Who Would Like This Book:
Get ready for a truly unique ride - if you love music, magical realism, or stories with big hearts, this is your jam! The book is narrated by Music itself, following guitar prodigy Frankie Presto as he touches (and changes) the lives of others throughout the 20th-century music scene, weaving in real-life legends like Elvis and Duke Ellington. The structure is creative, moving between eulogies and main narrative, and the audiobook version gets extra praise for a star-studded cast. Fans of Forrest Gump-style storytelling, heartwarming tales, and anyone who enjoys Albom’s knack for the inspirational will find plenty to savor.
Who May Not Like This Book:
Some readers felt the story was over-the-top sentimental and a bit contrived, with too many famous name-drops and plotlines trying to cover a lot of territory. If you’re not a fan of whimsical or unconventional narration (Music as a character), or if overly sweet, inspirational tales aren’t your thing, you may find parts of the story hokey or lacking depth. There’s also mention of repetitive themes and a message that might feel forced or unclear for some tastes.
About:
"The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto" by Mitch Albom is a unique and enchanting tale narrated by Music, following the life of Frankie Presto, a gifted musician born during the Spanish Civil War. The story unfolds through a series of recollections from various characters, both real and fictional, in the music industry. As Frankie's life journey takes him from Spain to America, he encounters legendary musicians like Duke Ellington, Elvis Presley, and Django Reinhardt, with whom he forms profound connections. The book beautifully weaves together elements of fact, fantasy, and fiction, creating a mesmerizing tapestry of music, love, and redemption that captivates readers till the very end.
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Has Romance?
While there is romance present, it is portrayed as one aspect of the broader narrative rather than the sole focus.
From The Publisher:
"Talent is a piece of God's shadow, and under that shadow, human stories intersect."
A Spanish war orphan born in a burning church and raised by a blind guitar teacher, Frankie Presto was gifted with extraordinary musical abilities that shape not only his life but the lives of those around him. At nine years old, Frankie meets the love of his life, Aurora; that same day, civil war tears apart his home and he is sent to America, smuggled in the bottom of a boat with only guitar and six strings imbued with the power to change lives.
Relying on music to survive, Frankie's talent weaves him through the musical landscape of the twentieth century, from Detroit's jazz scene and the Grand Ole Opry, to Elvis mania and Woodstock-all the while searching for Aurora.
As his fame grows, Frankie finds love, friendship, and celebrity. Even so, his gift becomes his burden, driving a wedge between him and his beloved Aurora-now his wife. Overwhelmed by life, loss, and the power of his strings, Frankie disappears for years, only to reemerge in a spectacular and mysterious farewell.
With its Forrest Gump-like journey through the music world, The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto is a classic in the making. "Everyone joins a band in this life," Albom observes, "only some of them play music."
Ratings (7)
Incredible (5) | |
Loved It (1) | |
Liked It (1) |
Reader Stats (16):
Read It (8) | |
Want To Read (5) | |
Not Interested (3) |
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The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto?
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