A Note Yet Unsung #ourgoodlifebooklist

A review of the book A Note Yet Unsung by Tamera Alexander.  The book was provided to me 

no charge, but the opinions expressed are my own!

I am a historical fiction nut and this book was full of wonderful details that we historical fiction people love.  But let's not get ahead of ourselves.  Let's talk book, shall we?

From the editor:  A master violinist trained in Vienna, Rebekah Carrington manages to wheedle her way into an audition with the new maestro at the Nashville Philharmonic. But women are "far too fragile and frail" for the rigors of an orchestra, and Rebekah's hopes are swiftly dashed when the conductor--determined to leave his mark on the world of classical music--bows to public opinion. To make matters worse, Adelicia Cheatham, mistress of Belmont Mansion and Rebekah's new employer, agrees with him.

Nationally acclaimed conductor Nathaniel Tate Whitcomb is Nashville's youngest orchestra leader. And despite a reluctant muse and a strange buzzing and recurring pain in his head, he must finish composing his symphony before the grand opening of the city's new symphony hall. Even more pressing, he must finish it for the one who first inspired his love of music--his dying father. As Tate's ailment worsens, he knows Rebekah can help him finish his symphony. But how can he win back her trust when he's robbed her of her dream?

What I truly loved was the mountain setting, where Tate is from.  The scenes described in the book are lovely and breathtaking.  A beautifully written account of a misunderstood people and the work was done brilliantly.

What I didn't like was the way the author mistreated the writing of the final part of the symphony. We spent a lot of time working through the first three pieces of music with the characters, and instantaneously the fourth is written.  I didn't buy it and was a little put off that we weren't more involved in Tate's creative process for finishing the piece.  I was also put out that the audience at the Grand Opening of the Symphony couldn't see past the gender to revere the music.  True music lovers, and I believe people at that time as well, would have been stunned to see a woman playing such masterfully, but then would have appreciated the work.  I'm not buying the condemnation.

Other than that, I truly loved the book.  The characters are beautiful and well developed, the loose ends are tied up nicely, and I would love to see a second book, leading us through Tate's hearing loss and Rebekah's pursuit of a position in New York.

If you read this book, I would love to hear your thoughts!  Come back and leave a comment and let's talk books!