The Spanish Bow (Abridged) Audiobook

" An interesting mystery based on Pablo Casals. I enjoyed it but not the best writing I have ever encountered. "

" According to the Author's Note at the end of the book, this novel started out as a work of non-fiction, to depict the life of Pablo Casals. Along the way, the author found the need to create new characters, including one for Casals, and turn to fiction in order to express herself, to "immerse myself in something beautiful and hopeful" following 9/11. The result is a passionate and interesting story set against the Spanish Civil War and the beginning of WWII. Lots of historical figures (Franco, Picasso, Goebbels) make appearances within a tale that puts passion for music and loyalty to political ideals and other people (the two loyalties not always matching up well) at the heart of the history. "

" An interesting story of a young boy growing up with a fascination over playing the cello. The relationship of 3 musicians is explored in an historical setting in a culture is some degree of upheaval. "

" I enjoyed this book although I wasn't sure what to make of it. It would probably help to be more familiar with the history of Spain in the early part of the 20th century. Was it a political book? A commentary on music? The pianist was not a sympathetic character, which probably downgraded the book's appeal to me. However, he was a complex character "

" Andromeda's beautiful descriptions and characterizations carried me farther into this book than I might normally have gone. Somewhere in the middle I began to despair at its length and wondered where it was going and if it were ever going to end. A short while later, however, my interest was captured again and I willingly completed it. I think it's wonderful that a fellow Alaskan wrote such a beautiful book. "

" I really enjoyed learning about Spanish history. A good read "

" I enjoyed this story of a musician surrounded by world events in and between wars in Spain and Europe. The character comes to several times in his life where he needs to make a choice. It did take me a while to read, but a very impressive well researched novel. "

" Good history of Spain (especially under Franco's rule) and Spanish music. Ties into the Holocaust. Interesting and fairly quick read. "

" I wish I had remembered to comment on the book when I read it a few months ago. I remember it being very good and horribly sad. "

" Wonderful, wonderful story by Alaskan author Andromeda Romano-Lax. "

" Thoroughly researched and beautifully written. I sped through this book without noticing I was reading, except when I stopped to dog-ear a page or underline a phrase. I hope Romano-Lax will continue on the novelistic path, although I've also enjoyed her nonfiction. "

" Not the most interesting book. Based on Pablo Casals life....Spanish history...Franco....Hitler...Music, etc. She covers much and it drags in spots and is long. "

" A cellist witnesses historical events of the Spanish civil war and WWII. "

" bargain ebook. A bit of a drag (depressing time period, pretty modern for "historical fiction") but well-written and worth reading. "

" I loved that it took place in Spain, was historical, musical, and very nicely written. Was a bit slow going in places. "

" A well-written sweeping tale of music and Spain and dictators. Right up my alley. "

" I just couldn't get into this book and I've tried numerous times. "

" This is a lovely, lovely book. Brief bloggy review in Jacqui's Room. "

" I was drawn in by the "crippled child becomes musical genius" aspect, and I love historical pieces. It's a little slow but still enjoying the read "

" Started strong but the ending caught sluggish and caught up in the politics. The plot didn't go where I'd hoped it would. But overall, pretty good. "

" Excellent! Engaging, complicated, multi-dimensional characters, interesting historical setting during Spanish Civil War and WWII Europe and the musical elements all contributed to creating multiple layers of enjoyment in reading this novel. "

" Picked up this used book on a whim and ended up enjoying it very much. Well written, interesting characters and an unusual story. "

" Good story that has really put me in the mood to listen to some cello music. "

" the beauty of the cello "

" The book started strong and I had a hard time putting it down, but then in the second half it suddenly got boring. All of a sudden I had a hard time picking it back up. "

" Excellent! Engaging, complicated, multi-dimensional characters, interesting historical setting during Spanish Civil War and WWII Europe and the musical elements all contributed to creating multiple layers of enjoyment in reading this novel. "

" This novel is loosely based on the life of cellist Pablo Casals. Great if you like music, cello, Spanish history. It examines the question of the role of an artist or anyone in the face of disasters, including the Spanish Civil War in this book. "

" I enjoyed this book. It was historical fiction taking place in Spain in the first half of the 20th century. All about the role of art and music in society and morality. "

" It's supposed to be unputdownable, but honestly I felt it was dragging... Interesting idea but the main character was not likable. Good writing though... "

" I really enjoyed the story of this book, and though the history was quite complicated and took a bit of slogging at times it really did interest me in the time period. It reads as a fictional autobiography, and the story does get submerged a bit at times. "

" really fun book about a cellist but takes you through the Spanish Civil War and first and second world war. Explains the history well "

" A cellist witnesses historical events of the Spanish civil war and WWII. "

" This is a book about a child prodigy who lives in Spain during Franco's time. It takes him from birth until his retirement. It is warm, funny, poignant. I loved it. "