Beethoven in Love; Opus 139: Concerto Quasi Una Fantasia

by Howard Jay Smith

A daring, compelling, and impeccably researched historical novel that offers dramatic new insight into the life of the greatest composer the world has ever known. Its fresh perspective and deeply felt understanding of Beethoven's motivations, passions, and challenges speak eloquently to us today, connecting us to our own successes, failures, and dreams, and ultimately to the true consequence of our lives. At the moment of his death on a snowy afternoon in March, 1827, Ludwig van Beethoven pleads with Providence to grant him a final wish—one day, just a single day of pure joy. But first he must confront the many failings in his life, so the great composer and exceedingly complex man begins an odyssey into the netherworld of his past life. As he struggles to confront its ugliness, we encounter the women who loved and inspired him. In their own voices, we discover their Beethoven—a lover with whom they savor the profound beauty and passion of his creations. And it’s in the arms of his beloveds that he comes to terms with the meaning of his life and experiences the moment of true joy he has always sought. Wonderfully inventive, rich with historical depth, broad humor, intricate wordplay, and the author's great gift for telling a sweeping and compelling tale, this is a novel to savor, become lost in, and deeply enjoy. Howard Jay Smith is an award-winning writer from Santa Barbara, California. A former Bread Loaf Scholar & Washington, D.C. Commission for the Arts Fellow, he taught for many years in the UCLA Extension Writers’ Program and has lectured nationally. His articles and photographs have appeared in the Washington Post, the Beethoven Journal, Horizon, the Journal of the Writers Guild of America, the Ojai Quarterly, and numerous trade publications. While an executive at ABC Television, Embassy TV, and Academy Home Entertainment, he worked on numerous film, television, radio, and commercial projects. He serves on the board of directors of the Santa Barbara Symphony and is a member of the American Beethoven Society. His latest new novel is "MEETING FROM THE SECRET DIARIES OF LORENZO DA PONTE."

Genres: Historical Fiction

382 pages, Paperback

First published June 30, 2015

Reviews

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book as it gives an in-depth look into Beethoven's troubled life that many people don't realize what this genius had to deal with! It was a surprise to find out he had no trouble getting women, but a long term relationship evaded him. Author Howard Smith alternates between historic events and the netherworld. A spirit guide (Napoleon?) has Beethoven take a look at his life and how he affected those in it. Because of the alternating between two worlds, the book never becomes boring and also evokes colorful imagery ("a movie in my mind.") . A must-read for fans of historic fiction! Hollywood, take note--this would make a good movie!

[Gayle Pace · Rating 5 out of 5]

MY THOUGHTS

There aren't a lot of times that we get a book to read where the author let's the reader get a good look at the heart and soul of a genius. We all know some of this amazing person, Ludwig Van Beethoven, but we haven't had the inside look at what life has dealt him and his trials and struggles. We all have those demons that haunt us, but we don't stop and think that someone as brilliant as Beethoven would have them too. The author not only shows us the man but how this man saw the world around him. I never knew that Beethoven had love in his life. Beethoven was a complicated man and took his music to a level few will ever achieve, if any ever do. This book is an absolute masterpiece. Everyone should sit down and seriously read this book. It doesn't matter is you're a lover of music, romance, history, the man himself, it's a good novel and it shouldn't be by-passed. The pace is steady so you have time to take it all in. Remember, you're seeing things about a musical master that you may never have know. Everyone, genius or not, must come to grips of what our life is, what it means and where it's going.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author, Howard Jay Smith and PUYB Virtual Book Tours and voluntarily decided to review it.

[Daniel Guarín · Rating 2 out of 5]

Boring.
The first time I heard about this book was on a Facebook ad. It said 'if you like Murakami, you'll love this book'.
I'm a huge fan of Murakami and a great admirer of Beethoven. This book seemed the perfect one for me. I couldn't wait longer and got it as my Christmas present.

Once I started reading it, I felt a huge disappointed. It was nothing compared to Murakami, it was a poor, amateur style. Descriptions were boring and the scenes were slow. Besides, I've read Beethoven's biography thousand of times. This is just another compilation of data.

Lesson: never trust Facebook advertising anymore.

I don't recommend the book.

[Alexander Jay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book by my namesake! Absolutely 5 stars!