MOZART'S SISTER

Author: Nancy Moser ISBN: 0764201239 9/2006 HISTORICAL Publisher: BETHANY HOUSE
Time Period: Late 1700's Europe

Nannerl Mozart's early days seem to be the stuff of fairy tales--traveling far and wide, performing piano concerts with her younger brother, Wolfgang, before the crowned heads of Europe. But behind the glamour lurk dark difficulties--the hardship of travel, agonizing bouts of illness, and the constant concern over money. Their father, Leopold, is driven by a desire to bring his son's genius to the attention of the world. But what about Nannerl? Is she not just as talented? In a world where women's choices are limited, what hope does she have of ever realizing her own dreams?

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

Nancy Moser graced us with a beautiful historic fictional account of Mozart's elder sister, Nannerl. Nannerl's hardship of being pushed aside due to the genius of her younger brother and also to the fact that she is female, makes MOZART'S SISTER an inspirational and remarkable read.

Nannerl, after being subjected to the often-harsh reality of her gender and position in life, still stayed the ever obedient and loyal daughter. On more than one occasion, Nannerl was left behind due to financial hardships and watched her brother, Mozart, perform instead. It didn't take long for Nannerl to feel detached and ache for something more. It was at her mother's insistence that she search for a husband and make a family, instead of trying to find a career in music.

As severe as that might seem, Nannerl finds that her place is where she never would have thought it would be. Although her life was filled with ups and down, she eventually finds the happiness she so deserves.

Nancy Moser skillfully penned MOZART'S SISTER with detailed attention to facts and a firm hand in bringing out Nannerl's emotional struggle with not only gender roles, but also the rough roads that women must often travel to obtain their goals.

A wonderful story that touches your heart, MOZART'S SISTER will stay with you long after you finish reading the book!

Julie Kornhausl