Symphony for the City of the Dead

See my full review at The Emerald City Book Review. Finding the truth about the Soviet era is not easy, and Shostakovich's true thoughts and feelings are basically impossible to uncover, given his need to mask and conceal himself in order to survive. But Anderson brought clarity into a murky time while still allowing us to feel its painful ambiguity. I was not so enamored of the author's writing style, with its short, choppy sentences enlivened by the occasional hyperbolic statement or pop-culture reference. I'm not sure if this was meant as a gesture toward the book's intended audience, older teens and young adults, but I found it unfortunate and clumsy.

Still, I learned a tremendous amount about events of which I knew little and am even more impressed than ever by Shostakovich's ability to create under such circumstances. I also have to mention the stunning cover and excellent design overall. As with another new release from Candlewick that I enjoyed recently, The Hired Girl, the design is perfectly in tune with the contents, and I appreciate that attention to detail.

Powerful book–world view changing perhaps. A book that should be on the short list for sending to alien races if we want them to understand our culture and our depravity. Ostensibly, it's a history on the Nazi siege of Leningrad during WWII accompanied by a very moving dramatic account of how Shostakovich came to write his monumental 7th symphony during it all. The scale of the horror and tragedy is epic, on par with Aeschylus, but it is not an entirely depressing read as the Russian people's love of art and Shostakovich's genius save it. This should be made into a movie immediately.

Took me forever to read because I had to take breaks from it. Feel the sheer density and intensity might turn away the intended audience, but that'd be a shame because it's so informative and interesting and well researched. The pictures truly add to the story. I've listened to some Shostakovich but now I'm intently listening with a new ear to the pieces Anderson talks about. Would be a great group read for a HS orchestra.