book review: The Lost Mozart by David K. Israel

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  5/5

Thank you Post Hill Press for providing an ARC for review consideration via NetGalley! All opinions are my own.

Get ready to immerse yourself in the world of classical music! David K. Israel, the author of The Lost Mozart, is a composer and musician himself, so this literary work is deeply infused with musical history, songs, and classical composers.

This is a coming-of-age story about Noah, a twenty-one-year-old college senior trying desperately to figure out how to use his degree—partly to prove his parents wrong, and partly to prove something to himself. While interning at a radio station, Noah forms an unlikely friendship with Bertram, an elderly radio announcer. Noah is welcomed into Bertram’s wider circle of friends, who provide a listening ear, crucial support, and wise guidance during this pivotal time in his life.

While hanging out and discussing music with this eclectic group, Noah unbelievably stumbles across the beginning of an unfinished Mozart string quartet. He decides to complete the piece in an effort to gain notoriety and earn money to help his friends. Getting the piece finished and finding an audience is a bumpy ride, but Noah’s inner circle stays close, and he even navigates a new romance with Eos along the way.

Israel’s personal background in classical music brings an incredibly rich layer to the characters and the overall story. The musical tidbits are woven in beautifully without ever feeling forced, and I came away with a much deeper understanding of the genre. However, readers who are already familiar with—or have a deep love for—the ins and outs of classical music will likely appreciate this the most. While the narrative always expertly circled back to the main plot, there were times when the heavy musical detours caused me to lose track of the story a bit. Still, I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a rich, rewarding, and challenging read.