The Lost Melody

GIVEAWAY

POLITANO, JOANNA DAVIDSON

THE LOST MELODY

When concert pianist Vivienne Mourdant's father dies, he leaves to her the care of an adult ward she knew nothing about. The woman is supposedly a patient at Hurstwell Asylum. The woman's portrait is shockingly familiar to Vivienne, so when the asylum claims she was never a patient there, Vivienne is compelled to discover what happened to the figure she remembers from childhood dreams.

The longer she lingers in the deep shadows and forgotten towers at Hurstwell, the fuzzier the line between sanity and madness becomes. She hears music no one else does, received strange missives with rose petals between the pages, and untangles far more than is safe for her to know. But can she uncover the truth about the mysterious woman she seeks? And is there anyone at Hurstwell she can trust with her suspicions?

Fan-favourite Joanna Davidson Politano casts a delightful spell with this lyrical look into the nature of women's independence and artistic expression during the Victorian era -- and now.

My Review:

Well now, what to say without saying too much?! Such a quandary for a reviewer, because I'd actually like to say quite a lot. Revel in the story, dissect the plot elements, ponder the character arcs, bask in the spiritual aspects --but I can't do that without spoilers so, I'll curb my desire to exclaim over details...though, really, this would make a fantastic book club selection for so many reasons! What I can say is this:

Politano has created an incredibly atmospheric read. There's a such a sense of desperation that enhances the eerie ambiance. This isn't a light read -- it's about a Victorian-era insane asylum, after all, and especially highlights the plight of women who are at the mercy of men. Though it also addresses the poor and downtrodden as well. And anyone deemed different from the 'norm.' I'll let your imagination reign over that for a minute, and admit that I found the setting all the more disturbing because it's based on fact. 

And yet, the author shines light into that darkness, in particular, through Vivienne's walk with God. Her prayers, her anguish as she fiercely seeks to understand where He is in the midst of such depravity. And through her searching, she comes to understand that she can be the light. So many simple yet eloquent faith statements within these pages! 

There are mysteries at Hurstwell -- yes, more than one but they are all tangled up in a knot pulled so tight it seems impossible to unravel. I actually woke up in the middle of the night trying to figure out what on earth was going on! Like I was subconsciously trying to work things out in my sleep! Talk about becoming enmeshed in a story world!

And, for romance lovers like me, there is the hint of a love story here. I wouldn't categorize 'The Lost Melody' as a Romance, though. Definitely Historical Fiction and Mystery.

Though I received a paperback copy from the publisher, I also purchased the audible edition and really enjoyed Amy Scanlon's narration.

Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications Inc.

Goal Update: #5 Diversify my reading

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

This giveaway a paperback copy

If you would like a chance to win a copy of   The Lost Melody, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday November 19 2022 . Offer open to International Readers.