Customer Reviews

The Musician's Daughter

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(19)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This novel is set in Vienna between 1765 and 1790. The protagonist is a teen-aged girl whose father plays viola for Joseph Haydn's orchestra at the court of the Esterhazys. Her father turns up murdered, and she decides to investigate.

Sense of place and time is important in a work of historical fiction, and I wasn't entirely happy with that here. The author has researched Vienna, and seems to have been there. However, she didn't really convey the sense of knowing the city as someone who lives there. The same is true of the time period - - the author knows the historical events of the time but does not put enough period detail into the story to make it convincing. I don't think most American teens would notice the difference, though.

The protagonist/narrator (Theresa) is a well-drawn character, and she tells her story well. The book moves quickly and it would be an easy read for both teens and adults. As you'd expect in a book marketed at teens, Theresa chafes at the restrictions of the society around her. Her true love is music, which her father understood but her mother never can, setting up ongoing mother-daughter tension.

In the second half of the book, Theresa's questioning into her father's death becomes more like an action-adventure story in which Theresa becomes a coconspirator with her father's partners. The action moves from Gypsy camps to the emperor's work office, and it went too far for my willing suspension of disbelief. I suspect the teens in my house would accept the story, though.

In short, this is a story that both teens and adults could enjoy. Its foibles are evident to this grown-up but they may not be as evident to teens. Because the protagonist is a girl, it may be a hard sell for teen-aged boys though they'd probably like the action if they gave it a try.

This could have been a fabulous book. It's the story of the daughter of a violinist in Prince Esterhazy of Austria's symphony in the eighteenth century. Like her father, Theresa loves music above all things so when her father dies under odd circumstances she goes on a hunt to find out who killed him and stole his beloved violin. Her search leads her to the greatest musicians of her time, the wickedest political counselors, and the truth behind her father's connection to a band of gypsies.

Sounds good right? And there is a lot of action and turmoil to the story. However, I never felt enthralled by it. Theresa, while surrounded by problems and difficulties, never came alive to me. She never had much of a personality, and this was true of almost every character in the book. The gypsy leader, Theresa's evil uncle, the brilliant composer Franz Joseph Haydn - none of them were all that interesting. And because of it the book felt flat.

Theresa Maria lives a modest yet comfortable life with her younger brother, mother, and her father, who is a violinist in the orchestra of Prince Nicholas Esterhazy of Vienna. When her father is murdered on Christmas Eve, his body found at a gypsy camp outside of Vienna and his priceless violin missing, not only is Theresa devastated, but desperate for answers. Why would someone murder her kind father, a simple musician? In her pursuit for answers and in looking after her family, Theresa discovers some startling secrets, revealed to her by her godfather, the maestro of the orchestra, and her father's fellow violinist, Zoltan, that will lead her on a path to justice and danger.

The Musician's Daughter is a lively and suspenseful read that will take readers to the glittering life of 18th century Vienna, but also offers a look at the darker aspects of the time. Dunlap offers a very authentic and accurate look at the times and social aspects, as Theresa struggles to find way to feed her family, and worries about her pregnant mother and how her family will cope with the loss of her father. But there are political elements in the story as well, as Dunlap reveals a government that is not always fair and is prone to corruption.

Though a little slow at first, The Musician's Daughter soon picks up, becoming a fast paced and action-packed race to stop many injustices and to keep Theresa's family safe from harm. At times it may be a little hard to keep certain minor characters straight and to keep up with the whereabouts of everyone, but the excitement and danger will keep a tight rein on readers. Dunlap has created a shining, adventurous novel with an admirable and plucky heroine that is sure to entertain.

If you like music and mystery books, set in an period setting then this will be a nice change of pace from the usual fiction. There's a young girl, growing up, her father dying changes everything, and everyone who has been a teen once knows how grand and complicated life can be, turn the time back and adds a horrible mystery and you have a nice, intriguing read.

Just like the some of the other reviewers, I was surprised to find that this was a young adult fiction, the cover and topic looked so serious but it made it easier to absorb since I usually don't read period books but I certainly admire people who do. I have been trained in classical music since I was six but I started reading before then, so this book was a nice combo of things that I enjoy.

The Musician's Daughter starts with Theresa Maria a 15 year old opening her the door to her house on Christmas Eve after been waken by men in hooded cloaks who are carrying a large sack and they drop it in front of her. There lying before her is her father dead with a gold medallion she had never seen before and what meaning does it have? But more importantly where is her father's violin-something he never went without.
From a night that suppose to be playing for the upper class and joyful account has turned into murder and mystery that only the main character can find out why. Very entertaining for young adult and older readers as well.

I periodically read YA books to see what is out there and to hunt for good books for my teenage daughter. Teens are so caught up in my space, you tube, clique-issues, and teen angst TV that it is difficult to get them interested in the classics (like Little Women). When they read literature, they want something identifiable. I was wary that this would be a "good book" for parents to recommend (like spinach is a good food) but boooooring for teens. I was happily wrong. A period piece from the 18th century whereby chamber music and not popular music is featured may not interest most teens at the outset. However, if you can persuade them to read the first chapter, they won't be able to stop.

It is Dunlap's writing, including her plucky protagonist, which is the key to this treasure. The story moves with a flawless rhythm and cadence that pulls you effortlessly along. Even teens with spotty attention spans will be lured as the story builds suspense while providing aesthetic pleasure to the ear. It also educates the reader without ever being didactic. Beautiful narration combines with ongoing adventure. The author weaves in stunning imagery and a clear picture of 18th century Vienna without ever using stilted, stuffy, or stodgy prose. Court musicians; Romany gypsies; class-consciousness; personal identity; family loyalties; first love; as well as murder, torture(described rather than presented, and never gratuitously), treachery, child abuse (never heavy-handed), and friendship combine in this coming-of-age tale.

The story gears up in the opening pages as the 15-year-old protagonist, Theresa Schurman, is presented with the dead body of her murdered violinist father as she is waking up from a disturbing dream. His Amati violin is missing, and (as she learns soon thereafter) he is wearing a strange but beautiful gold medallion around his neck.

Theresa is determined to solve the mystery of her murdered father. Her ensuing adventures are as internally reflective as they are externally suspenseful. She is a sharp observer of human life--as her perceptions of the world around her deepen, her judgments are refined. For example, she used to think of gypsies as base, dirty thieves that are apt to kidnap children and sell them into slavery. As she befriends a group of them, she becomes aware of her miscalculated and learned prejudices. Equally, she observes how her middle-class standing appears to the upper echelon of royalty. As she learns to navigate the different classes of society, she develops a wily confidence. One image that stands out for me is Theresa's passion for her viola. She calls it her other, deeper voice.

Theresa is a true novelistic heroine. She risks her life and reputation to uncover the truth. She also remains believable and dimensional throughout her journey--her internal dialogue is easily identifiable by a contemporary teen. Some issues are timeless, such as going against the grain, yearning for love and acceptance, and trying to understand the world around you, which may seem cruel at times.

I highly recommend this exceptional book for mothers and daughters to read and discuss openly. And I look forward to more from this author.

Susanne Dunlap has done a marvelous job in describing life in 18th Century Vienna. Court intrigues, jealousies between musicians (the heroine's godfather is Jozsef Haydn), and racial conflicts between the Viennese, Hungarians and the Romany are all brought to the fore in this well-crafted novel.

Sixteen-year-old Theresa Maria is the daughter of a famous violinist; her father's murder sets the stage for the novel's plot. Between helping her family keep food on the table and trying to avoid making a marriage she does not want, Theresa somehow manages to investigate the circumstances surrounding her fathers death -- all starting with an unusual pendant found in his hand.

While the publisher positions this book as being appropriate for those 12 and older, I think it would very much depend upon the young teen in question. Dunlap deals frankly with prostitution, crime and punishment (descriptions of torture devices and so on) and other matters that were most assuredly part of the culture at the time during which the book takes place. Involved parents should be prepared to answer questions and concerns that may be raised by a less mature reader.

(Review based on uncorrected advance proof.)

I really enjoyed this book, but I'm also a major fan of historical fiction...the time period is awesome, and overall, Dunlap just has a catchy way of writing...It's very unique and there needs to be more historical fiction books out there.

The heroine of this book- Marie Theresa was delightful. Spunky, strong, curious. She solves the mystery of her father's death and supports her family in the process. The musical background of Vienna and Gypsy's was fresh and engaging. The mystery seemed a little artificial with all the twists and turns.

My only disspaointment was the lack of romance. There are hints of a budding romance between the heroine and one of the musicians( who turns out to be a part Gypsy Baron!). But the ending was so flat. I suppose this was because the book was intended for young readers. It is clean and very age appropriate for Middle School girls. The prose and writing are at a level YA and Adults will enjoy it. Just don't expect much in the romance department.

I absolutely love the heroine in this novel! Even though this is set in the 1800s, she is as modern and ambitious a character teens will find in today's contemporary fiction. The story is never dull; it is a page-turner. It is they type of book I would have read in a single day because the story is so engrossing.

What especially pleases me about this book are the wonderful examples of fine womanhood included within its pages. Within each of the classes and cultures, there are strong, intelligent women. Even the traditional character for the time period, the mother, does her best to make sure her daughter is raised in a way that will secure a good future for her daughter - a proper marriage. The mother acts from love, protection and the cultural norm she believes to be correct.

This book is age-appropriate. Hearts flutter at the thought of a kiss. The main character understands and reacts smartly when she senses imminent danger - even when family is involved.

I will recommend this book to the young ladies in my family. I think they will find it an enjoyable read.