A Symphony of Rivals Review from Kirkus Reviews

A Symphony of Rivals

Author: Roma Calatayud-Stocks

Historical Fiction

ISBN: 978-0-9987319-3-3

Ebook and Hardcover available at Amazon

 Printed with permission of Kirkus Reviews

“A Suspenseful bridge to the final volume to a historical fiction series. Alejandra Stanford Morrison is a strong-willed woman with ambitions to become a symphony conductor, though it defies the gender expectations of the 1930s. When she learns of her acceptance into a prestigious conservatory in Berlin, her ecstasy is met with reluctance from her husband, Richard. Part One chronicles their travels and musical training amid increasing political tensions in Germany and Austria. Calatayud-Stocks portrays her characters clearly, each with a unique voice and agenda. The novel raises stimulating questions regarding work-life balance and the entwinement of art and politics.  The momentum accelerates with the emergence of more serious conflicts, leaving readers with a cliffhanger that should entice them to pick up the next volume. And for culture enthusiasts, the author once again offers musical selections corresponding to each chapter. 

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