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The Maestro
The Maestro is a beautifully paced story that begins with the childhood of a very talented American-born classical guitarist, Gianni, who through tragic reversals comes to be raised by his grandmother first in Italy and then in Germany. Dealing with his pain and his "magnificent gift," Gianni passes through a decade of darkness where he moves away from his classical background and develops into a renowned and versatile guitarist, dazzling the clubs of Milano with his late-night jazz set. Also playing as an acclaimed studio musician, his life nevertheless tumbles ever deeper into the despair of drink, drugs, and affairs.
By invitation from an old friend, Gianni travels to Germany and is confronted with the radical faith of a contemporary Christian music group whose life stories read like his. In a highly realistic and dramatic style, Gianni must deal with his doubts about God, his fears, the unforgiveness of those who hurt him most, and ultimately find salvation. There is no holding back from the issues of real faith as he reorders his life under the miraculous touch of God's intervention.
A moving story of grace and commitment in the lives of real people. Just what readers are looking for!
By invitation from an old friend, Gianni travels to Germany and is confronted with the radical faith of a contemporary Christian music group whose life stories read like his. In a highly realistic and dramatic style, Gianni must deal with his doubts about God, his fears, the unforgiveness of those who hurt him most, and ultimately find salvation. There is no holding back from the issues of real faith as he reorders his life under the miraculous touch of God's intervention.
A moving story of grace and commitment in the lives of real people. Just what readers are looking for!
398 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 1991
66 people are currently reading
104 people want to read
About the author
T. Davis Bunn
102 books148 followersAlso writes under the names Thomas Locke and Davis Bunn.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
September 24, 2024
This book reads more like a memoir than a novel in both style and content. I liked that. The plot is a common one: a wounded prodigy unveils his talent and reaches the peak of worldly success only to find no fulfillment there, then turns to faith in Christ after recognizing how he's been pursued all along. But since I love stories about prodigals returning home, that's one of my favorite storylines. I liked the author's approach to this common plot, how he stretched it out and added extra elements of interest.
The exotic European setting (Italy and Germany) was fascinating. Seeing inside a few foreign cultures added flavor to the story. Plus it's set in the 1980s, which was fun. I absolutely loved getting to see what the Christian music industry was like during that era. Of course, learning more about the inner workings of the process of recording and promoting an album was great. Another thing I liked was how the author referenced several actual people from the Christian music industry during that era.
A couple parts felt forced, but overall, I thought this was a really good book. I enjoyed the immersive experience of music and the expressive exploration of faith.
The exotic European setting (Italy and Germany) was fascinating. Seeing inside a few foreign cultures added flavor to the story. Plus it's set in the 1980s, which was fun. I absolutely loved getting to see what the Christian music industry was like during that era. Of course, learning more about the inner workings of the process of recording and promoting an album was great. Another thing I liked was how the author referenced several actual people from the Christian music industry during that era.
A couple parts felt forced, but overall, I thought this was a really good book. I enjoyed the immersive experience of music and the expressive exploration of faith.
April 18, 2024
I Love this Book!
I've been rereading it for many years. It bolsters my faith and my joy. I love to sing and share the Lord in testimony and song. This is an incredibly well written story of a young boy's coming through a painful childhood while growing his amazing guitar talent. Then comes the challenge of faith and the joy - the real joy of joining with our God through the creativity He's gifted to us.
If you love music and the Lord you will be blessed. If you like coming of age stories or are even a little curious about this faith that changes us, here's a chance to read about it in a story with only you & God in your private mental space.
I had the pleasure of meeting the author once at a library in Gainesville FL. I wholeheartedly recommend many of the books he's written.
I've been rereading it for many years. It bolsters my faith and my joy. I love to sing and share the Lord in testimony and song. This is an incredibly well written story of a young boy's coming through a painful childhood while growing his amazing guitar talent. Then comes the challenge of faith and the joy - the real joy of joining with our God through the creativity He's gifted to us.
If you love music and the Lord you will be blessed. If you like coming of age stories or are even a little curious about this faith that changes us, here's a chance to read about it in a story with only you & God in your private mental space.
I had the pleasure of meeting the author once at a library in Gainesville FL. I wholeheartedly recommend many of the books he's written.
May 13, 2018
3.5 stars
This is the first novel I've read by this author. I will be reading more of his work. This book is one that would loved by musicians or music lovers. It probably had to many details for the rest of us. I loved that the book was set in Europe. I found the first third of the book gripped my attention more. Later on I started skipping parts.
This is the first novel I've read by this author. I will be reading more of his work. This book is one that would loved by musicians or music lovers. It probably had to many details for the rest of us. I loved that the book was set in Europe. I found the first third of the book gripped my attention more. Later on I started skipping parts.
December 11, 2023
I'm giving this five stars despite a few flaws, because the story actually moved me deeply. I felt like I was leaking tears half of the time I was reading, which is pretty much unheard of for me (I honestly can't remember when it last happened while reading). I appreciate the fact that he portrays musical talent as something that may be innate in some people, but will never be fully realized without hours and years of practice. However, his view of late eighties CCM is a bit rosy to say the least. I felt like the last third of the book got a little preachy, but the first part had me so hooked I kept going and was able to absorb and reflect on how emptiness, belonging, and fulfillment in my own life paralleled the story.
February 26, 2020
One of my favorites
Bunn opens a window into a world normally hidden from all but professional musicians, and one that typically has an unsavory reputation for parties, drug abuse and narcissism. The sharp juxtaposition of secular vs sacred in that same world and in each human heart ... the darkened dead-end of selfish desires vs the bright, sometimes difficult but never boring journey when we follow the Lord ... You will turn that last page praising God in harmony with Jake, Amy, and Gianni.
Bunn opens a window into a world normally hidden from all but professional musicians, and one that typically has an unsavory reputation for parties, drug abuse and narcissism. The sharp juxtaposition of secular vs sacred in that same world and in each human heart ... the darkened dead-end of selfish desires vs the bright, sometimes difficult but never boring journey when we follow the Lord ... You will turn that last page praising God in harmony with Jake, Amy, and Gianni.
January 30, 2017
What can I say about this book? Bunn did his research so well, and I would be quite surprised if someone told me that he did not have a musical upbringing. He showed the beauty and passion of music so well that I could feel it as I was reading. He also contrasted the two extremes of mechanics and expression like he had gone through the struggles that Giovanni did. Another thing he addressed was the constant change that music performers have to be accustomed to. I have no idea how he did all this and write a good story at the same time. All I know is that this is now my favorite book by Davis Bunn.
January 12, 2019
Bunn has offered a clear picture of the power of the Gospel. Gianni has experienced fear, rejection, isolation, and hatred, but the presence of Jesus Christ changes all that. The world of Christian contemporary music is revealed at its core, with the effort of these performers to sing truth. Well done!
January 22, 2022
Music, music
I enjoyed learning more about music and how albums and videos come together.. It's also good to hear about how the lost come to Christ. Fictional stories can draw people to the Lord just as often as a personal testimony. Davis Bunn will hold your attention completely through this book even if you aren't a music lover.
I enjoyed learning more about music and how albums and videos come together.. It's also good to hear about how the lost come to Christ. Fictional stories can draw people to the Lord just as often as a personal testimony. Davis Bunn will hold your attention completely through this book even if you aren't a music lover.
January 21, 2020
Another beautifully written story by T. Davis Bunn. I can almost see the Italian Alps rising above Lake Como, feel the anguish of the Maestro as he deals with the demons of his past and struggles to find his way into a new future. Finished about 2 AM and loved every minute.
May 31, 2021
New-to-me author that will be put on my always buy list
I adored every word of this beautifully-written story. His lyrical prose and finely-honed characters made this novel a joy to read. I loved learning about the music industry and the life of a musical genius. Bravo!
I adored every word of this beautifully-written story. His lyrical prose and finely-honed characters made this novel a joy to read. I loved learning about the music industry and the life of a musical genius. Bravo!
September 2, 2021
Such a powerful story of God’s Love shown through the faith of dedicated musicians!
Such a blessing as God’s Presence is gradually being shown through each of the lives throughout the story… and such an impact as they continue sharing their faith through their gifts of music.
Such a blessing as God’s Presence is gradually being shown through each of the lives throughout the story… and such an impact as they continue sharing their faith through their gifts of music.
January 2, 2022
Praise the Lord
What an excellent way to share the love of Jesus. His love letter to us. Jesus is the one that will bring life into our dark soul. His joy beats out happiness every time.
What an excellent way to share the love of Jesus. His love letter to us. Jesus is the one that will bring life into our dark soul. His joy beats out happiness every time.
August 29, 2023
An awesome story
Many real and honest characters who fight mental pain with hate and anger. Then, they are free to give and receive love when they give their hearts to Jesus. An amazing trip through the world of music!
Many real and honest characters who fight mental pain with hate and anger. Then, they are free to give and receive love when they give their hearts to Jesus. An amazing trip through the world of music!
July 17, 2017
want to read it again
July 29, 2017
I have read 'The Presence" several times but I did not care for this book at all, in fact I am giving my copy to our local Thrift Store. It had a good message but too much technical music info.
December 20, 2017
Loved it - we were cruising past Italy as I read it.
God is in the details.
God is in the details.
December 26, 2018
Patron recommendation that isn't really my cup of tea, but I powered through. Kinda like fanfic for the contemporary Christian music crowd.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 10, 2020
Excellent
A message of hope to those who feel lost, are far away from the Father, or wonder if it can be real.
A message of hope to those who feel lost, are far away from the Father, or wonder if it can be real.
February 6, 2021
I enjoyed this journey into the world of music performance. His spiritual struggles were well communicated & I loved the worship it describes!
January 9, 2023
One of the most beautiful and unique books I have ever read
November 2, 2015
I just loved it
I'm always looking for books with a redemptive message. This was so well written --the struggle in a hopeless world full of pain and disappointment, the struggle of giftedness, the pull of pleasure and its emptiness, the growing into faith. High emotions, all real. So well written. I've read many Davis Bunn books. Only just stumbled on this earlier one. A joy to read. Excellent research.
I'm always looking for books with a redemptive message. This was so well written --the struggle in a hopeless world full of pain and disappointment, the struggle of giftedness, the pull of pleasure and its emptiness, the growing into faith. High emotions, all real. So well written. I've read many Davis Bunn books. Only just stumbled on this earlier one. A joy to read. Excellent research.
April 30, 2016
Literally the first half of this book was good, but then the second half was not as good. Second half was alienating- Jesus, the Bible, congregation, let's pray are words and phrases that get thrown into what felt like every other page. This book had huge potential to be something great. It started out on point A, but it didn't end up on point B, instead it ended on point Z. I feel let down.
February 3, 2016
I was bored out of my mind reading this, yet still I finished it because I didn't have any other books with me on the trip we took. I now take more than one book wherever I go. So, thanks are due to this book...but not for the usual reasons.
March 28, 2013
Great fictional biography of a musician's journey toward Jesus. Meaningful and moving in parts as he wrestles with family members and his past.
I read this book as a teenager at a time when I really needed it. Re-read it recently and enjoyed it all over again.
I read this book as a teenager at a time when I really needed it. Re-read it recently and enjoyed it all over again.
September 18, 2013
I read this book as a teenager at the recommendation of my dad. At the time, Gianni's struggles resonnated with my desire for spirituality and art. The idea that music can be a way into the deepest places of ourselves captivates me - which is why I reread the book every so often.
August 4, 2016
It reads like a detailed Christian testimony with all the nuances and details that are not possible in a quick or even a longer spoken testimony. It focus on the necessity of prayer and listening to the Holy Spirit.
August 30, 2012
I've read almost all of Davis Bunn's books, and this one was my very favorite!
November 8, 2012
Love this book.
It's the third time I've read it, and there are still parts that really make me think about life and what it means.
I'd recommend it to anyone.
It's the third time I've read it, and there are still parts that really make me think about life and what it means.
I'd recommend it to anyone.
May 19, 2013
Emotionally gripping story. Very good story. Well worth the read.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews