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Chopin's Last Manuscript
“A beautifully written, immersive novel that brings Chopin’s inner world vividly to life.” — Kirkus Reviews
Paris, 1971: A hidden floorboard reveals a diary written by Frédéric Chopin in the final month of his life. Within lies the untold truth about his stormy affair with novelist George Sand — a story history buried.
From the glittering salons of 1830s Paris to a windswept retreat in Mallorca, from passion to betrayal, Chopin’s Last Manuscript weaves a tale of genius, love, and revenge. Decades later, a craftsman and a Warsaw scholar risk reputations to give Chopin back his voice.
Based on meticulous research and alive with romance and intrigue, this sweeping novel uncovers the man behind the music — and the scandal that almost silenced him forever.
Winner, Historical Fiction , December 2025 International Impact Book Award
“An original, fast-paced story about one of history's most beloved composers. Chopin's Last Manuscript is an engaging mystery, a tragic love story, and a unique look into the life of a musical genius. I could not put it down.” “―Bob Pritchard, author of Her Puerto Rican Smile, The Booth Brotherhood
“Beth Kellam has created a deeply satisfying story exploring the connections between a beloved composer and an equally beloved writer. Presented as a dual timeline between 1830s Paris and present-day Warsaw, Chopin’s Last Manuscript draws the reader deep into the minds and hearts of its characters.” —Jeannette de Beauvoir, author of Our Lady of the Dunes.
"A dazzling historical novel that brings Chopin vividly to life—funny, vulnerable, and human. From Warsaw to Vienna to Paris, his story unfolds against Europe in upheaval and culminates in a love affair with George Sand that remakes them both."―Elizabeth Winder, author of Parachute Women, Marilyn In Manhattan.
Paris, 1971: A hidden floorboard reveals a diary written by Frédéric Chopin in the final month of his life. Within lies the untold truth about his stormy affair with novelist George Sand — a story history buried.
From the glittering salons of 1830s Paris to a windswept retreat in Mallorca, from passion to betrayal, Chopin’s Last Manuscript weaves a tale of genius, love, and revenge. Decades later, a craftsman and a Warsaw scholar risk reputations to give Chopin back his voice.
Based on meticulous research and alive with romance and intrigue, this sweeping novel uncovers the man behind the music — and the scandal that almost silenced him forever.
Winner, Historical Fiction , December 2025 International Impact Book Award
“An original, fast-paced story about one of history's most beloved composers. Chopin's Last Manuscript is an engaging mystery, a tragic love story, and a unique look into the life of a musical genius. I could not put it down.” “―Bob Pritchard, author of Her Puerto Rican Smile, The Booth Brotherhood
“Beth Kellam has created a deeply satisfying story exploring the connections between a beloved composer and an equally beloved writer. Presented as a dual timeline between 1830s Paris and present-day Warsaw, Chopin’s Last Manuscript draws the reader deep into the minds and hearts of its characters.” —Jeannette de Beauvoir, author of Our Lady of the Dunes.
"A dazzling historical novel that brings Chopin vividly to life—funny, vulnerable, and human. From Warsaw to Vienna to Paris, his story unfolds against Europe in upheaval and culminates in a love affair with George Sand that remakes them both."―Elizabeth Winder, author of Parachute Women, Marilyn In Manhattan.
508 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 3, 2025
9 people are currently reading
4 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Allan Kellam
1 bookBeth has had many lives. A classical music student, a military wife, a market researcher, a founder of two businesses and a writer now living in Cape Cod and St. Augustine.
She has long been captivated by the hidden truths in music history.
"Chopin's Last Manuscript" is her debut novel, the first in a planned series that explores the lives and artistic struggles of legendary composers and musicians.
Beth believes that "reading about music is like painting in black and white"...the reader must be able to HEAR the music and the story behind it. So all of her ebooks contain links to music, and print copies are accompanied by a soundtrack for your cell phone at https://thesoundofgenius.com/chopin-l...
She has long been captivated by the hidden truths in music history.
"Chopin's Last Manuscript" is her debut novel, the first in a planned series that explores the lives and artistic struggles of legendary composers and musicians.
Beth believes that "reading about music is like painting in black and white"...the reader must be able to HEAR the music and the story behind it. So all of her ebooks contain links to music, and print copies are accompanied by a soundtrack for your cell phone at https://thesoundofgenius.com/chopin-l...
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
December 16, 2025
A hidden manuscript written by Chopin is found in a newly renovated museum. Will this manuscript tell the true love story between the composer and novelist, George Sand? Will her fabricated story through letters tell the story. Readers will be surprised to learn about these two upstanding characters of history. Alarming, eye opening and daring the author betrays a fictional account of a love affair gone wrong. Remarkably researched this novel might tell more truth than fiction about the wonderful composers life cut short by illness but lived to it's fullest.
December 8, 2025
Engaging story of the life of Chopin and his music
I knew very little of Chopin or his music before reading this book. It is carefully researched and beautifully written. What an interesting life this man had- from his health struggles to his love life to his music. I was so moved by the description of the events leading up to his death. He accomplished so much in 39 years! Being able to access the music mentioned in each chapter enhances the reading experience. I have a new appreciation of Chopin and his music.
I knew very little of Chopin or his music before reading this book. It is carefully researched and beautifully written. What an interesting life this man had- from his health struggles to his love life to his music. I was so moved by the description of the events leading up to his death. He accomplished so much in 39 years! Being able to access the music mentioned in each chapter enhances the reading experience. I have a new appreciation of Chopin and his music.
January 2, 2026
This was a very interesting read. I learned a lot about Chopin. He was very unlucky in love and that in part, helped him write with great passion and heart. He was involved with a woman, George Sands for 8 years and she tried but was unable to ruin his reputation. She was a writer and wrote about him and made him look like a monster. She was herself a woman of loose morals so she was not taken seriously. Chopin also suffered from a lung disease that plagued him all his life and is what led to his death at 39.
This book has links to his music in the chapters so you have the chance to listen to what he wrote as you read. It is very immersive and fun to read in this way.
This book has links to his music in the chapters so you have the chance to listen to what he wrote as you read. It is very immersive and fun to read in this way.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews