Dissonance: A Novel (Hardcover)

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Editorial Reviews

Review

"An academic-press novel that deserves attention…written in polished, impressive prose." -- New Republic, January 2003

"Dissonance is lyrical, luminous and pitch-perfect." -- Historical Novels Review, Nov. 2003

"The descriptions of musical pieces are particularly beautiful, and readers will be intrigued by discussions of the meanings of music… -- Library Journal September 1, 2003

"…a promising debut." -- Dallas Morning News, May 28, 2004

Chosen for the Performance Today Summer Book List -- Performance Today, NPR, 2004

Review

"Dissonance is lyrical, luminous and pitch-perfect." (Historical Novels Review )

"[A] novel that deserves attention. . . written in polished, impressive prose." (The New Republic )

"The best book I've read in years is Lisa Lenard-Cook's Dissonance." (Catherine Ryan Hyde, author of Pay it Forward )

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 196 pages
• Publisher: University of New Mexico Press; 1 edition (October 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0826330908
• ISBN-13: 978-0826330901
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,485,663 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Virtuoso performance, September 15, 2003

By A Customer

The analogy of music and the piano, as an instrument, to human events and emotions is superb! This alone, makes the book worth reading. However, you won't lay this little gem down until the mystery of the story is resolved.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars If you like a well written book, try this one!, September 3, 2003

By A Customer

I enjoyed the writing (not to mention the story). The author wove several lines in a delightful way...very enjoyable to read. The style was very effective in conveying the harmony/dissonance themes. And the story had enough surprising twists and turns to keep me turning pages.
I was especially impressed with the extremely well researched material on music and the Holocaust.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Dissonance is a Masterful First Novel for Lisa Lenard-Cook, November 3, 2003

By A Customer

This novel weaves its many themes together with wonderful prose and sensitivity. I read it the first time for its story and plot, but the second time to listen to the music of its language.

Using music theory as a metaphor for the events of the 20th century, Ms. Lenard-Cook takes us to the concentration camp of Terezin, the nuclear labs of Los Alamos and the hearts of two generations of pianists.

I have suggested this book to numerous friends and relatives and everyone has thought it a great book.