Magic and sorrow combined: The bittersweet nature of supernatural phenomena Magic and sorrow, two seemingly contradictory concepts, can intertwine in unexpected ways. Both conjure a sense of wonder and mystery, captivating our hearts and minds. Although magic often promises joy and enchantment, it can also bring about a profound sense of sadness and loss. The allure of magic lies in its ability to transport us to alternate realities, where imagination knows no bounds. It can whisk us away from the mundane and into a world of endless possibilities. Whether it is through the pages of a book, the silver screen, or a live performance, magic captivates our senses, inviting us to believe in the extraordinary.
Laurel Mack’s life stopped in many ways the day her 15-year-old daughter, Ellie, left the house to study at the library and never returned. She drifted away from her other two children, Hanna and Jake, and eventually she and her husband, Paul, divorced. Ten years later, Ellie’s remains and her backpack are found, though the police are unable to determine the reasons for her disappearance and death. After Ellie’s funeral, Laurel begins a relationship with Floyd, a man she meets in a cafe. She's disarmed by Floyd’s charm, but when she meets his young daughter, Poppy, Laurel is startled by her resemblance to Ellie. As the novel progresses, Laurel becomes increasingly determined to learn what happened to Ellie, especially after discovering an odd connection between Poppy’s mother and her daughter even as her relationship with Floyd is becoming more serious. Jewell’s (I Found You, 2017, etc.) latest thriller moves at a brisk pace even as she plays with narrative structure: The book is split into three sections, including a first one which alternates chapters between the time of Ellie’s disappearance and the present and a second section that begins as Laurel and Floyd meet. Both of these sections primarily focus on Laurel. In the third section, Jewell alternates narrators and moments in time: The narrator switches to alternating first-person points of view (told by Poppy’s mother and Floyd) interspersed with third-person narration of Ellie’s experiences and Laurel’s discoveries in the present. All of these devices serve to build palpable tension, but the structure also contributes to how deeply disturbing the story becomes. At times, the characters and the emotional core of the events are almost obscured by such quick maneuvering through the weighty plot.
But Frankie Presto s gift is also his burden, as he realizes the power of the strings his teacher gave him, and how, through his music, he can actually affect people s lives. Since 2010, Albom has operated Have Faith Haiti in Port-au-Prince, a home and school to more than 60 children, which he visits every month without exception.
Whether it is through the pages of a book, the silver screen, or a live performance, magic captivates our senses, inviting us to believe in the extraordinary. Yet, alongside its wonder, magic can also evoke sorrow. The sadness may derive from the realization that the magical realm we so eagerly embrace is, ultimately, only an illusion.
THE MAGIC STRINGS OF FRANKIE PRESTO
"All lonely roads lead back to Music" in this sentimental journey that might be a mashup of the lives of shooting stars like.
At the funeral of guitar superstar Frankie Presto, who disappeared at the peak of his fame, the Spirit of Music looks back on his life from his birth in a church during the Spanish Civil War to his years as “the next Elvis Presley.”
In Albom's latest mystical tale (The First Phone Call from Heaven, 2013, etc.), Francisco's mother dies after giving birth. The newborn is rescued by a nun, but she’s soon overwhelmed and, Moses-like, casts him adrift in the Mijares River, where he's found by Baffa Rubio’s hairless dog. Rubio later runs afoul of Franco’s thugs, and Francisco, only 9, is smuggled from Spain on a tramp freighter by El Maestro, his blind guitar instructor. In London, surviving as a busker, Francisco meets Django Reinhardt when the legendary guitarist is on his way to play with Duke Ellington in America. Francisco travels with him, his talent soon to earn international acclaim. Though a guitar virtuoso, Francisco neglects the beloved instrument to become a pop star, joining the glitterati. The moral? "Fame is addictive." Over decades, Francisco meets a litany of musicians, including Roger McGuinn, Burt Bacharach, Tony Bennett, and Paul Stanley of KISS, who reminisce in separate chapters while Music (imagine James Earl Jones reading poetry) spins out Francisco’s life story. There are occasional odd descriptive phrases like "with hair the color of dark grapes," but Albom can elicit tears when he writes about loss, and he has fun with you-are-there butterfly-effect anecdotes, as when Francisco tells Hank Williams not to buy a baby blue Cadillac, the car in which he would ride to his death.
"All lonely roads lead back to Music" in this sentimental journey that might be a mashup of the lives of shooting stars like Bobby Darin or Ricky Nelson.
Pub Date: Nov. 10, 2015
ISBN: 978-0-06-229441-8
Page Count: 400
Publisher: Harper/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: Aug. 17, 2015
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2015
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We may long to possess the supernatural abilities we witness, yearning for an escape from the constraints of reality. In this longing, we may find ourselves feeling a sense of emptiness or grief when confronted with our own ordinary lives. Furthermore, magic often carries with it a sense of sacrifice. In many tales of enchantment, characters must make difficult choices or endure great suffering to access their magical abilities. Whether through loss of loved ones, personal hardship, or moral dilemmas, magic can inflict a deep sense of sorrow upon those who wield its power. In literature, art, and folklore, magic has been a source of both joy and sorrow. In novels such as "Harry Potter," the wizarding world provides solace and wonder, but also presents moments of heartache and tragedy. In paintings depicting mythical creatures or fantastical landscapes, the ethereal beauty can leave one with a sense of melancholy, as if mourning the unattainable. Ultimately, the intertwining of magic and sorrow highlights the intrinsic connection between human emotions and supernatural phenomena. It reminds us that even in the realm of enchantment, sorrow remains a universal human experience. The juxtaposition of these emotions serves as a poignant reminder of the complexity of our existence, and the fleeting nature of joy. In conclusion, the combination of magic and sorrow generates a unique blend of emotions that can both inspire and sadden us. It is through this fusion that we recognize the fragility and transience of the human experience. Despite the inherent sadness, the allure of magic continues to captivate us, offering glimpses of a world where the extraordinary is possible..
Reviews for "Charting the Mysterious Path of Magic and Sorrow"
1. Emma - 2 stars - I found "Its magic and sorrow combined" to be incredibly dull and uninspiring. The plot was confusing and lacked depth, and the characters were one-dimensional and uninteresting. The writing style did not captivate me and failed to evoke any emotions. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and wouldn't recommend it to others who are looking for a captivating and engaging magical story.
2. John - 1 star - I just couldn't get into "Its magic and sorrow combined." The pacing was incredibly slow, and there didn't seem to be any clear direction to the plot. The magic elements felt forced and poorly developed, making it difficult to immerse myself in the story. The sorrow mentioned in the title was also lacking in any emotional impact, leaving me feeling indifferent towards the characters and their struggles. Unfortunately, this book fell flat for me and I wouldn't recommend it.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - "Its magic and sorrow combined" failed to live up to my expectations. The writing felt disjointed and lacked a cohesive flow, making it difficult to follow the storyline. The magical elements were underdeveloped and didn't add any depth or intrigue to the plot. Additionally, the sorrow aspect felt forced and didn't resonate with me on an emotional level. Overall, I found this book to be a disappointment and would not recommend it to others.