Catch The Moon, Mary

by Wendy Waters

Sunday Express, March 2017: ‘Catch the Moon, Mary is one of my six favourite books,’ Amanda Redman, actress – New Tricks, The Good Karma Hospital, Sexy Beast – director/arts patron/Head of ATS

A magical story about a gifted but vulnerable girl who is both saved and damned by an angel who falls in love with her music and claims it as his own in a Faustian pact. With Mary in his thrall, he ruthlessly kills those who threaten his plan to bring Mary to Carnegie Hall where her talent will be hailed supreme.

‘Beyond beautiful’ – Simon Egerton, singer-songwriter, composer, lyricist
‘Mesmerising’ – Joshua Rosenblum, composer, conductor, music critic

Genres: Magical Realism, Fantasy, Coming Of Age, Literary Fiction

260 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2015

About the author

Wendy Waters is an award-winning author, composer, lyricist and librettist. Born in Queensland, she grew up in Sydney, lived in the USA for six years, travelled extensively, and now lives in Sydney, Australia. Waters' debut novel, CATCH THE MOON, MARY, was published in the UK in 2015. Her second novel, FIELDS OF GRACE was published in 2019 and the combined sequel to both books, PARADIS INFERNO was published in 2022. MIRIAM - La Colombe Blanche was published by APS in November 2024.

Waters also writes musicals: ALEXANDER, FRED and THE LAST TALE and WsIP currently THE LOVESONG OF RUBEN KEYES with composers/lyricists, Frank Loman and Ricardo Fernandes and THE BUTTERFLY COLLECTOR and GOLD with Donna Hewitt, John Montgomery and Frank Loman.

FRED, a four-hander book musical was produced in Australia in June 2018 by the Tweed Theatre Company. You can listen to songs from FRED on Waters’ site www.wendywaters.net

Reviews

[Margaret M - (having a challenging time and on GR as much as I can) · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Cages are evil things, Gabriel,’ she said softly. ‘They come in all shapes and sizes, and the bars are made of hate and envy and love. But sometimes you have to find your freedom within a cage, as I did”

Catch the moon Mary is a fascinating book that moved effortlessly through its storyline conjuring up so many different emotions in the reader. Sometimes it was dark and twisty, sometimes it was witty and uplifting, whilst other times it was heart breaking and optimistic but core to the story is Mary’s journey, as she uses music to heal the mental and physical wounds inflicted on her by others. Whilst this cage represents Mary’s personal prison, her music is her safe haven as she also taps into her spiritual side to cope and survive.

Mary has been abused by her father, leaving her isolated, vulnerable, and lost in the world but possessing an impressive talent for music, she is entrapped into committing herself to an unearthly power, an angel, a beacon of light. Gabriel, who will stop the abuse if she submits to his will. A vulnerable Mary unwittingly puts faith in her divine friend because as she plays for him “… a great wave of music lifted her out of her body and deposited her soul in another world. From then on, the music came for her every time and took her to glorious places”.

The story is one of transformation, bringing together the healing power of music and the human spirit, as Mary learns to cope with abuse, hurt, betrayal, loss, and disappointment as she builds new relationships, develops in her music, and begins to understand the likelihood of never having Gabriel for any length of time in her life, or was he ever in her life in the first place??

Catch the Moon Mary is an incredibly unique way to convey some very important themes of the abuse – their effects and the journey of the victims. At times emotional and incredibly thought provoking, the use of magical realism proved to a perfect way to construct and tell a story of abuse, mental illness, and a young and fragile girl trying to cope in a world when those she loved had betrayed her. My advice to you as the reader, is try and make the connection with Gabriel, then roll with the story and expect something different and all will be revealed.

Catch the Moon Mary was quite ingenious as Wendy Walters created a fairy tale type story for adults to deliver a powerful message. There is an angelic and dreamlike quality to the writing, yet the story dealt with some very real themes of abuse, loss, betrayal, death and mental health. The writing is exquisite, the descriptions wonderfully vivid and the sentences just felt they were laced with chocolate.

The underlying themes were never overplayed and left the reader to add their own interpretation to the story to some extent. And why? Because we are all a collection of our own unique experiences. Our coping mechanisms and personal barriers make us who we are and as such - unique. Mary uses music and creates someone to help her cope with her own personal trials. A place in her mind where she feels safe and can survive.

There are so many quotes I highlighted on the kindle the writing was that beautiful. So immerse yourself in the elegant prose, enjoy the stunning writing, the touching story, and the powerful messaging because when I finished, I thought ‘what a beautiful way to deal with a difficult subject and the writing is stunning’.

Thank you to Peter for putting this on my radar, and to Wendy for a beautiful book that leaves an imprint on your heart and has you thinking about the story a long time after reading. And "If Music be the Food of Love, Play on"
_________________________________

This paragraph has been added since completing the trilogy (11th Oct 22). I re-read most of 'Catch the Moon, Mary' as a refresher going into the final book, and what a wonderful trilogy this has been.

I loved the creative way the author told this story of Mary in 'Catch the Moon, Mary' and 'Paradis Inferno' books. Yes, the reader has to climb into this world of magical realism but then the author takes us on a journey of the senses as we feel, see and hear everything that helps us understand Mary, her fragility, struggles and her emotional recovery and survival.

The author Wendy Waters has added a comment about her inspiration for writing the book which is incredibly touching because she helped abused victims in need and saw the person, the scars and their needs while others failed these victims. A remarkable backdrop and story that came from that experience. It adds more context and colour to what is already a wonderful and powerful book.

How would I sum up these books?

Immersive, absorbing and enthralling. Why?, because of the beautiful writing that is almost hypnotic and alluring. Yet we are dealing with some heavy themes of abuse, that never feels overly morbid because this composition is also about healing and the power of music.

Touching, soulful and simply stunning, and one I do not hesitate in recommending.

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mellifluous

“The curse of being an artist is never knowing if you’re good enough. It’s torture trying to bridge the gap between imagination and expression.”

Catch the Moon, Mary is one of the most beautiful books I’ve read. It lifts you to another level of wonderment, with mesmerising lyrical prose infused with melodic inspiration. The musical suggestions sweep through the novel where each chapter adopts a musical term, such as Ostinato, Ariosa, and Cavatina. The narrative provides a rhythm that is alive, unique and full of movement.

Mary Granger is an 11-year-old girl; plain features, with nervous mannerisms and a personality on the autism scale. Her father sexually abuses her, and by using her music, transcends these encounters by creating tunes in her head that flow and transform into something that is heaven-bound. Within a magical realism trope, Archangel Gabriel has been on Earth for over a thousand years and can’t return to his father (God) until he can spiritually save the world. He despairs that he will never return to glory, but one evening hearing the uplifting tapestry of melodies, he knows it can bring his salvation. The music emanating from the gifted Mary can enlighten the world and forge an indestructible bridge between Heaven and Earth. Just what he has been waiting for!

On visiting Mary, the angel witness’s the sexual abuse from her father. He stops him by delivering severe pain to his stomach. After he has left the room, he offers Mary a contract. The price for her freedom from abuse is her music, and she must play for him when and where he chooses. She agrees. Mary is a uniquely endearing character, and Wendy Waters produces an innocent, sensitive, and seemingly assailable personality that shines with a heavenly aura. She silently listens to the music within as she raises her hand and fingers to play an imaginary piano at the side of her head.

As Mary becomes a young woman, she trains as a paralegal. She develops her musical skills under the promise that Gabriel will eventually lead her to international acclaim and Carnegie Hall. She connects with her two bosses Robert and James, beyond just working engagement and finally tracks down her half-siblings Jennifer and Jonathan. The relationships are wonderfully drawn, and Mary’s interaction with the other characters illustrates multi-facets of vulnerability, psychological damage, and mental disorders. Mary is the only one who can see Gabriel, but it’s his light and her music together that she feels is bewitching and emotionally charges her listeners. Several deaths seem to suit the interests of Gabriel, and when quizzed about it, he says

“Everything kills to protect that which gives it life.”

The control Gabriel has over Mary wanes over time, and Mary realises she has as much power as him - any more killing and the music stops - she warns. The beauty of music and prose is collectively celebrated in this stunning book, and it reminds us of our struggles through life and the pursuit of a dream.

Reading this book was a memorable uplifting experience, and I would highly recommend it. I want to thank Wendy Waters for providing me with a copy of her book in return for an honest review.

[Kevin Ansbro · Rating 5 out of 5]

"That which issues from the heart alone will bend the hearts of others to your own."
—Goethe

An angel, who was once known to Francis of Assisi, and who once posed for Leonardo da Vinci, floats down to a young girl's open window one night, enchanted by the magical notes she was able to conjure from the keys of her piano.
Centuries ago, the angel's loneliness had driven him into the arms and beds of Florentine women whose husbands were off fighting wars or exploring oceans. The vanity and rampant promiscuity of this very famous angel brought about his fall from grace and only the reformation of humanity can secure his redemption.
Mary, the child prodigy, is reclusive and autistic - a girl who goes unnoticed until she puts her fingers to the piano. And lo and behold, her incredible music has the power to rejuvenate the angel, both physically and transcendentally. He sees her special gift as his passport to redemption and strikes a Faustian bargain: her global stardom for his divine salvation. Unfortunately for Mary (in a purely metaphorical sense), the angel is possibly Mephistopheles and Faust all rolled into one!

This transportive book reads like a modern-day fable with glittering light and dark shadows flickering across its fast-moving pages. Wendy Waters is a new author to me and I found her poetic prose to be both illusory and beguiling.
This line, a nifty piece of assonance, would have had Dylan Thomas raising his glass of ale to the author: "The slap-slurp of wavelets in the cove."
And that's not the sum of her wordplay by any means, there are many more beautiful lines in the book.

The dynamic between Mary and her guardian angel is a joy to behold: him, capricious and manipulative; her, trusting and principled. And the reader is never quite sure of the long-term outcome of their precarious pact.

A thousand years on the wing can do strange things to an angel's psyche and this one's main problem is that he perhaps has too many human weaknesses of his own to be able to save all of humankind.

I'm a fussy bugger, as many of you will know, but this was a great read from start to finish. Waters has a unique voice and there's a majestic musicality to her prose.

In summary, 'Catch the Moon, Mary' sings out with sorrow and exultation and will be richly remembered by all who have read it!

[Paltia · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off, a big thank you to Peter for his review. His thoughts pushed me to find this book. This is a dreamlike story where the world is filled once more with endless possibilities. From a distance the angel Gabriel hears music. There’s something distinctly different in what he hears. This piano playing might restore his hope to bring light to the world. He spreads his tattered wings and flies to its source. As he listens he is transformed. He becomes a bright vision sparkling with promise taking on the appearance of early morning leaves when strung with dew like iridescent pearls. He offers a lonely and abused girl safety and fame in exchange for his control. All time collides in this moment. Her music in the present summons a distant past of dancing in and with the revolving universe. Her music is also of the future. If only Gabriel can prove that he brings light, transformation and love. Or does he? Wendy Waters encourages the reader to look up and see the stars themselves dancing against the midnight velvet sky. To read this story is to believe in the enchantment of love again. Her words remind us to celebrate the power of music as nothing less than the nectar of the gods. Waters writes with the pen of a writer, the understaning of a therapist and the endless empathy that reflects her belief in beauty and compassion. An extraordinary story that one wants to believe.

[Jules · Rating 5 out of 5]

Catch the Moon, Mary is a mesmerising melody of magical realism. This is storytelling at its best. I cannot express how beautifully written this book is. The words flow off the page like melted chocolate on the tongue, so easy to consume and so temptingly moreish.

In a nutshell, this story is about a vulnerable girl who is being abused by her father, but is saved by a fallen angel who is in love with her music. There are consequences to being saved by an angel, and this story will take you on an emotional journey of love, loss, loneliness, passion and hope. It focuses on Mary, who has the weight of the world on her shoulders, but the healing powers of music help her to face anything. I’m sure we’ve all used music at some point in our lives to calm our nerves or help fix a broken heart. It seems life isn’t always so simple for a fallen angel either, and each character in this story has challenges to face.

This could have ended up just being a fantastical tale of whimsy, but it was so much more than that. It felt so real, conjuring up emotions within me on every page. Sometimes this story was very dark and depressing, while at other times it was overwhelmingly uplifting.

Catch the Moon, Mary is an emotional tale of how our passions can either save us or destroy us, be that a passion for music, nature, drugs, or in my case, reading. Unfortunately my brain and body don’t produce energy like normal people. When I became most poorly about a decade ago, due to a severe relapse, I rediscovered reading, when I had little energy to do anything else, including functions we take for granted, like breathing. Reading has kept me alive, it has helped my heart and soul hold onto and remain passionate about life even when my body wanted to give up. So, when I discover a story as beautiful as this one, I want to share it with the world, as it has now become a part of who I am.

In the same way music gets into the soul of every listener, I suspect this book will capture the hearts of many readers. This is easily one of my favourite books I’ve read this year so far. It has taken me a couple of years to read this book, since buying it in a charity auction, but it was well worth the wait, and very much exceeded my expectations, which were rather high in the first place. I recommend this to anyone who enjoys reading and has a passion, whatever that may be.

Here are a few of my favourite quotes that I either liked because they made me think, or I just loved the images the words created in my mind:

‘Everybody rushing about in pursuit of nothing, producing little of lasting value. No one stands long enough to hear his own soul crying out for meaning. Who hears my message above the clamour of traders, bankers and malevolent pop music? I would bring enlightenment if only they listened. One receptive soul is all I need to spread the message. For it is a well-documented fact that change begins with one person.’

A young girl lay in bed, her eyes fixed on the moon, the melody bursting from her soul like a genie from an uncorked bottle.

He nodded at the bowl of honeyed bread. ‘Don’t encourage the elves. They’re nasty, ungrateful creatures and they bite.’

‘You’ll recognise him by his glow. Beloved people have a special glow.’

‘Everything real was first imagined. Those stars existed in my imagination long before they were fashioned into stone and fire, long before my Father breathed light into them. Many of them no longer exist, but their light lives on. Are they real? Are they illusion? Speculating about what is real and what is imagined will drive you mad.’

‘Everything kills to protect that which gives it life.’

‘The meaning of words can get lost in translation but music needs no interpreter. It speaks directly to the soul.’

At the time of posting this review, this book is available free on Kindle Unlimited:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Catch-Moon-M...

My review is also on my blog here:
https://littlemissnosleep.wordpress.c...

[Cheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

’For my mother who gave me wings.’

’The night was a thin skin of stars and prophecy, the full moon unnaturally bright. All evening he’d felt a presence, as if someone or something was following him, but when he looked around there was no-one there. He was desperate to reach Sydney and take a rest and settle his nerves before embarking on another long, dark night on the wing.’

’For a thousand years he had searched for that one shining soul whose faith would torch the night and redeem the day, a saint who would help him with his quest to enlighten the world and forget an indestructible bridge between heaven and earth.’

Gabriel had fallen from grace, and had spent a thousand years looking for someone who could help him find redemption, and soon. He could feel himself drifting downward as a single note of music was struck, a note that ’pierced the waning night like a swan’s last song.’

This music, and the young girl playing it, become an obsession to him, and he offers her a deal. He will protect her from those who take advantage of her, those who are intent on harming her, in exchange for her music. She is just a child, although she has endured things no child should have to endure, her music is what helps her cope with what she has no control over, taking her to another place where life is beautiful and free of pain.

In part, this impressive debut is about family as well, but it is also about much more than that. It is a story of obsession, of loss, of love, of angels and the effect of decisions made over a life-time, as well as those who commit atrocities which leave scars. It is a story of greed, of jealousy, as well as a story of finding the people and place that you can call home, and the power of music to heal and change.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a special book!. It was so different from other books I've read and I'm delighted my GR friend Peter recommended it to me.

Mary is a fantastic character that I just fell in love with. Her early days are upsetting and with the help of angel Gabriel, he manages to prevent her sexually abusive father from committing these disgusting crimes. The price is that she commits her music to him alone. Whether magical realism or a mental disorder, Mary escapes into her world of music, hearing melodies and tunes in her head. That's not to say she can't play the piano and in fact, she's really gifted.

Mary's journey through life is accompanied by her music and the progression to the pinnacle of an artist's dream - playing at Carnegie Hall. She has an increasing struggle with Gabriel as he appears to kill those close to her if she doesn't stay committed to him. As Mary grows, however, she starts to exert some pressure on Gabriel as she comes to terms with the life she wants to live. The other characters all add to an enthralling story that just took my breath away. The writing is so lyrical and uplifting that I lived in a dream during the reading of this book. The musical connections throughout added to the special atmosphere and this is clearly an area that Wendy Waters has a passion for.

I would highly recommend this book.

[Suzy Davies · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was gifted to me in exchange for an honest review. Thanks, Wendy Waters.

An autistic piano player, Mary, and a devilish angel, Gabriel, make a pact. Mary will give Gabriel her music in exchange for adulation and success.
"Catch The Moon, Mary" explores the origins of creativity and the artist's journey.
Mary's struggle to rise above abuse finds voice as she searches for love and acceptance.
Spiritual visitations leave their echoes even as the narrator takes issue with religious dogma and conventions.
Out of the crepuscular light of caves, emerging from the womb, from the backstreets of Bohemia, suburban potting-sheds, palatial mansions of the wealthy and celebrated, from faulty lives something emerges; souls are waiting for the time and place to reveal themselves.
Mary radiates conviction and courage, a mediator between worlds. Her story speaks of love's labors, how our weaknesses are well-springs of our gifts. I am reminded of the words of the poet, Leonard Cohen, "There is a crack in everything, that's how the light gets in."
Forever lyrical, dream-like and haunting, " Catch The Moon, Mary" will hold you in its spell.
Final Thoughts.
I loved the playfulness of the prose in this symbolist novel which sparkles with color - a painterly text. The World of The Fey merges with reality to create the magical world of the book.
Although pace was lacking in places, this work is a page turner with imaginative character development.
For me, "Catch The Moon, Mary" is a performative text. Its strength is in the musical prose, the mastery of cadence.

[Joseph Sciuto · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a pleasant surprise. "Catch the Moon, Mary," by Wendy Waters is both angelic and beautifully written. An abused child, Mary, is visited by an angel, Gabriel, and the abuser is quickly punished and hobbles out of the child's room in terrible pain.

Gabriel quickly makes a deal with the gifted child that the music she makes on her piano is to change the world and make it a better place to live, and at the same time make her famous beyond her imagination.

Of course, there are a few set backs because Gabriel is not to be denied his wish to re-invent the world, and as a consequence any one who gets in the way of his plan is killed.

Ms. Waters uses biblical figures, such as Gabriel, Mary, the mother of Jesus, and brings them into modern times and it works. The supporting characters are all well defined and it is the power of music that eventually prevails. "Catch the Moon, Mary," is a gem of a novel.

[Assaph Mehr · Rating 5 out of 5]

A unique tale of damaged people, music and redemption.

What to expect:
An inspiring story about a musician, facing her angels and demons. Waters has a clear yet delicate voice, writing highly evocative prose.

What I liked:
The writing does an amazing job of sympathising with the various characters, for all their flaws. No one is perfect nor completely evil; life is more complicated than this. I enjoyed the musical terms, and the novel contains many quotable moments, with astute observations about the human condition.

What to be aware of:
This is not paranormal romance, though on the surface it might appear to be. It is a story of a woman growing up, with a complicated life and inner demons. The prose is flowery at times, and peppered with descriptions of music.

Summary:
A very enjoyable and emotional read, in all.

---
Assaph Mehr, author of Murder In Absentia: a story of Togas, Dagger, and Magic - for lovers of Ancient Rome, Urban Fantasy, and Detective mysteries.

[EireReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have nothing but high praise for this book. A sensational story of abuse and recovery and this doesn't do it justice.

I will come back to review properly - convalescing at the moment but a worthy 5 stars.

One of the best books you will read.

Thanks Margaret, well done Wendy

[Michelle Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderfully orchestrated story of love and ultimate betrayal

I could not put this book down! Mary's story of grace that emerges through the cracks of trauma, is written in a unique, musical prose that bound me to the very end.

Mary is a traumatized and shy young woman who feeds the fairies in hopes that they will help her in return, to get through loneliness and the abuse from her father. Instead, she gets an archangel who is drawn to her, seemingly, because she is a musical genius, only to find out that the relationship goes much deeper and much farther back in history. It is a relationship between two souls that creates desperate longing when they are apart and also a rapturous draw toward each other when they are near.

Wendy Waters has done a superb job with this story and with its beautiful prose. Again, it's a page-turner, and one I couldn't put down. I highly recommend!

[L.L. Tremblay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mesmerizing – Brilliant!!

Absolutely loved this book - I couldn’t put it down! “Catch The Moon, Mary” is a work of art and a delightful feast for the senses. Every word is a stimulus for the mind, and every sentence offers a window into the characters’ delicate yet complex world. It’s impossible not to love Mary—the protagonist—and the other characters that have also suffered from past trauma. It keeps you engaged with several twists and turns. The story is original and the narrative is captivating and brilliantly written, so much so it was like watching a movie on the big screen. The Author’s amazing writing talent and creativity is inspiring. I’m a huge fan!

[Jennifer Coralie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My second reading of this novel confirms my opinion of Wendy Waters as a writer of great skill and subtlety. Read it the first time in one sitting if you can; you won't want to put it down. I willingly suspended disbelief and entered Mary's world. This novel is exciting and beguiling, and defies the boundaries of genre. It is scored like a libretto but at times reads as poetry; it is romantic but clear-eyed and anti-romantic at the same time. It is a story about healing on a deep level, and it contains a metaphysical viewpoint that is intriguing and challenging. The figure of Gabriel haunts the narrative: he is an angel, a dangerous supernatural character who attempts to change the world to fit his vision. Waters describes an unbearably beautiful world that the angel believes has been corrupted and is worth saving by any means. This story is a layered and complex one underpinned by descriptions of the physical world rendered in prose that binds sound, light, colour and perfume into a synaesthetic whole. Add to that Waters' unorthodox and subversive views on religion and you have a powerful mix that reminds me of Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials series, which in turn references John Milton's epic poem Paradise Lost. Spellbinding.

[Fionnuala Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bravo

Wendy Waters is a superb storyteller who skilfully crafts a sublime tale of love and heartbreak. Her use of prose is exquisite and this story deserves a huge audience. Bravo.

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written story. The last chapter left me with a couple of questions but the overall book was very good and I enjoyed reading it. Written like a true angel!

[Carmol Mae · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most unique and original books I have ever read. On a par with Flowers for Algernon. Totally and utterly brilliant.

[Yecheilyah Ysrayl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary Granger is a gifted musician who sees visions of music and moves her hands to the tune of the song she hears in her head, like playing an invisible piano. The children call her “Mad Mary” because she doesn’t understand their jokes. She is nervous, and her mannerisms read like someone with autism or some other disorder. But Mary’s music is extraordinary and came as a way of dealing with the trauma of sexual abuse from her father, James.

Then, there’s the archangel Gabriel, who has been on Earth for a thousand years and is depressed about whether he will ever return to his glorious state. He returns to heaven to find it in chaos. His father (“God”) is gone, and so is his brother Rigel. The angels have adopted a “do what thy will” attitude. Gabriel is searching for a saint who can help him enlighten the world.

Mary and Gabriel meet when the angel is swept away by Mary’s music, which draws her to him like a magnet. Mary is a child, about eleven-years-old, and Gabriel wants her to sell him her music. The child, Mary, can’t sell the music because it takes her away from James’ abuse. Witnessing the act, the angel causes significant pain in the man’s stomach and makes a pact with Mary that he will own the rights to her music in exchange for protection.

He believes Mary’s music is the key to restoring his light and promises her fame and fortune in exchange.

But when Mary is an adult and works as a paralegal, still bound by the contract, Gabriel doesn’t seem to be as kind as he was when she was little. He kills, and people close Mary start to die.

There is a lot to unpack in this book, including the biblical connection between Mary and Gabriel, the angel that came to tell Mariam she was pregnant with the Messiah. And because I believe there are fallen angels who many celebrities worship for fortune and fame, becoming miniature versions of gods on Earth, i.e., stars, I enjoyed the realistic premise of this book. However, the plot in Catch the Moon, Mary is not predictable and gets more profound as the story unfolds.

Catch the Moon, Mary is gracefully written. I was immediately caught up in the poetic writing style of this author. From the first sentence, I was pulled into brilliant prose and description that made reading easy. I felt part of Mary’s world because the writing was like feeling the music, not just reading it. As a poet, I love this. The entire book is written with this kind of artistic expression. The author is unique in her descriptions, so that not one sentence is ordinary.

Waters does not just tell us the sun is rising, but that “suddenly, the sky was rimmed with yellow flame as dawn cracked over the horizon like an egg.” She does not just tell us Mary’s music is good, but that, “her music pulsating like breath.”

I was not a fan of the musical notes used instead of Chapter Headings, but it makes sense, given the author’s writing style. As I said, this author is no ordinary writer!

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

"But don't go taking the whole world on your shoulders. None of us was designed for such a burden save the Lord and even he died under its weight." Despite a few scientific inaccuracies and some awkward sentences, this is an engaging story that grips you so that you won't be able to put it down--I was up until midnight reading! Like a contemporary Phantom of the Opera, love, deceit, death, and new life all find various avenues of expression in Catch the Moon, Mary.

[Isobel Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Catch The Moon Mary is a wonderful story, but the thing which really blew me away was the fact that the words were so magical, throughout the whole novel. It was such a treat to read. This book is literally a work of art and will instantly become a treasure in your collection.

[Rose Auburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary Granger is a supremely talented pianist who wants nothing more but to bring her music to the world but she is also incredibly damaged. Her fragility and introspection threaten to overshadow her musical gift so when she is offered a deal by the Angel Gabriel, she takes it without realizing the consequences will reverberate from the Bible and beyond…

Catch The Moon, Mary is a beautifully unusual book whose premise could have become all a bit YA and fantasy-fetched. But it doesn’t; instead, it takes the reader on a truly touching and thought-provoking journey that is breathtakingly well-written and immensely compelling to read.

The beginning of Catch The Moon, Mary is pure, almost lyrical poetry and wonderfully intriguing. However, within a page or two, there is a sudden twist which comes almost like a sharp intake of breath, and introduces a darkly awful adult theme which essentially underpins the novel.

It’s unflinching, yet sensitively handled and adds reason and strength to Mary’s decisions and those of her half-siblings, later in the story. It also adds a layer of understanding to her relationship with Gabriel which veers into some toxic territory as he sets her free only to keep her contained whilst battling his own demons, literally.

Even in the early stages, Mary demonstrates a quiet yet fierce determination which grows steadily as the novel progresses. She is complex, self-contained, and occasionally frustrating but her single-mindedness is infectious and she leaves a lasting impression.

As mentioned, the main thrust of the narrative could have become a little too frothy but Waters exercises restraint with Gabriel while managing to make him fully dimensional. A lot of consideration was taken in depicting Gabriel’s backstory and it shows, ensuring reader sympathy and engagement.

As Mary finds her level, their dynamic shifts. His vulnerabilities and introspection increase as Mary’s decrease, and although he can be petulant and destructive, he is also vividly beguiling and, therefore believable.

Catch The Moon, Mary is a very neat little novel but manages to cram a lot in. The tangents with Goodman & Co., Kathleen, and then Jonathan and Jennifer never felt superfluous and the scene between Jennifer and Robert in the garden towards the end was especially affecting.

Indeed, the book straddles a number of genres and does so successfully but the real star is the music. Waters’ writing brings the piano alive, not only when Mary is playing but woven throughout the text are notes, sounds, and melodies and I loved the framework of the chapters aligned to musical movements.

Waters’ prose is spellbinding; elegant and intricate but always accessible with some profound insights threaded through a clever and imaginative story that is absorbing, inspiring, and deeply poignant. Highly recommended.

[Marija Spirkovska · Rating 4 out of 5]

In "Catch the Moon, Mary" Waters composes an extraordinary tale that intertwines a Faustian pact between a musical child-prodigy and a beguiling angel with the themes of family, love, and the transcendent powers of art. Waters’ style is lyrical, captivating, and rich, flowing melodiously through the original structure that comprises musical compositions and rhythms rather than conventional chapters. Thus, content and form complement each other in following a meandering narrative path which, for all of the novel’s magical realism, is tenaciously natural and greedily life-affirming. Indeed Jennifer, the motherly gardener, confirms this: ‘Nature travels in a cruel and twisted, but profoundly honest line’.
On the other hand, the plight of the angel as a representative of divinity enables Waters to scrutinise religion in a subtly subversive way. She fills in biblical blanks all the way back to the Genesis, and exposes, ironically, the delusions of Christian devoutness against a far different reality. Thematically, therefore, the novel is layered and complex.
The characters’ thoughts and intentions unfold clearly, while the evocative language triggers a strong synaesthetic response in both the characters and the reader. Mary’s growth from a girl to a mature woman is reminiscent of a Bildungsroman as she teeters precariously between life and death, sanity and madness. Yet, some of the other characters, such as Robert Goodman, could benefit from further development rather than being sacrificed for the sake of action. This, however, does not diminish the unique powers the novel wields in kindling and guiding the reader’s imagination.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED this debut novel by Wendy Waters - What did I love - it's FRESH, new and it excited me to read something from the paranormal genre that bordered on different! The story of Angel Gabriel and Mary, a human whose music inspires him. Mary, a victim of child abuse who Gabriel meets as a young child has a rare gift that Gabriel wants to share with the world to inspire his own version of heaven. This book is well written, excellently structured and tells a great story. Is Gabriel real or a figment of Mary's imagination, a way of escaping her father's abuse? We read as Mary grows up, damaged but trying desperately to be whole. Music echoes through the novel, Mary's music to the world, is Gabriel right? Will it change the world, or does it just change the world for Mary? I loved the characters in this book, her sister Jennifer, her brother Jonathan, and her friends James and Robert - they all leapt from the pages as real people. I highly recommend this novel to those who love to discover and be enthralled by stories - stories told well and standing in truth. Well done Wendy, this is a brilliant debut!

[Michele Quirke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Catch the Moon, Mary was a very interesting story, unlike anything I've ever read before. I haven't read many books featuring angels, especially not depicted in this way. The angel Gabriel of this story is a son of God, determined to bring enlightenment to the world and earn his father's approval. He believes Mary's music is the way to do that and quickly decides that he will help her achieve greatness, thus achieving his own greatness as well.

I'll be honest, I wasn't a fan of Gabriel. The fact that he was willing to kill in order to ensure the success of his plan often had me wondering if he was more of a demon in Mary's life than an angel. I enjoyed this though, I enjoyed not knowing if we were supposed to root for him or not.

Overall this was a unique read and though it felt sacrilegious at times (such as when Gabriel takes credit for fathering Jesus with the Virgin Mary) it was interesting.

Be advised there are a few triggers in here including child abuse/sexual abuse and suicide.

I look forward to reading more books by this author!

[Karen Weiss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully crafted debut novel by Wendy Waters. A tale of young girl that grows into a woman using her music as both her strength and her guide as she overcomes obstacles in her life. There is both fantasy and realism is this story. Mary walks through her life with an angel by her side. The angel only requires that she do one thing for him, play her music. As it turns out, this is not all that the angel seeks. I enjoyed this book immensely. I was hooked after I read the first few sentences; could not put it down. Waters draws you in with her elegant prose. She has a unique ability to weave words together painting an unforgettable story in the mind of the reader.

[Jendi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Similar to Anne Rice's "Memnoch the Devil", this paranormal romance/horror novel asks creative questions about God, love, and power. The angel Gabriel (yes, the one from the Nativity story!) has tried so long to enlighten humanity that he has become bitter and violent. He has lost faith in love, and believes that humanity must be redeemed by force. He rescues an abused girl who is a musical prodigy, in exchange for a claim on her talent--but her love and innocent wisdom make him question whether the end justifies the means.

[LAURA CIANACARELLI]

Gorgeous book
A surprise read, the clever flashes of wit and humour take on aback and make one chuckle and laugh aloud
Well written and haunting, takes you on quite a journey from beginning to end.
The writing itself is very polished, exquisite and even lyrical.
The human condition shines in her writing together with the vagaries of the mystical characters.
Love, loss, Control, power, insecurity, fear, learning ...all feature here with the characters moving through these issues as we do in everyday life in a way.

[Diane Demarchi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written
beguiling and engrossing
Uplifting story of need and endurance as well as touch of the magical to address the darker side of our existence at times.
The author takes us into a world of mysterious belief and magic weaving a lovely story.
Commend the author for such a movingly crafted story

[Gabrielle Chevalier · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has a very unique and descriptive way to illustrate the powers of music and beauty throughout the book. Lots of twists and turns along the way. Very captivating and quite an enjoyable read. This book does have a religious aspect to it, so if you aren't okay with that then I'd suggest looking elsewhere. I'm not religious and I enjoyed this book. 5 Stars.

[Scott Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not the type of thing I normally read, but beguiled by the author I read and enjoyed it, and then read it again several times, and each time it seemed as though it had somehow been improved between readings.

Highly recommended.