Symphony of Monsters: A Novel

by Marc Levy

1 pages, Audio CD

Expected publication January 20, 2026

About the author

Marc Levy was born in France. When he turned eighteen, he joined the Red Cross, where he spent the next six years. In 1983, he created a computer graphics company based in France and the United States. Six years later, he co-founded an interior design and planning company with two friends; the company soon became one of the leading architecture firms in France.

At thirty-seven, Marc Levy wrote a story for the man that his son would grow up to be. In early 1999, his sister, a screenwriter (now a film director), encouraged him to send the manuscript to a French publisher, who immediately decided to publish If Only It Were True. Before it was published, Steven Spielberg (Dreamworks) acquired film rights to the novel. The movie, Just like Heaven, starring Reese Witherspoon and Mark Ruffalo, was a #1 box office hit in America in 2005.

After If Only It Were True, Marc Levy began writing full-time. Since then, he has written 18 novels. His work has been translated into 49 languages and has sold over 40 million copies worldwide.

In addition, Marc Levy has directed a short movie, written short stories and song lyrics for various artists, including Johnny Hallyday.

Le Figaro newspaper recently commissioned a nationwide poll asking the French to rank their favorite author: Marc Levy and Victor Hugo were #1.

Marc Levy currently lives in New York City. Readers can learn more about him and follow his work on www.marclevy.info

Reviews

[Naomi (aplace_inthesun) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to this audio courtesy of Librofm as part of their influencer program. We get to choose a number of titles and this was one of mine. I’ll definitely be recommending friends and family listen to this.

It’s a story about a young boy who doesn’t speak, snatched away from his school in Ukraine on 2023 with the intent of the Russian government to relocate to children, have them adopted and become Russian citizens. It’s his (Valentin) story, interwoven with the stories of his sister Lilya and his mother who each independently set out to find him.

It’s more character driven than plot per se, though events move quietly along at a nice pace. The authors note gives affirmation of the basis for the book.

Interesting. Moving. Frightenly chilling.

An aside - this is a translated novel.

[TiffanyMarieTicer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a book! This is based on a true story about the abduction of the Ukrainian children by the Russians. The author mentions about people commenting not “knowing” and I’ll be the first to admit I had no idea. This is a must read or listen! The audiobook was great!

This story follows a family and their son who was abducted. His courage during the events brought me to tears so many times. The journey to try and get him back was intense and had me frozen with anticipation several times.

I’m definitely going to be reading more books by Mark Levy! Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Audio and the author for the ALC!

[Melinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first want to say thank you to Netgalley and Harper Audio for this ALC. This book was eye opening, gut wrenching and kept me on the edge of my seat. I couldn't stop listening to it.

This is a true story of a young boy that is taken during the war and what he goes through to survive, what his mom goes through in attempt to get him back. Knowing this is a true to story makes my heart race. As a mother I can't fathom having to endure this. I highly recommend reading this book. I will be looking into additional books by Marc Levy.