Sleeping with Schubert

A Novel

By: Bonnie Marson

Narrated by: Staci Snell

Length: 13 hrs

Publisher's summary

It seems that the legendary composer Franz Schubert is alive - well, sort of - in the 21st century: His soul has taken up residence in the body of Brooklyn lawyer Liza Durbin. Even more astonishing, so has his prodigious gift. A mediocre pianist at best as a child, Liza can suddenly pound out concertos and compose masterly music out of the blue. But how can a brilliant male Austrian composer from the 19th century coexist in the everyday life of a modern American woman? And how can Liza explain what’s happened to her without everyone thinking she’s gone off the deep end?

Fortunately, the evidence is tangible, and Liza is soon brought into the esteemed halls of Juilliard under the tutelage of the revered - and feared - Greta Pretsky, a humorless woman whose only interest in Liza is her channeling of Schubert. Greta’s greedy for her next big star, and the entire New York City press is whispering of Liza’s brilliance as the public awaits her debut at Carnegie Hall. Even Liza’s boyfriend, Patrick, seems more in love with her than ever.

Yet as Liza yields to Franz’s great passion, her own life and identity threaten to elude her. Why was she chosen as the vessel for this musical genius - and when, if ever, will he leave? Their entwined souls follow a path of ecstasy, peril, and surprise as they search for the final, liberating truth.

A strikingly original novel, Sleeping with Schubert plays on years of speculation regarding Franz Schubert’s “Unfinished Symphony.” Bonnie Marson’s extraordinary imagination supposes that Schubert cannot truly die until the mystery is solved - even if it means being resurrected in the body of a deceptively ordinary woman. Filled with drama and humor, this irresistible novel explores love, genius, and identity in ways that will engage and amaze listeners.

©2004 Bonnie Marson (P)2004 Books on Tape

Critic reviews

“Combining just the right amounts of love, lunacy, and lyricism, Bonnie Marson has given us an enchanting tale about genius and relationships sparked by the improbable convergence of a dead composer and a Brooklyn lawyer. This book is as original as they come. You will be captivated.” (Tawni O’Dell, author of Backroads)

“A charmed and charming novel - an imaginative joy ride with a gifted and generous spirit.” (Katherine Dunn, author of Geek Love)

“From the opening lines, Sleeping with Schubert is a hilarious, whimsical romp through the looking glass of a great musical mystery. The writing snaps, crackles, and pops with humor as Bonnie Marson makes Schubert a sexy, happening kind of guy who gives new meaning to our dreaming the impossible.” (Jonis Agee, author of The Weight of Dreams)

A hidden gem!

One of my all time favorites from the 1st time I read it to the many times I've listened to it! The narrator is wonderful and perfect for this book. I just wonder why Bonnie never wrote any more.

Suspension of Disbelief

I have to say that in spite of my bias against the paranormal in my fiction choices, I loved this book! Its unusual and groundbreaking premise is of immense appeal, and the novel is full of all the complex characters and situations of the music and entertainment world, as well as the logistical dilemmas of being inhabited by the spirit of a dead genius, and the sudden management nightmares of instant fame. The only downside (in my book) is the narrator, who makes the voice of Franz Schubert sound like a cranky old curmudgeon instead of a sensitive twenty-something musical phenom. She also somehow manages to give the talk show segments the quality of a badly acted puppet show ("Jill...Gordy...Jill...Gordy..." blah blah blah). And to top it off, she mispronounces Debussy and Pouilly Fuiss?! Ack! My ears! However, this did not dampen my enjoyment of this book and I heartily recommend it. Brava!

Music to my ears?

I found the plot of this book interesting for the most part. I know very little about Schubert or the life of a concert pianist, and it got me interested enough to listen to some of his music. However, the narrator's voice is irritating as she sounds half asleep most of the time. There is also one scene that prevents me from recommending the book to family or friends. It was all right, but I won't listen to it again.

Dull and boring

This book started out well, but then quickly fell apart. I did't care much for the reader, voice was weak and unconvincing.