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Song of Names cover art

Song of Names

Written by: Norman Lebrecht
Narrated by: Simon Prebble
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Publisher's Summary

Martin Simmond’s father tells him, “Never trust a musician when he speaks about love.” The advice comes too late. Martin already loves Dovidl Rapoport, an eerily gifted Polish violin prodigy whose parents left him in the Simmonds’s care before they perished in the Holocaust. For a time the two boys are closer than brothers. But on the day he is to make his official debut, Dovidl disappears. Only 40 years later does Martin get his first clue about what happened to him.

In this ravishing novel of music and suspense, Norman Lebrecht unravels the strands of love, envy and exploitation that knot geniuses to their admirers. In doing so he also evokes the fragile bubble of Jewish life in prewar London; the fearful carnival of the Blitz, and the gray new world that emerged from its ashes. Bristling with ideas, lambent with feeling, The Song of Names is a masterful work of the imagination.
©2002 Original material © 2002 Norman Lebrecht. (P)2010 (p) 2010 HighBridge Company
Historical Fiction Literary Fiction
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What the critics say

“A vivid and outstanding story that sings about artistry, genius, music, love, envy, friendship, and revenge.” ( Booklist)

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Song of Names

The storyline is somewhat different from the movie, but remains engaging. A smart, well written book. The narration was, I think, perfect for the protagonist’s voice.

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Absolutely Amazing!

I loved every word of this book. It is an epic worthy of classic status. It's an amazing journey with such pathos and detail. Mr. Prebble was a brilliant aurator. Thank you!!!

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Interesting book

I like the story, it is interesting and engaging. However, I have expected a little bit more from the book, the narrator felt from time to time too dry and pompous. It was difficult to get into the story, but at the end it was worthwhile. It was not an easy read but I would recommend the book, especially if you have some understanding of the classical music.

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