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The Kingdom of Back by Marie Lu



"I am going to tell you a story you already know. But listen carefully, because within it is one you have never heard before."


Nannerl Mozart, the sister of famous Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, was a real woman who was an exceptional pianist like her brother. Today her story has been retold into a shining example of excellent fiction. In this novel, Nannerl is slowly being forgotten and pushed aside because of her gender and her younger brother's amazing musical talent. One night she makes a wish to never be forgotten and an unknown someone hears her plea. Hyacinth, a boy from another world, a world created from the two siblings imaginative stories, comes to Nannerl and explains that he can grant her wish in exchange for helping him in his world. She and her younger brother then set off on an adventure, traveling between the two worlds while still being trained by their father to play piano before royalty. Nannerl says she is willing to do whatever it takes to be remembered, but is she truly prepared to give up everything she holds dear?


This new YA novel is a wonderful blend of historical fiction and fantasy. Never does it read like a boring history book or outlandish fairy tale but a perfection blending of two genres that is exciting in an unbelievable kind of way. The characters are beautiful recreations of the historical figures, though I especially enjoyed Nannerl and found myself connected to her the most. Hyacinth was a fascinating character and comparing Nanneral and Hyacinth's growth was one of my favorite aspects of the book. This is a very thought provoking and entertaining book that bring to light an important historical figure that has been almost forgotten. Nannerl Mozart was a real person her skill as a pianist was so notable that her brother even begged her to send him her compositions, though her father forbid her from writing her own music. This book truly highlights the unfairness of the two siblings outcomes, one becoming one of the most famous composers while the other is not even mentioned in most history books. I highly recommend this book to adult and teens alike and it available here at Walnut Grove Library.


~Abigail C.

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