** spoiler alert ** I totally, totally loved this book. It was such a great escape considering everything going on in the world right now ~ such an interesting combo of historical fiction paired with fantasy. The author did a remarkable job marrying those two genres.
I knew who Wolfgang Mozart was at the outset, because of his music, but not much else beyond that. I suppose having an equally gifted sister shouldn't be that much of a surprise considering talent often runs in families. But that they really imagined a magical Kingdom (exclusive to themselves) was the big surprise and delight of the book.
Wolferl (Wolfgang) was truly a child genius. Composing at a tender young age and being such an engaging child and man are the components of superstardom. He had so much talent, what an enormous loss his early death was for the world. Nannerl Mozart, his sister, was a mixed bag for me. I had a lot of compassion for her that she wasn't afforded the same opportunities as her brother simply because she was born a female. It's mind-blowing how much talent the world has missed out on because of that ridiculous notion. I understood her frustration and why she would be jealous of her brother. But only to a point. Too bad the saying 'don't hate the player, hate the game' wasn't in the vernacular of the period because it was absolutely applicable in her case. Be mad at the rules of society, be mad at the unequal treatment bestowed on the siblings by their father, but don't be mad at her fragile, younger brother who seemingly adored her. That part of her story I didn't care for so much. Thank goodness she came around by the end.
'The Kingdom of Back' was as enthralling as it was foreboding from it's very inception. I sensed Hyacinth was up to no good but the escape into his world of upside down trees, crumbling castles, trapped queen, ogre and fairies was all just so, so captivating. I dare anyone to read this book and not get sucked into it.
4.5 stars. It would have been a 5 star read for me if it hadn't taken the dark twist of sister pitted against brother. If Wolferl and Nannerl could have adventured more together into 'The Kingdom of Back' (like they did the first time) I think I'd be delirious right now. But that would be a whole other story....
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