Never too Late to Read Classics discussion

The Lost Stradivarius by John Meade Falkner

Chilling in the extreme, The Lost Stradivarius is a classic tale of the supernatural. While practicing in his rooms in Oxford, gifted violinist John Maltravers notices a strange phenomenon: whenever a certain air is played, a mysterious presence seems to enter. Unable to rationalize this away, Maltravers becomes increasingly unsettled, until he makes a startling discovery—tucked away in a hidden cupboard in his room is a priceless Stradivarius! Obsessed by his find, he becomes increasingly withdrawn from those around him, choosing instead to explore more sinister pursuits, little knowing the spell that this seemingly perfect violin is unleashing upon him. English poet and novelist J. Meade Falkner is best remembered for his novel, Moonfleet.

Enjoy!!

PDF: http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/14107

Audiobook (by LibriVox volunteers):
Part 1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHafi...
Part 2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTfEP...

I am in for this one.

I’ll try this too.

I absolutely loved The Lost Stradivarius by John Meade Falkner. It kept my attention for the entire book. Great way to start the year!

Unlike Jacquie, I struggled to get through this story. It didn’t interest me.

Now I am really curious about this book!

Rosemarie wrote: "Now I am really curious about this book!"

You will probably enjoy it, Rosemarie. I just really dislike some of the classic writers who seemed to write many pages without saying much. I thought this story would have been much better if it had been half the length!

Trisha wrote: "Unlike Jacquie, I struggled to get through this story. It didn’t interest me."

I'm so glad you said this Trisha - i am disliking Anton Chekhov - Totally - but wondered why when everyone so far is loving him :-)

I am not sure of what I think of Chekhov, so I am giving his stories another chance.

Trisha, that sounds like my kind of story.

Jacquie wrote: "Trisha wrote: "Unlike Jacquie, I struggled to get through this story. It didn’t interest me."

I'm so glad you said this Trisha - i am disliking Anton Chekhov - Totally - but wondered why when ever..."

It’s strange how differently we all react to the same books. I was planning to try the Chekhov book this month, but am already having doubts. I plan to read something modern this weekend & think about classics after that!

I recently read and enjoyed this (rounded to 4 stars). I look forward to seeing everyone's thoughts and becoming more involved with this group since I've been reading more classics.

I have finished the part of the book written by Sophy. There is something seriously spooky going on with that violin.
You are right, Trisha. I do like this one.

Eileen, it's good to have you join in our discussions and reading more classics. There are just so many good books out there.

Once I finish Maus and Canterbury Tales I’ll join you all. Like you said, just so many good books out there! Lol

Just started!

finished the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang read last night so I think I will pick this one up tonight. Predictions based on the blurb is that it might be kinda dark and mysterious like Phantom of the Opera which I loved.

It is dark and mysterious, and spooky.

Finished this yesterday. I enjoyed it!

I made it to chapter 4 last night. This book is another example of why I love classics. The author paints the picture and pulls the reader in like you are there listening to the music, seeing the scenery and feeling the emotions that the characters are feeling. I agree with some of the comments above where there are lulls and it seems like the author writes a couple of pages where nothing happens. I don't have a physical copy of this book, I am reading it on my kindle but this first part written by the aunt seems like it is setting the back story. I wonder if the whole book is all about John and William or if Edward experiences anything. Also, has anyone noticed what the piece of music is named or does it say later?

We learn more about the piece of music during the story, as the plot develops.

Rosemarie wrote: "We learn more about the piece of music during the story, as the plot develops."

OK then I will be patient lol. It would be kinda cool to hear the music. Just to add one more element of the experience.

I just finished this last night (early morning). This book was hauntingly beautiful! It was spooky and dark, but also touched on sympathy and sadness. I love books that make you feel something even after it's over, and this book does that for me.

Thank you for having a group read for it. I had never heard of this book until I saw it here.

You are most welcome, Felicia.
I have read another book by this author, but it was completely different-an adventure story involving hidden treasure and pirates called Moonfleet.

Rosemarie wrote: "You are most welcome, Felicia.
I have read another book by this author, but it was completely different-an adventure story involving hidden treasure and pirates called Moonfleet."

Thank you for the suggestion :) I will have to check it out.

Wow, I really loved this. Thanks for listing it to read and having this discussion. I liked the intimacy of Sophy’s voice. It was like having someone I know tell me a story about something supernatural that may have happened to them. That always makes my skin crawl. Also it played on that feeling that the spirit world is very near to us and maybe with just the right talisman we might be able to access it. Very seductive! Put these together and I was hooked by page five and enjoyed it to the end. Of Gothic novels I’ve read this is right up there with Dracula for me.

It occurred to me that the story might be read as a metaphor for the artist, and the artist’s obsession with his or her craft, or the artist’s effort to find something mystical through their work.

Glad you enjoyed it John! I also love ghost/supernatural stories. Have you read the Haunting of Hill House?

Patrick wrote: "Glad you enjoyed it John! I also love ghost/supernatural stories. Have you read the Haunting of Hill House?"

Yes, it's been long enough that I don't remember the details, but I do remember it felt occult-like and left a strong disturbing feeling. That's a really good one, too.