Book Review :: The Kingdom of Back by Marie Lu

The Kingdom of Back by Marie Lu
ISBN: 1524739030
Published by Penguin Books
on 2021-03-02
Genres: Childrens, Young Adult
Pages: 336
Goodreads

Two siblings. Two brilliant talents. But only one Mozart.

Born with a gift for music, Nannerl Mozart has just one wish--to be remembered forever. But even as she delights audiences with her masterful playing, she has little hope she'll ever become the acclaimed composer she longs to be. She is a young woman in 18th century Europe, and that means composing is forbidden to her. She will perform only until she reaches a marriageable age--her tyrannical father has made that much clear.

And as Nannerl's hope grows dimmer with each passing year, the talents of her beloved younger brother, Wolfgang, only seem to shine brighter. His brilliance begins to eclipse her own, until one day a mysterious stranger from a magical land appears with an irresistible offer. He has the power to make her wish come true--but his help may cost her everything.

Last updated on 13 February 2023

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What is The Kingdom of Back by Marie Lu about?

The Kingdom of Back by Marie Lu tells the story of Maria Anna ‘Nannerl’ Mozart, and her to-be-famous brother, Wolfgang. While her parents, especially her father, have always pushed her and her brother to be the best musicians they can be, Nannerl finds herself longing for simply one thing: to be remembered.

“I am going to tell you a story you already know. But listen carefully, because within it is one you have never heard before.”

But Nannerl is a girl, a young woman expected to marry, and her time in the spotlight starts to lesson as her brother’s talent shines forth brighter than her own. In the dark of night, Nanneral composes music that will never be recognised as her own. Her longing to be remembered is so strong that when a stranger from a mysterious land – the Kingdom of Back – appears to her offering his help, she’s more than willing to go along with it. But to what end?

My thoughts

The Kingdom of Back was a lot different than what I was expecting. Having read a few of Marie Lu’s books before, I was imagining this story to be more like them, but with Nannerl at the centre of the story. I thought it would be about Nanneral in the magical kingdom, perhaps fighting off evil or dystopian societies with music and falling in love with wicked princes …

It was not like, let me just confirm for you.

“Speak for those less fortunate than yourself, who will need your help. Speak for the ones who will come after you, looking to you for guidance. Stay true, daughter. One day, you will see it all go up in flames.”

But the reason it wasn’t like I expected was that this is actually Lu’s first historical fiction. It was never going to be like Legend or The Young Elites. And once you’ve got that into your head, I think it would be more enjoyable. I did enjoy the book, but only just. I think my favourite part of the story was simply learning more about Mozart’s sister, and while it’s a work of fiction, it’s based on true stories and the characters were real people in history.

It was so interesting (and sad!) to read of Nannerl’s talent that never got put in the spotlight. She was pushed to the back of the stage, the light shining on her younger brother, who, while incredibly talented, was probably not as good as his sister. It was a history lesson, for sure.

But as I was expecting something more, even the fantasy element of the book didn’t do it for me. I struggled with the characters, the setting, the weird things that happened. It was clever in its execution, and Marie Lu does write very beautifully … but the plot really fell short for me, unfortunately.

Overall, I’ve given it a 2-stars. I recognise the wonder and the creativity, and I enjoyed reading about the Mozart family … but that’s about it.

Have you read The Kingdom of Back? What did you think?