A Note Yet Unsung by Tamera Alexander is the third and final book in the Belmont Mansion series. This book has not only become my favorite by this author but is also one of the best books I have read. The story moved me so much I cried, and I very, very rarely cry over a book. This story was masterfully written, and I felt the music portrayed even though I didn't hear it. Not only was I transported into another time and into the characters lives, but the music was written so powerfully I couldn't get enough of the story. I literally could not put the book down and stayed up late to finish reading it. Plus, the story stayed with me for awhile, and I spread news of it by word of mouth because it was all I could talk about for awhile. My mom and best friend can attest to that. haha ;-) I finally feel ready enough to write the review it deserves.
Rebekah Carrington has come back from Vienna since her grandmother has died. Too afraid to stay with her mother and stepfather, she starts looking for a job. When she sees that the Nashville Philharmonic is auditioning, she decides to try. Even though she excels at violin, she knows it would be too risky to play so she opts to audition on her oboe. The maestro enjoys her playing but has to refuse her since none of the board would approve of a lady playing in the orchestra. Disappointed, Rebekah gets a job as a violin tutor to Adelicia Acklen Cheatham's daughter. But when Maestro Nathaniel Tate Whitcomb needs help, Rebekah's employer insists she help him out.
I loved the characters in this book. They were well-rounded, had faults and foibles, and didn't give up on their dreams no matter the obstacles they had to overcome. The writing was superb, and it drew you in leaving you with no choice but to sacrifice everything so you could finish reading it.
I'm planning on rereading this book, but this time I'm going to the author's website where she has a playlist of the songs played in the story. Isn't that amazing?! I'll actually be able to hear the music as I read! *Excited squeal* I'm glad I didn't listen to the playlist the first time I read the book, though because I was able to appreciate how well the author wrote this book. She did such an amazing job! The characters were so real, their stories were well thought out and no detail was forgotten. The pain the maestro was feeling was so well written, and I think I felt it more powerfully because I understood his pain and frustration of his life spinning out of his control because of my own many health problems. I cried through the end of the story because it was so beautifully done all the way down to the smallest detail.
I highly recommend this book for anyone, but if you are a history lover, music lover, or have health problems I think this book will be even more powerful to you. Please, read this book. You will not regret it!
I was given this book for free from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.
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