Mozart's Sister Review

The Plot:

The children of Leopold Mozart are uniquely talented, daughter Nannerl (Maria Anna Walburga Ignatia Mozart), five years older than Wolfgang Mozart. Unfortunately for Nannerl, her aspirations will not only be secondary to her sibling's achievements, but she will be flatly forbidden to compose. In Salzburg in 1770, only men  can compose music. Women may perform for audiences, but greater accomplishments are rendered gender specific. Treasured for her musical talent until the birth of her brother, Nannerl is unprepared for  her father's open hostility to her endeavors.

When Leopold prepares to introduce his son to Italy, Nannerl is left at home and is instructed to teach piano to wealthy students and forward the profits to her father to finance their tour. Extremely close in their youth, brother and sister turn away from each other. Out of necessity, Nannerl bows to Leopold's demands, but doing so causes a lasting resentment of Wolfgang's career. Her dreams are shattered; but much as she tries to cut herself off from her creative spirit, it is music that sustains this remarkably talented woman, hampered by the conventions of society.

The story includes Nannerl's attempts at love, and is written for the most part through letters written to her lover.

My Take: 

Charbonnier's challenge is daunting, but she succeeds in blending the Mozart's historical legacy with the lifelong commitment of a woman who aspires to transcend gender. Her potential fame conceded to her brother, Nannerl's clumsy attempts at relationships are grounded in naivete, hence very painful when confronted with reality

. In the end, it is pain that forges Nannerl's talent and her future, no one as champion but herself. It is Nannerl who secures Wolfgang's legacy, years of separation forgotten in an effort to save his work for those who follow. Nannerl's emotional outbursts may seem inappropriate in the context of the novel but maybe this is predictable: her passion for playing and composing is not acceptable. As much as she seeks to control her natural impulse to use her gifts, at times these efforts fail.

A very interesting novel and well worth the time!