically beautiful journey into the darkest places yet offers a hopeful, positive message. The writing is absolutely breathtaking with its own musical prose. There were many scenes which caused me to weep and others where I anxiously anticipated a first kiss. It’s a Victorian mystery, inspirational drama, and romance all rolled into one, with characters who will completely capture your heart.
Set in 1886 England, famed concert pianist Vivienne Mourdant learns on her father’s death of a mysterious ward she vaguely remembers from childhood who’s kept at the Hurstwell Pauper Lunatic Asylum. When the asylum denies Rose’s existence, Vivienne goes undercover in search of her. But when she begins hearing music no one else can hear and receives mysterious notes, she begins to question her own sanity. As Vivienne navigates the asylum, she befriends the patients and a handsome yet troubled physician who struggles with his own grief and pain.
At first, I was unsure of the actual mental state of the heroine. Was she “mad” or the victim of a horrible misunderstanding? The author brilliantly illustrates the fine line between sanity and madness and gives the reader a jarring glimpse into the trapped feeling of Victorian age asylums where men and women were put away for convenience, greed, or medical conditions easily understood today.
Woven throughout is the power of music and its ability to lift and inspire, offering hope and a healing balm to the suffering. Each chapter begins with quotes ranging from Mozart to Wagner highlighting the struggle between “normalcy” and madness.
The characters are amazing and I grew to adore the inmates of the asylum, especially Bridget, Clara, and Anna. Their stories were heart wrenching. One of my favorite moments was when Vivienne was prompted to “wash her feet.” It was a powerful metaphor which brought me to tears and profoundly impacted me in remembering the need to listen to those promptings to help others. Though Vivienne is a prisoner herself, her light touches those around her. Her unique experiences bring understanding and healing for those who have been previously misunderstood or misdiagnosed.
The romance is inspiring and heart-achingly lovely. There are some definite villains in the story, yet the author manages to humanize them somewhat. While the setting and subject matter is at times dark, the power of light, hope, and faith, with a touch of romance make this book unforgettable with a little something for everyone. I was especially happy to see characters from Midnight Dance make an appearance in this book.
Highly recommend this must read favorite. Music lovers will especially enjoy this book. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review.