Play to the Angel

Rating:
Summary: Resolute Pursuit of a Dream
Review: A great story well told -- what more could a reader want? _Play to the Angel_, which takes place in Vienna in 1938, is narrated by twelve-year-old Greta Radky. Greta's older brother had been a promising concert pianist, but now that he has died, her mother is threatening to sell their piano.

Early in the novel Greta tells why the piano is so important to her: "I [played the piano] because it satisfied something inside me, the way a bowl of hot soup satisfied my stomach or a breath of fresh air satisfied my lungs. But the something it satisfied was deeper than my stomach or my lungs. It was the part of me that made me *me*."

Without preaching, _Play to the Angel_ provides a powerful example of a resolute heroine pursuing a dream in the face of obstacles -- in the closing chapters, the Nazi occupation. Greta receives lessons that are valuable to any performer: On nervousness: ". . . you must give the music in you a chance to chase away the fear instead of letting the fear chase away the music." Similarly, Greta is taught about two kinds of musicians -- one, which uses music to present his skill to the world, and the other, which uses his skill to present the music.

Maurine Dahlberg's first novel, _Play to the Angel_ has been nominated for the Mark Twain Award for 2002-2003.

Rating:
Summary: Music for an angel
Review: Greta Radky loves to play the piano. In Vienna, Austria, in 1938, the shadow of Hitler and Nazi Germany is looming. Greta's brother, a talented and promising young pianist has recently died. She finds comfort sorting through his music, Scarlatti, Schumann, Bach, Chopin and Clementi. Her mother's grief is so deep that she cannot stand listening to Greta practice and is talking about selling the piano. Greta finds the strength to pursue her talent with the support of the mysterious Herr Hummel, a wonderful piano teacher who recognizes her gift. This book is a sensitive story of hope and courage in dangerous times. The author's knowledge of music and musicians gives the story authenticity. This is the kind of story that inspires young readers to study music. I LOVED this book.

Rating:
Summary: I loved this book
Review: I loved this book. I liked it because the history did not have anything to do with the book intil the end. It is about a girl named Greta who is living in Austria at the time of the rise of Nazi Germany. She loves to play piano, but her mother does not want her to play because it reminds her of Greta's deceased brother who was very good at piano. Greta is a very shy girl and not very brave, but that made her a good character to read about.

Rating:
Summary: A Magical Reading Experience
Review: I loved this book. I read it all in one day.
In this book, Greta is a twelve-year old who wants to be a concert pianist but doesn't have the courage to reach her goals. She has a musical prodigy brother who had recently died, and her mom discourages her love of music. Then Greta meets Herr Hummel, who helps her to believe in herself and present her music to the world. But those happy times don't last; the Nazis soon take over and Greta is overwhelmed with the staggering truth of her piano teacher. I loved the ending of this book. It wasn't the 'happily ever after' sort of ending. But I shan't spoil it for you;)

After reading it, I really wanted to visit Austria and see all those buildings and the musikverein. The author who wrote it had a good sense of Austria and Austrian customs (ie. instead of naming people Mr. Hummel and Mrs. Schaffer, they are addressed as Herr Hummel and Frau Schaffer). I also liked way the author portrayed Greta in this book. The fact that Greta's brother had just died, coupled with the last chapter of this book, gives it a shine of nostalgia and rememberance that makes it a magical reading experience.

I highly recommend people who are just learning about the Holocaust to read this book. It wasn't gory or overly-bloody, and has a good moral behind it: always believe in yourself!

Rating:
Summary: A memorable, heartwarming book that leaves a lingering glow.
Review: The characters, especially Greta and Herr Hummel, are strongly drawn and sympathetic. The story is nicely paced and gives readers a good idea of everyday life in Vienna on the eve of the Nazi invasion. Although the political situation is the backdrop for the story, the main focus is on Greta herself--her emotional vulnerability, resourcefulness, determination, integrity, and personal growth.

The book touches on a number of issues important to teenagers, especially girls: mother-daughter interaction, sibling rivalry, school friendships, development of self-confidence, and physical changes associated with growing up. Broader issues include Greta's loss of a beloved brother, her dawning political awareness, and her courage in the face of evil. Readers are also given deep insights into the development of a young musician: the teacher-student relationship, the overcoming of stage fright ("let the music drive away the fear"), and the discipline and determination required for success as a performer.

The pages abound with delightful passages, including the following examples:

"The longer I played, the more the piano seemed an extension of myself, instead of a separate thing that I moved my fingers on." [p. 84]

"The two horrid-looking études bared their teeth, daring me to try them." [p. 108]

"I felt as if I had a sign on me that said, LOOK! GIRL WEARING FIRST BRA!" [p. 111]

"Only a few little clouds, as light and delicate as a Viennese waltz, drifted across the deep turquoise sky." [p. 135]

"I was in perfect control, making some notes as wispy as a bird's breath, others as crisp as winter stars." [pp. 142-3]

Although intended for teenagers, this novel will also be enjoyable for older readers, who will be reminded of best-loved books from their own school years.

Rating:
Summary: wonderful book
Review: When her brother dies, Greta Radky is left lonely; her mother doesn't love her as much as her deseased brother, her best friend moved away, and her father pulled a disappearing act when she was younger. The one way she finds joy is through the piano, which her mother wants to sell. When a piano teacher moves in across the street, she convinces her mother to let her take lessons and keep the piano. But her teacher, Herr Hummel is on the run from the Nazis. After her first recital, she finds that Hitler has taken over Austria, and is worried for her teacher.

This book was incredible with a good insight on the war. I liked the plot very much.

Rating:
Summary: Really well-written & interesting.
Review: When I started to read this book, I was captivated. It is interesting and provides a good insight to musical life to someone who is musically challenged. I thought Herr Hummel, or Karl Von Engelhart, was very well-done and interesting. When I finished this book I suddenly wanted to go to Austria and see what it was like. The only thing I didn't like was it ended on a cliff-hanger, and I really tortured myself thinking about if Greta ever saw Lore or Erika or Karl von Engelhart (Herr Hummel) again.

One thing I disagree with in the review above: they say that Doris Ogel's The Devil in Vienna is better than Play to the Angel. It is not! I read about half of TDIV and I was totally bored and disinterested, although I finished it. It was shallow and the emotions of Inge were very undeveloped. Though I'm getting off the subject. Read Play to the Angel and you won't be disappointed!