Author: Howard Jay Smith
Publisher: SYQ
Pages: 385
Genre: Literary Fiction/Biographical Fiction
Publisher: SYQ
Pages: 385
Genre: Literary Fiction/Biographical Fiction
Book Blurb:
At the moment of his death, Ludwig van Beethoven pleads with Providence to grant him a final wish—one day, just a single day of pure joy. But first he must confront the many failings in his life, so the great composer and exceedingly complex man begins an odyssey into the netherworld of his past life led by a spirit guide who certainly seems to be Napoleon, who died six years before. This ghost of the former emperor, whom the historical Beethoven both revered and despised, struggles to compel the composer to confront the ugliness as well as the beauty and accomplishments of his past.
At the moment of his death, Ludwig van Beethoven pleads with Providence to grant him a final wish—one day, just a single day of pure joy. But first he must confront the many failings in his life, so the great composer and exceedingly complex man begins an odyssey into the netherworld of his past life led by a spirit guide who certainly seems to be Napoleon, who died six years before. This ghost of the former emperor, whom the historical Beethoven both revered and despised, struggles to compel the composer to confront the ugliness as well as the beauty and accomplishments of his past.
As Beethoven ultimately faces the realities of his just-ended
life, we encounter the women who loved and inspired him. In their own
voices, we discover their Beethoven—a lover with whom they savor
the profound beauty and passion of his creations. And it’s in the arms of
his beloveds that he comes to terms with the meaning of his life and
experiences the moment of true joy he has always sought.
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First Chapter Review:
I love doing first chapter reviews because I believe that the first chapter really gives readers an idea of where the book will be going or should be. I was interested in reviewing the first chapter of Howard Jay Smith's BEETHOVEN IN LOVE because a) Beethoven intrigues me and b) I was hoping it was one of those stories that gave you an inside glimpse of who the man behind the music really was and, most particularly, I wanted to know about his one true love.
First of all, wow - the writing. Smith takes us into the first chapter with such talented prose. Beethoven has died and it's Beethoven who is narrating. Cool, huh? That in itself is worth the read! He talks about the world around him since his death and ends the first chapter asking for one final wish - that he could have one more day. One more day to be in her arms once again.
I have goosebumps. This first chapter definitely made me want to read the rest of the book. I wanted to hear it in Beethoven's words why he wanted that one more day to be in his beloved's arms again.
I will be reviewing this book soon and can't wait to read more! Loved the cover, btw...
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