OVERALL: I really loved reading this story mainly because of how beautifully written the narration was. I also enjoyed how the reader can follow Frankie Presto along through his entire life, meeting both real people in the history of music as well as fictional characters that shape Frankie’s personality. One of the first books I’ve reviewed so far where I can't find anything under the “What I Didn’t Like” category!
BOOK BASICS:
TITLE: The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto
AUTHOR: Mitch Albom
RATING: 5/5 Stars
SYNOPSIS: (Goodreads) “ Frankie, born in a burning church, abandoned as an infant, and raised by a music teacher in a small Spanish town, until war rips his life apart. At nine years old, he is sent to America in the bottom of a boat. His only possession is an old guitar and six precious strings. His amazing journey weaves him through the musical landscape of the 1940s, ’50s and ’60s, with his stunning playing and singing talent affecting numerous stars (Duke Ellington, Hank Williams, Elvis Presley) until, as if predestined, he becomes a pop star himself.
He makes records. He is adored. 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. At the height of his popularity, tortured by his biggest mistake, he vanishes.” (Click on book cover image to be linked to full Goodreads synopsis)
WHAT I LIKED:
1) Music as a narrator: I loved that Mitch Albom used the voice of Music to narrate the life of Frankie Presto. Throughout the book, Music used performance terms, time signatures and other musical references to describe phases and time periods in Frankie Presto's life. For example, when describing the beginning of a pivotal point in Frankie’s life, Music would compare it to a crescendo becoming louder and louder. As someone who really loves music and playing in an orchestra, these references made the book all the more meaningful and beautiful to me.
2) Frankie Presto's life: another thing I really enjoyed was how the Magic Strings of Frankie Presto was a narration about Frankie Presto's life, from birth to death. For me, this meant that I could really see character growth and changes, and I could connect to Frankie's feelings and emotions. Through the good, the happy, the bad and the nasty, the reader was there with Frankie. (Meaning the book was a good ol' roller coaster of feels :) )
3) El Maestro: El Maestro, Frankie’s grumpy and blind guitar teacher, was one my favourite characters in the book. He was a tough love type of teacher, which helped Frankie grow as a musician. His cynical view of the world contrasted with Frankie’s young innocence and happiness, but after spending more time with Frankie, El Maestro began to soften his hard demeanour. I especially love it when authors create two strongly contrasting characters that need to spend time together, because I really enjoy reading about how both characters learn and grow together!
4) Mitch Albom’s overall writing style. In all honesty, this is probably one of the most beautifully written books I’ve read in a long time - it was the perfect balance of descriptive and metaphorical. Some of my favourite quotes from the book are:
“Truth is light. Lies are shadows. Music is both.”
“Everyone joins a band in this life. And what you play always affects someone. Sometimes, it affects the world.”
“But you cannot change your past, no matter how you craft your future.”
- The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto, Mitch Albom.
You can view all quotes from the Magic Strings of Frankie Presto, including my favourites, here:
https://www.goodreads.com/search?utf8=✓&q=the+magic+strings+of+frankie+presto&search_type=quotes