A. Manette Ansay

Ansay seems to have initially intended to write a fictionalized treatment of the much studied and wondered about set of relationships between three important figures in 19th century classical music, Clara and Robert Schumann and Johannes Brahms. Particularly, the very close relationship between Clara and Brahms (were they lovers or not?) seems rich in possibility for a historical novel, raising issues of desire, madness, ambition, and genius.

The story of the Schumanns and Brahms is told close to the established historical record at first, complete with references to Ansay's research sources. This is done just fine, and when Ansay later extends the story with her imaginings of scenes that occurred between them, the story really works quite well.

Unfortunately Ansay chose to combine that story with the story of a modern day novelist and professor of literature who is researching a historical novel about the Schumanns and Brahms while having her own relationship of uncertain intentions with a German man. This apparent indulging of authorial ego weakens the book, inserting a pale shadow of the Clara/Johannes relationship that does not have the space to be fleshed out satisfactorily.


… (meer)

This was my second try reading this book and the first time I didn't have the patience for it. But this time around I found Ellen's story eventually uplifting. The abuse from her father-in-law and ignorance from her sisters must have been so devastating but the ultimate reason for changing her circumstances was beautifully done. This part of Wisconsin seemed so familiar to me and Ellen's loneliness is tangible. I could have lived without the mother's viewpoint but it was needed for the story to unfold. I want to read more of Manette Ansay's books now.… (meer)