The Jewels of Paradise

This is rather an unusual story by Donna Leon which is set mostly in Venice.  It tells the story of a researcher who is employed to find out the testamentary wishes of a composer who lived three hundred years previously. 

I quite enjoyed the story as the researcher set about her work in the

beautiful city of Venice where she would often go out for a coffee

with a friend or visit her parents who also happened to be living there.  Scenery and the backdrop of the little lanes and streets of Venice appealed to me as I was reading this story.

The conclusion of the story is quite unexpected and in a way it may be a story regarding the corruption and greed which can be associated with acquiring great wealth.  The reader is led to believe

that the jewels of paradise may be great wealth for the two cousins

who have employed the researcher and there is an uncertainty

regarding a very suave lawyer whom the researcher also befriends

at one stage until she realises his true intentions.

On one level this story may appear to be mundane and very humdrum as the researcher goes about her work and has interactions

With family members and a friend who is a co-worker and yet on

Another level this book is quite enthralling.

Because of the academic nature of the research, which I did find quite fascinating as it delved into the history of Ernst August, the Elector of Hanover,  and his son who became George I of England,

the story may appear at times to not be going anywhere and may

not appeal to all readers.  However, this story appealed to me as it

was also a mystery story with a unique ending and was interesting to

read of the varying emotions of the main players when the jewels of paradise were finally discovered.  The expectations at the conclusion of the story were so vastly different from what actually transpired.

 

 

 

A more detailed review of A Week in Winter by Maeve Binchy

This is a later review which gives more information:

A Week in Winter by Maeve Binchy

This novel is a wonderful read and well recommended.  A lovely novel which I enjoyed.

This book portrays the difficulties of young women in the early days of Ireland in the 1950’s and continues with the stories of the characters to the present day and how they overcame their difficulties in life.  Chicky, who left Ireland at an early age and made a life for herself in USA but eventually returns to the place she always loved.

A week in winter is a beautiful holiday destination on the wild coast of Ireland where some of the characters resolve their differences and learn to live with one another.  The holiday alters their perspectives on life and they decide upon their futures.  It is a wonderful book.  There is the story of the accountant who is expected to join his father’s firm in Sweden but instead enjoys the freedom of travelling in Ireland and becoming immersed in the rich Irish heritage and music when he meets up with a travelling companion and they go to music gigs together. 

Each person has a unique character and often a perplexing or difficult background.  It is wonderful to read about these characters and how they change their lives for the better. 

This book cannot be more highly recommended.  I loved reading this story about the various people who chose to go on holiday to this special place in Ireland.  It is quite extraordinary in the way that people’s lives could work out the way they did and also there is romance alive in this novel.

It also details some of the challenges young people have to face in early life or difficulties encountered bringing up a child who is veering towards leading a life of crime and how the situation is reversed for the better. 

There is also the story of the mother and the prospective daughter-in-law who do not see eye to eye and do not get along.  However, this situation also is resolved in the end.  It is quite incredible, really.  Maeve Binchy also writes about life and she does this so well. 

A beautiful novel of charm to read.

Sissi

I have recently watched two films of the trilogy of Sissi starring Romy Schneider and what beautiful films these are to view! So magical and wonderful!

I would recommend these films to people who love a romantic story and a beautiful setting.

Sissi was a princess of Bavaria who married the Emperor of Austria, Franz Joseph and became Empress.  I was enchanted by the beauty of the Austrian alps, the mountains where Sissi grew up
and where her family home was located.  In many ways I am reminded of the film The Sound of
Music, for the beauty of the settings and the charming household of siblings.

  Sissi was of a naturally happy and joyous nature with a
beautiful personality.  Her charm and natural ways enchanted the Emperor, who was very much also
under his mother's guidance.  His mother let it be known to him that she had stepped aside but she was also very much in control of political matters to a certain extent.

  Sissi was different from her mother-in-law with firm views of her own.  The people loved her.

The second film is of the story of Sissi as a young Empress.  This film is also wonderful.
The Austrian Alps and the Tyrol feature in this beautiful story in which Sissi is also crowned Queen of Hungary at Franz Joseph's coronation by popular acclaim.

The pageantry, music and beauty of these films remain in my imagination.  They are so beautiful.  I look forward to watching the third film of Sissi, the fateful years and there is also a film of Victoria in Dover, the Story of Vickie, which I also look forward to watching.

The Beloved of Isis by Christian Jacq

Once again Christian Jacq writes a masterpiece. Wonderful story-telling!

This story revolves around the last days of Mozart's life,

the French revolution and its impact, the freemasonry of the times and

the beauty of Mozart's music.

This book is a gem.

Unfortunately, this book also deals with the last days of Mozart.

It is beautiful in its telling. So many truths and unanswered questions.

It is an unfortunate and sad time for Mozart but there are

also many wonderful highlights with his friendships, his

wife, Constance, his children and his dog, Gaukerl.

Mozart's opera, The Magic Flute, is the culmination of

many years of enlightenment.

He composed beautiful music

which was serene and enduring for clarinet

and horn. He also composed string quartets.

He had been composing dances

for the Viennese people who liked to enjoy themselves

and dance, especially in the week-ends.

The music of Mozart endures today

and it is wonderful to read a book which gives inspiration

and shows the courage and beauty of the musician.

The book is spiritual, beautiful, truthful and gives such wonderful

insights into the dramas of the times.

A book well recommended for people who love the music of Mozart!

Splendours of the magical fountains at Versailles

The magical fountains of Versailles are a wonder.

So special, so beautiful. 

I can imagine a time when Louis XIV and his courtiers would spend an
afternoon walking around the gardens of Versailles.  It must have been
a magical experience as it is today when the baroque music plays and
the wonders of the fountains seem to splash in time with the music.

It took some time for me to realise that there were several pathways to follow
and explore to find different fountains and themes at the end of many of the hedgerows
as I was quite entranced
by the beauty of the main displays.
The music was enchanting.  The day was wonderful in early June.

Statues and colourful garden floral displays give a real sense of creativity and beauty.
From the top of the steps looking down over the gardens the view and the perspective of the geometric patterns give a sense of wonderment and beauty.

 

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,

The Son of Enlightenment by Christian Jacq

Mozart and his family from wikipedia:

I enjoyed reading this book and would sing its praises to lovers of music, the theatre, classical music and the culture and life style of eighteenth century Vienna, a different world altogether.  The descriptions of the music, an opera ("The Abduction from the Seraglio") or libretti, the andantes of a quartet, sonatas, the rondo or concertos played seemed to enhance the magic of the world of Mozart
and greatly added to the sense of beauty of  the great music and story which seemed to go hand in hand.
There is a foot note on the page that the end of the movement of the six quartets  in G major where Mozart was striving to move forwards in his music without knowing whether it would one day be played in public, prefigured
a theme from "The Magic Flute."  He was working without worrying about an audience's reaction.

The mood and gathering thoughts of the musician may have been reflected in his music, perhaps even

sometimes quite subtly.

The story revolves around the world of Wolfgang Mozart, his marriage to Constance Weber, his search for freedom and a quest for inner knowledge and spiritual wisdom.  In this quest he is joined by his friend,

the Egyptian, Thamos, who helps to initiate him into the early spiritual brotherhood of the Freemasonry of

the time.  This is a wonderful historical fiction book with many elements of the

seeking of a higher spiritual plane, which is not always available to every person, but hopefully, for Mozart, success will be found  and for most of the book  he was aspiring to reach this Temple Door.

His music and compostitions were endearing to the Viennese public and Mozart was assisted in this endeavour by his many influential friends whom he met when he was staying in Vienna and helped him

on his way to a successful career with their optimism and good wishes.  The enigmatic and forever optimistic

Countess Thun was one such friend who would often invite the young Mozart to play the piano at her home and

introduce him to various members of the aristocracy.  The Emperor, Josef II, son of Maria Theresa, the Empress,

also makes an appearance and also an enquiry into the activities of the Templar Knights and is informed

that they have become more or less extant by this time.  The dialogue of the characters who appear in

the story is authentic and wonderful.   Almost as though not a note out of place.

Sheet Music of Mozart from wikipedia:

  Mozart was impressed and admired the music of Bach, which had not been around for the previous thirty years, and also admired and respected Haydn, whom he met and confided in.  Haydn was working for the Esterhazy court for many years.  Their love of music would have been a

common bond and also an understanding of music which could make the soul soar.  A spiritual sense for
the love and beauty of (perfect?) music.  The composer, Gluck, also congratulated and recognised Mozart
as a composer after the success of his opera.

Of the early life of Mozart, this book is a good start.  His ties of kinship to his father, Leopold, and the necessary approval and permission from his father for his marriage to Constance would be a reflection of the times of eighteenth century society and also of the way in which the musicians and sons were expected to obey their elders,superiors and employers.  Mozart was a little bit of a rebel for the times in that he broke away from bonds of seeming serfdom in Salzburg to set himself free and endeavour to make a successful career on his own in Vienna.

Mozart's sister, Nannerl, also featured in the story, as did his faithful dog, Miss Pimperl, who had been a  friend since his earlier days of childhood.  He was also inspired by the beautiful song of a bird, whom he
purchased and named Starr, as he was particularly grateful, one day in passing along the street, to hear the beautiful bird's song.  Starr continued to remain an inspiration for the composer and became a part of his life and family.