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7 Reviews

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4 star:		(1)
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4.0 out of 5 stars (7 customer reviews)

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18 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A good read, 18 Mar 2003

By	A thinking reader - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Song of Names (Paperback)

If you can get over the opening dozen or so pages, in which the first-time novelist parades his credentials as an authority on music, there is much to reward the reader in this humane story about two sides of the 20th century British Jewish community. Character-led and historically convincing, this novel does make the reader question their own preconceptions and prejudices, while never being remotely preachy.

Apparently the author is a widely-read music journalist and political commentator. Having by coincidence read his book immediately after The Last Kabbalist of Lisbon, another novel focussing on the life of Jewish people in appalling times written by a journalist in dire journalese, I greatly appreciated the author's literary skills. Mr Lebrecht is a skilful writer, with outstanding control over the pace of exposition, winning sympathy by light touches, and avoiding hyperbole.

Oddly for a novelist who has reached the peak of another profession, the message of this book is not "strive for success", but the opposite: measures of success are illusory; true success is found in one's own personal happiness.

I would thoroughly recommend this book to any reader from early teens through adulthood who wanted an original take on British cultural life in the second half of the 20th century.

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8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Humorous, humane, moving and poignant., 7 Mar 2003

By A Customer

The narrator of this novel is a fascinating character, who seems to be a somewhat pompous, somewhat stagnating personality who is given the time and space to revive many aspects of his life through a sudden encounter which forces him to reappraise his own past. The plot includes mystery and flashback, and the moment when you realise the importance of the novel's title is one of the most touching and extraordinary that I have read.

I was fascinated by Lebrecht's handling of the musical universe and background of his characters, but I am a dedicated classical music listener and it may be too much for readers without an interest in this area. There are several cunning twists and a lot of quiet humour in the novel which I appreciated, despite the undertow of darker themes and experiences which are unfolded. I would recommend it highly as one of the better novels published in the past year or so.

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9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Haunting Song, 2 Sep 2002

By	Milicent Smith (London, UK) - See all my reviews

Summary: A thriller with a melodic twist

A story of childhood friendship and the strife of genius reaching its dramatic crescendo over the course of the second world war.

Two boys, Martin and Dovidl - one a musical genius -battle with life, music and the consequences of the Holocaust until these emotions become overwhelming and the sudden disappearance of a genius remains a mystery which will haunt Martin's life for the next 40 years. His rediscovery of Dovidl and the his choice of life prompt many questions on the price genius takes from other people and what is truly valuable in life.

The musical tone of the novel makes the reader feel as if they too are part of this world and demonstrates the capacity of music to link and disrupt relationships and worlds. It will be enjoyed by music lovers and anyone who likes a good readable novel.

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Most Recent Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars My favourite book
I read much about the lives of Jews affected by the Holocaust. This book discussed the subject in such a sensitive and humane way and introduced the reader to a passion for music... Read more

Published 15 days ago by M. Holst

1.0 out of 5 stars Pretentious, self obsessed drivel
I bought this book with high expectations. I was sorely dissapointed. The author uses pointlessly obscure grammar for reasons that make it clear he is intellectually superior. Read more

Published on 11 Aug 2005 by Stephen Spencer

5.0 out of 5 stars All expectations met
Inspired to read this book after hearing Norman Lebrecht read an extract, this fantastic novel met all expectations. Seldom does a novel grip my attention to this extent. Read more

Published on 15 April 2003

3.0 out of 5 stars Overly musically-oriented
Although beautifully written, somehow this book didn't ring true. I wouldn't say I didn't enjoy it, because I did to some extent, but the characters were two-dimensional and... Read more

Published on 19 Feb 2003 by K Mansfield

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