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10th out of 75 books
—
33 voters
Liszt's Kiss
by
Susanne Dunlap (Goodreads Author)
The romantic story of a young female pianist in cholera-ravaged Paris of 1832, whose own tragedy leaves her susceptible to the passions and scandals of the composer Franz Liszt
At the height of the Romantic era in Paris, there was no bigger celebrity than the composer and pianist Franz Liszt. A fiery and gorgeous Hungarian, he made women swoon at soirees and left a trail
...morePaperback, 352 pages
Published
April 10th 2007
by Touchstone
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This book is a good example of a story that chose third person omniscient, but might have been better with first-person multiple point-of-view. Dunlap wrote her third-person narrative from the views of her characters anyway, so I’m confused why she didn’t write it in first-person. I felt completely detached from the entire story. I read it because I liked the young doctor Pierre…he was the only character I liked. (Which means Vonnegut was right: always write at least one character for the reader...more
This was a semi-interesting novel, in my opinion. After reading about one quarter of the book, I skipped to the end to find out what happened only because it seemed to get a little slow, or just vaguely boring. Some parts were more interesting than others, and sometimes I had to force myself to keep reading, just to say I finished it (I often start books and don't always finish them).
The timeframe and place of this story takes place during an awful epidemic of cholera. How thankful I am for mode...more
The timeframe and place of this story takes place during an awful epidemic of cholera. How thankful I am for mode...more
Feb 03, 2009
Erica
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
fans of the Romantic era & classical music
I absolutely loved reading this book. It was the perfect mix of everything - 19th century Paris, classical music, romance, and intrigue. It was very well written -- in fact, this is the 2nd book I have read by this author. My husband jokes that she's writing these books just for me, since the subject matter is so perfect. As always, I loved reading about the interactions between the artists and composers living in Paris during that time. If you have any interest in the arts scene in Paris during...more
February is a good time to read something deliciously romantic, and this was my choice this year. It has more depth than just a romance, though; I learned quite a bit about Franz Liszt, his love Marie D'Agoult (also a historical character), and a little of what it might have been like to live in the Paris of their young adulthood. The author's knowledge of classical piano music was a bonus. I liked the fictional main character, and thoroughly enjoyed finding out how the various secrets and intri...more
Okay, so my sister recommended this book for our AWWW trip, and from the sound and the cover, I was like....o....kay....
And then started reading it. It grabbed me from page one! Enthralling! Did NOT go the direction I expected, so I was a little sad about that, but it was a good story!
And then started reading it. It grabbed me from page one! Enthralling! Did NOT go the direction I expected, so I was a little sad about that, but it was a good story!
Once I got about half way in, I couldn't put it down. The lack of communication among the characters was a bit frustrating but it got me thinking about the restraints society has placed upon us, particularly upon women.
It was hard for me to get through this one, probably because of the writing. It was written to have a lyrical sound to it, so I ended up confused sometimes.
Good book. It did take a while for it to move along, but I enjoyed it.
Good book. It did take a while for it to move along, but I enjoyed it.
I enjoyed this book. There were many plot twists, and just as I thought I had things figured out, I'd find out I was wrong. I would agree that the ending was rather abrupt
A good historical romance and mystery that brought out the latent pianist in me.
Tis is one of the silliest stories I have read for a long time. But now I realize who the author was I am not surprised. I haven't enjoyed any of her books. Must remember that
A gentle historical romance/thriller with no passion for music.
Historical Paris 1832 composer Franz LIszt & young female pianist
enjoyed this book a lot! intrigue, romance, innocence...
I like historical fiction and this was pretty good.
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This book probably would have been a 3.5. Overall, it was decent, but I've read a lot of historical fiction lately and it definitely wasn't my favorite as compared with those. A good read though...perhaps it was just the ending that I just wasn't too satisfied with--wrapped up too quickly in my mind. I did like the musical aspect of it, since I could relate since I used to play the piano.
This book had the potential to be really interesting, but given the fact that the author couldn't decide which "voice" to tell the story from and had a very unsatisfying ending, I couldn't really enjoy the book as much as I might have. It did make me want to read more about Liszt, but I think I'll look for a well-written non-fiction piece on him next time ...
I will start by saying I did enjoy this read. I do have to admit that I caught myself skimming at one point. I believe this book was good in the point that it was sort of about Anne, a young talented countess but the historical part was about Marie and Liszt and the cholera epidemic. Worth reading for anyone who enjoys historical fiction.
This book was better than I thought. I had a hard time putting it down. It was historically interesting, with characters like Liszt, Chopin and Delacroix from history tied into an interesting fictional story line. It wasn't as good as "Girl with a Pearl Earring", but just as good as "The Other Boleyn Girl" (and not nearly as graphic!)
I don't really know how much of this book is actually true in regards with Listz's life, but even if it was not true I still liked the book very much. I can't say that it changed my life, but i enjoyed it very much. I would suggest this book to music/fine art lovers or those who love history.
Historic novel about the people and times of Liszt. I guess that it not too accurate about Liszt as a person but more the flavor of the era. Light reading.
I wish I could have read this book more consistently...it was really good I just needed to read it quicker I think.
Not worth the time. Stupid plot. Tries to make use of real historical figures but not well written or interesting.
Interesting semi-romantic historical novel -- a good, fun read
This book all about intrigue and little scandal during 17th century France.
May 16, 2013
Merissa
marked it as to-read
May 12, 2013
Kelly
marked it as to-read
May 04, 2013
Great Historicals
added it
May 01, 2013
Sara Weather
marked it as to-read
Apr 29, 2013
Ari Pettit
marked it as to-read
Apr 28, 2013
Emily
marked it as to-read
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Susanne Dunlap is the author of six works of historical fiction. Two are for the adult market (Emilie's Voice and Liszt's Kiss, both published by Touchstone books of Simon & Schuster). Three are for the young adult market (The Musician's Daughter, Anastasia's Secret, In the Shadow of the Lamp, and the forthcoming The Academie, published by Bloomsbury). A graduate of Smith College with a PhD in...more
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“In this time of , music is vital.”
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