Symphony for the City of the Dead
A quick note from Kat:
Hello everybody my name is Kat and I am back from my extended absence! It has been quite some time since I have written my last book review; which is unfortunate. But I have read a vast majority of books that I have been planning to review, and I am very excited to write all of them down. Thank you all so much for reading. If you haven't subscribed yet, definitely do that by filling out your name and email address in the subscription box. Also, don't forget to check out the videos on my channel page. Now without further ado, please enjoy this review!
Pages: 464
Publisher: Candlewick
Publication Date: October 25, 2015
SUMMARY
Symphony for the City of the Dead is a biographical account of History's most inconvenienced composer. This book is the importunity to view Dmitri Shostakovitch's worldview as he witnesses the most infamous siege in History: The 872-day siege of Leningrad. M.T Anderson transports his readers to a city that was troubled; but inadvertently triumphed. This was an inimitable story of Dmitri Shostakovitch and his beloved city of Leningrad.
REVIEW
My overall review for this biography is three and a half stars out of five. As a lover of history, this was a novel that solemnly grasped my attention from its title. And while this book had its abrupt stops and minor inconveniences, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Writing Style:
M.T Anderson's style was a very distinct factor in this novel. While Anderson accounted a historically accurate and compelling novel; he also cleverly added his own input of sarcasm and opinionated responses to the historic events. Hearing the author's own voice in a biographical account made the reading experience much more compelling for me as the reader.
Plot:
The plot was dutifully appealing as it was an account of History's most tragic siege. Anderson is merciless in his writing; and spares no reader from the horrific reality this book references to. Aside from the storyline being told in descriptive pros; the plot is told with the addition of photographs from History's memory.
While the plot had a captivating appeal; the pacing could be monotonous. I feel this book could have benefited with quicker pacing. In addition to the tedious pace of the story line; the recap of historical events could be told in a dreary fashion. But beside the slow pacing and the dreary recapping; the plot still ranks to be highly entertaining because of the authors unique writing style and the particular grasp the story has on History itself.
Characters:
M.T Anderson's highly acclaimed novel gave me an in-depth view at Dmitri Shostakovitch. Anderson gave an in-depth view to the Russian composer's background and working habits; as well as effectively describing the influence his numerous colleagues had on him. Shostakovitch had a tragic yet fulfilling life; as his Symphony for the City of the dead inspired hope to countless souls who desperately needed it.
While Shostakovitch's personality was incredibly audible throughput the novel; I will admit that it would have been satisfying to read of a sounding closure for the minor characters in the novel. The novels focus proved to be almost entirely about Shostakovitch's interpretations and lifestyle; it didn't necessarily have a resounding touch on any of the "less important" characters.
Conclusion:
In conclusion; Symphony for the City of the Dead was an impacting yet resounding novel. The novel's impression will be one that I will carry with me for an indefinite time. While the novel did have its fair share of inconveniences; I would recommend this novel; especially if you are a lover of history. Thanks for reading. :)
