From: Cynthia Grady <gradyc_at_sidwell.edu>
Date: Fri, 11 Dec 2009 11:38:18 -0500

I enjoyed several titles already discussed, but here is one that hasn't been mentioned yet:

The Musician's Daughter by Susanne Dunlap. Theresa's father, a violinist in Haydn's orchestra in 18th-century Vienna, is found dead on Christmas Eve. Theresa is certain he was murdered when she discovers his violin is missing.

What I liked was the shape the story took with its balance of intrigue (murder, blackmail, extortion) and history (music history, political conflict between Austria and Hungary- court life, class conflict-- and the politics of the Romany people). Woven through Theresa's determination to solve her father's murder, we discover the place of women and girls in musical Vienna as well.

Cynthia Grady, Head Librarian

Sidwell Friends Middle School

3825 Wisconsin Avenue, NW

Washington, DC 20016

(202) 537 - 8157

gradyc_at_sidwell.edu
Received on Fri 11 Dec 2009 11:38:18 AM CST