The Book of Lost Fragrances by M J Rose

I found this suspenseful book fascinating to read.

Of exotic perfumes, an adventure story and ancient

history all combined to make a wonderful compelling

and mystical tale.

The heroine of the story, Jac or (Jacinthe as she was known by her father)

followed myths and

legends around the world and determined the truth of

many of these ancient legends.

I loved the settings of Paris and New York and the exquisite

nature of the tale with ancient perfumes deriving from ancient

Egypt.

Descriptions of the furniture of the home of the old work shop in Paris

where there were so many memories of earlier times were quite wonderful

and seemed so authentic. The atmosphere of an old fashioned home was

recreated from earlier eras with art works and decorative design of beauty

and majesty.

I enjoyed the re-telling of so many of the stories from the

past. Romances, the flower gardens and perfumes of Queen Cleopatra which provided

exotic and fascinating settings. It was almost as though past and future would mingle.

There were other exotic elements in the story which weaved

together, as for example, the Tibetan lore and the story of a

Tibetan boy who had been kidnapped and taken to China and

became a renowned artist in the field of the beautiful art of calligraphy and whose

works were finally presented in Paris.

A lost fragrance which could also recall past lives? This story has

all the elements of excitement and expectation of a grand finale.

This story is writing at its best and well recommended for people

with scope and imagination. Anything is possible and I found the

tale to be quite magical.

The Great Magician by Christian Jacq

The Great Magician by Christian Jacq

What a wonder was the boy Mozart,

who often did seem to play with fire

at times in his young life.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story by Christian Jacq

of the young Mozart's life and early attempts to

establish his career.

So many difficulties he encountered but with the

presence of valuable friends and his own parents

Mozart made his way and made an impression with

his musical talent and skills.

The Great Magician was a wonderful book to read,

with great dialogue, settings and character portrayals.

It was brilliant in this respect.

The book is quite compelling reading and portrays the

early life of Mozart, his travels, disillusionments and

the difficulty of obtaining a suitable postion at a court.

Despite the setbacks in the young Mozart's life, the story

is also inspirational for meeting challenges against disparate

odds in life and Mozart does not become disillusioned or crushed

by the weight of burdens which he encounters.

The musical world of the day was competitive and wordly. He

realised towards the end of the book that his musical talents

were not going to be recognised in Paris.

His parents were guiding influences and also his friend, Thamos,

Count of Thebes, whom he had encountered from a young age. This

may have been the beginnings of an interest in the ancient ideologies

and civilizations of Egypt, hence the Freemasons in Europe at the time.

This is a fascinating and compelling story which runs parallel with the

story of Mozart in the book. The dramas and political in fighting, the joining

together of some of the various lodges, as though they are

setting a stage for something grand in the future.

The Great Magician was their hope for the future, a gifted and talented

musician who through his music would bring light to the world. His middle name

was “Gottlieb” or “Amadeus” which signified “Beloved of God.”

It is possible to relate to Mozart in the story who is a real character and not artificial, who cares

about his music, wishes to compose and exercise creative freedom, but seems to be held back

from progressing in life. This is due to many factors, including the politics of the time and also

to a certain extent, his own personal ideals.

There was much artifice at some of the courts where he was obliged to play. He felt at home amongst friends in places like Mannheim and Strasbourg, where he enjoyed the company

of other musicians. One friend, a horn player, admired Mozart's talent.

Mozart returns to Salzburg at the end of the book I of the series, The Great Magician, after

many travels in Europe.

The book would adapt well to a play on the stage with the wonderful

music and beautiful settings, especially in conjunction with the second

book of the series, “The Son of Enlightenment” by the same author,