Nancy Moser. Mozart’s Sister. Bethany House. 2006.

Mozart is a familiar name to most music lovers. However, Nannerl Mozart’s name is virtually unknown although she was nearly as talented as her brother, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. She up playing before members of society or royalty just as her brother did.

During Mozart’s lifetime, musicians needed to find someone to sponsor them so they had expenses for tours. Unlike today, people didn’t pay for tickets to see great musicians. If someone really appreciated their music, they would reward them with whatever amount of money deemed appropriate. This made a musician’s lifestyle rather precarious.

Mozart’s father risked his own career in his effort to bring his son’s talent to the world. At first, Nannerl and Wolfgang did concerts together. Later in their childhood, their family income declined so that only the father and Wolfgang traveled about bringing his music to various cities and even distant countries.

Nannerl spent her entire life in her brother’s shadow. She is forced to follow the path of women in her days, to be a wife and mother even while longing to be a musician like her infamous brother. Although forced to forego her own dreams, she finds reward as a mother and wife.

Recommendation

Mozart’s Sister shares the story of life in the 1700s on the European continent. You’ll learn some of their trust in God. You’ll learn even more about the role of women in that society. It’s guaranteed to make you appreciate the freedom we have in today’s world.

Christine Schaub. The Longing Season. Bethany House. 2006.

Amazing Grace may be one of the best known hymns in the English speaking world. I wonder how many of today’s Christians know anything about John Newton, the author of Amazing Grace.

The Longing Season tells Newton’s story. The story begins with Newton being punished for desertion from his ship. He had the left the ship to seek his father, John Newton Sr. He winds up a slave in Africa.

While he was in Africa, a woman waited back home hoping that he would eventually return. Years went by with no word from him. Then, after being given up as lost at sea, a skinny, shaggy John Newton returns home.

While undergoing horrendous difficulties, Newton finally bows before God and accepts the Salvation offered by His son, Jesus. Amazing Grace describes Newton’s redemption from a wretched man to one that would preach the message of Salvation for many years.

Recommendation

This is one of the most amazing stories I’ve read about the background of a popular hymn. I can barely imagine a man running a slave ship could eventually be redeemed. His story shows that no matter how low man sinks, God can still reach him and clean up his life.

Copyrighted by Diana Pederson, 2005-2009