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Impossible Music by Sean Williams is an original book about identity and loss. The plot is intriguing as it follows a musician who loses his hearing, and the main character is realistic. This is a great read for those looking for something more serious and meaningful.
Title: Impossible MusicAuthor: Sean Williams
Publisher: Clarion
Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult Fiction
Publication Date: July 2, 2019
Rating:
Music is Simon’s life—which is why he is devastated when a stroke destroys his hearing. He resists attempts to help him adjust to his new state, refusing to be counselled, refusing to learn sign-language, refusing to have anything to do with Deaf culture. Refusing, that is, until he meets G, a tough-as-nails girl dealing with her own newly-experienced deafness.
In an emotionally engaging tale crackling with originality, Simon's quest to create an entirely new form of music forces him into a deeper understanding of his relationship to the hearing world, of himself, and of the girl he meets along the way.
❃ I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. ❃
Book Review: Impossible Music by Sean WIlliams
This book tells the story of a boy who suffers a stroke which leaves him deaf. However, music is his life, so how can he continue to pursue a career in this field if he is unable to hear his own work? I found this idea of a musician who loses his hearing interesting to read, as it has a lot of potential to provide insight and emotion. I do feel like the pacing and the ending left something to be desired, however. Even so, the descriptions of music and performance in the novel are very well written, almost poetic, and it is easy to feel the author’s passion. Ultimately, this is a heart-wrenching and thought-provoking book.
❀ Complex Character
Simon is a complex character, and it is enjoyable seeing the world through his eyes. What I especially liked is how believable he is, especially his reaction to his new hearing loss. Simon is quite an angry character and rejects any form of help that would help his adjust, including sign language class and therapy. This is natural, as listening and sound are significant aspects of his life. While his reaction is understandable, I would have liked to see more development as he overcomes this anger, which we don’t get to see much of.
❀ Emotional Novel
Impossible Music by Sean Williams is an emotional novel about a musician who loses his hearing. The concept and the main character are engaging, however I think the pacing and execution could have been better. This is still an interesting read for those with an interest in books about music.
About Sean Williams
#1 New York Times bestselling Sean Williams lives with his family in Adelaide, South Australia. He’s written some books--forty-two at last count--including the Philip K. Dick-nominated Saturn Returns, several Star Wars novels and the Troubletwister series with Garth Nix. Twinmaker is a YA SF series that takes his love affair with the matter transmitter to a whole new level. You can find some related short stories over at Lightspeed Magazine and elsewhere.
About The Candid Cover
Olivia ❀ Canadian YA book blogger, Starbucks lover, & professional bibliophile.
Sounds like an heartwarming story! I’m glad you enjoyed it, despite having issue with the pacing. Nice review!
Raven @ Dreamy Addictions recently posted…Cinder & the Prince of Midnight (Midnight Tales #1) By Susan Ee [Review]
Thanks, Raven! It is a pretty enjoyable read. 🙂
I cannot even imagine losing a sense, when you have had it for your whole life. Hearing, seeing, sense of touch, smell… all of the senses. It would be a devastating loss. I don’t know that I would read this, because I am in more of a thriller, PLEASE DON”T MAKE ME CRY phase right now, but if the time was right? We shall see. Wonderful review, as always!
It really would be a tough time and I do agree that you need to be in the right frame of mind to read it. Definitely one that will bring on the feels. 😉
Huh, this sounds interesting. It must be tough to lose your hearing when your passion is music. Glad you enjoyed it despite the few issues 🙂
Genesis @ Whispering Chapters recently posted…Music + Hockey & Movie + Stunts: Superfan & Once Upon a Bad Boy
I think so, too! I am glad that I had the opportunity to read it. 🙂
Great review! I recently read this arc as well and ended up really liking it.
I am glad that you enjoyed it as well! 🙂
This sounds really interesting
Really interesting premise this book has.