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bookishreia 's review for:
The Kingdom of Back
by Marie Lu
This book? Four words: I am in love
I remember hearing about this book, and was even more thrilled to hear it was written by the wonderful Marie Lu! I've only read her Legend trilogy (which, btw, I definitely recommend) and already, her writing had me shook!
But this . . . this is one of the first historical fictions I have ever read! And, already? Definitely my favourite. The writing? The dynamic? The story? The concept . I'm sorry I must say this is all chef's kiss and this opinion will definitely remain . . . forever and ever and ever.
Nannerl Mozart is a powerful character, with opinions and perspectives that are simply unwelcomed in the 18th century world she has grew up in. Already at eight years old, she wishes to be worthy. "Make them remember me." . This phrase was repeatedly in this book numerous times as she grew up, clearly showing that her perspectives and opinions only seemingly grew stronger.
It was hard to dislike Woferl. He was the BIGGEST SWEETHEART and was such a sweet younger brother to Nannerl, as with Nannerl being the kindest older sister to him. Marie Lu has written their sibling dynamic extraordinarily, as well as interpreting the world they made up 'The Kingdom of Back' into a beautiful fantasy land woven with faeries and queens and myths.
As a musician myself for around seven years, this book hit me rather harder than it would have if I were not skilled in an instrument / passionate for music. The way Marie Lu has written and described the sound had easily flowed into my head, and her description of the whimsical land of the Kingdom of Back had me picturing it as easily as reading words off a page.
"Music is music. The source of it does not matter so much."
In this part, Nannerl was beginning to feel conscious of her talent as Woferl was growing into a young boy with outstanding talent; a prodigy just as much as his older sister, but more memorable considering he was a boy. This novel, I must say, was perfect in tackling the problem that 'woman are not allowed to compose'. Nannerl had a strong soul, and her thoughts never wavered when it came to believing what she deems right, in her opinion.
Another thing I loved about this novel is the connection between the Kingdom of Back and the two Mozart children. Whatever they did, effected the Kingdom, and whether it was a good or bad, it simply reciprocated toward their emotions. I found it clever, but what can I say? Marie Lu is a clever, intellectual soul.
"He tells you to play, so you play. He tells you to curtsy, so you curtsy. He tells you what you are meant to do and what you are meant not to do, so you do and you do not. He tells you not to be angry, so you smile, you turn your eyes down, you are quiet and do exactly as he says in the hopes that this is what he wants, then one night you realise that you have given him so much of yourself that you are nothing but the curtsy and the smile and the quiet. That you are nothing."
THIS. . This whole quote right here. Beautifully written. The emotions . . . it allows you to feel how Nannerl feels in this moment. It's truly powerful.
I would write more but it could so easily turn into an essay, so basically?
Read this book. I recommend it. HIGHLY recommend it.
Bless your soul with this novel. You won't regret it.
I remember hearing about this book, and was even more thrilled to hear it was written by the wonderful Marie Lu! I've only read her Legend trilogy (which, btw, I definitely recommend) and already, her writing had me shook!
But this . . . this is one of the first historical fictions I have ever read! And, already? Definitely my favourite. The writing? The dynamic? The story? The concept .
Nannerl Mozart is a powerful character, with opinions and perspectives that are simply unwelcomed in the 18th century world she has grew up in. Already at eight years old, she wishes to be worthy. "Make them remember me." . This phrase was repeatedly in this book numerous times as she grew up, clearly showing that her perspectives and opinions only seemingly grew stronger.
It was hard to dislike Woferl. He was the BIGGEST SWEETHEART and was such a sweet younger brother to Nannerl, as with Nannerl being the kindest older sister to him. Marie Lu has written their sibling dynamic extraordinarily, as well as interpreting the world they made up 'The Kingdom of Back' into a beautiful fantasy land woven with faeries and queens and myths.
As a musician myself for around seven years, this book hit me rather harder than it would have if I were not skilled in an instrument / passionate for music. The way Marie Lu has written and described the sound had easily flowed into my head, and her description of the whimsical land of the Kingdom of Back had me picturing it as easily as reading words off a page.
"Music is music. The source of it does not matter so much."
In this part, Nannerl was beginning to feel conscious of her talent as Woferl was growing into a young boy with outstanding talent; a prodigy just as much as his older sister, but more memorable considering he was a boy. This novel, I must say, was perfect in tackling the problem that 'woman are not allowed to compose'. Nannerl had a strong soul, and her thoughts never wavered when it came to believing what she deems right, in her opinion.
Another thing I loved about this novel is the connection between the Kingdom of Back and the two Mozart children. Whatever they did, effected the Kingdom, and whether it was a good or bad, it simply reciprocated toward their emotions. I found it clever, but what can I say? Marie Lu is a clever, intellectual soul.
"He tells you to play, so you play. He tells you to curtsy, so you curtsy. He tells you what you are meant to do and what you are meant not to do, so you do and you do not. He tells you not to be angry, so you smile, you turn your eyes down, you are quiet and do exactly as he says in the hopes that this is what he wants, then one night you realise that you have given him so much of yourself that you are nothing but the curtsy and the smile and the quiet. That you are nothing."
THIS. . This whole quote right here. Beautifully written. The emotions . . . it allows you to feel how Nannerl feels in this moment. It's truly powerful.
I would write more but it could so easily turn into an essay, so basically?
Read this book. I recommend it. HIGHLY recommend it.
Bless your soul with this novel. You won't regret it.