The Glass Harmonica

by Dorothee E. Kocks

Dorothee Kocks steals intimate details from American history to craft a novel of sensuality, ecstasy and music that reads at the pace of a thriller. Young Chjara Valle is exiled from Corsica sold as a servant to an opium addict in Paris. Music paves the way for her to flee with Henry, her love, to post-revolutionary America. There the new freedoms and Puritan vigor compete for ascendancy. Chjara woos and scandalizes in equal measure with her playing of Benjamin Franklin s glass harmonica, while Henry hides his trade in erotica and forbidden books. Secrets gather and the charge between the lovers weakens as the crowds begin to call for the family s blood. Rooted in historical fact, this debut novel by a gifted international storyteller takes you into a passionate world full of dangerous ideas and dangerous men it is a world you ll not want to leave. Bawdy, geographically vast, heroic, and sensual indeed. Sterling Watson, author of Fighting in the Shade

352 pages, Paperback

First published January 11, 2011

Reviews

[Mike]

I got this from a friend who was the publisher of the book. It turned out to be so focused on sex and sensuality I couldn’t read it. Got about 50 pages into it before I decided enough was enough.

[Karin Eastham]

Terrible book. Had to give it up. I kept hoping for some improvement. Does it even warrant one star? Probably not.

[Penelope]

A rich, rewarding read. The novel follows young Corsican immigrant Chjara Vallé (who follows her illicit love) from her homeland, via Paris of the late 1700s, to New England. The key to Chjara's life lies in her recognition of, and delight in, her sensuality, which includes playing the glass harmonica, an instrument so arousing to its listeners, it was banned in Germany at the time. Her hedonistic tendencies set her at odds with the new Puritanism in the new America.

I love Dorothee Kocks's lyricism; her vivid, engaging characters and gutsy evocation of scene. Reading this novel I'm reminded that each of us can choose to live, too, at the edge of our senses. A book to savour, cherish, and share.

[Christina]

I really enjoyed this steamy, well-researched historical novel. It's about a Corsican musician who believes sensual experiences and virtue are not necessarily mutually exclusive. She is therefore doomed to be a misfit in nineteenth century society, especially once she moves to conservative New England with her contraband-selling husband.
Blue Bookcase review here: http://thebluebookcase.blogspot.com/2...

[Laura]

Apparently this includes a young woman's experience at her first shape note singing. So I have to read it. I am already dubious though since I don't think there were any shape note singings, especially the all day variety, in the 18th century. Maybe she goes to a singing school after 1800. We'll see...

http://lizbdesign.com/_shape_note/gla...

[Camilla]

Loved this book! Fabulous historical fiction, beautifully written with great characters traipsing around Europe and America, challenging gender roles and playing great music. A brilliant bit of fun, passionate, escapism. Especially great for musicians! She writes about musical ecstasy beautifully.

[Michelle]

Couldn't finish this book. I ended up skimming. The writing style is not one that I follow well. It seemed a bit disjointed to me as well. I read to page 97 so I gave it a fair chance, I think...

[Nancy Dardarian]

Quit reading it. Loaned by a friend who said "I'd love it." Hmmm.