The Music of Us

Publisher's Summary

In 1970, Lenny can no longer deny that his wife is undergoing a profound change. Despite her relatively young age, her mind succumbs to forgetfulness. Now, he goes as far back as the moment he met Natasha, when he was a soldier and she a star, brilliant yet illusive. Natasha was a riddle to him then, and to this day, with all the changes she has gone through, she still is.

Digging into the past, mining its moments, trying to piece them together this way and that, dusting off each memory of Natasha, of how we were, the highs and lows of the music of us, to find out where the problem may have started?

To their son, Ben, that may seem like an exercise in futility. For Lenny, it is a necessary process of discovery, one that is as tormenting as it is delightful. He often wonders: can we ever understand, truly understand each other - soldier and musician, man and woman, one heart and another? Will we ever again dance together to the same beat? Is there a point where we may still touch?

©2015 Uvi Poznansky (P)2015 Uvi Poznansky

A Beautifully Narrated Tale of Love and Loss

I read The Music of Us a few months before this audiobook came out, and loved it so much I jumped at the chance to listen to the characters as portrayed by Don Warrick.

Uvi Poznansky is a literary tour de force in a contemporary age when the quality of writing often takes a back seat to the quick thrill, or to be more precise, the quick buck. She writes as she paints, with careful, vibrant strokes of amazing clarity and color. Whether you are a reader or writer, teacher or student, you owe it to yourself read her work. You will be transported to a world where life is examined from a poet’s point of view, where you live in vignettes so real that you can’t help but love and care for the characters.

I have read and listened to all of Poznansky’s work, but this book resonated more deeply with me than all the previous titles, which I truly enjoyed. I suppose it is because I am an inveterate romantic. I ached for the young, “flashback” characters to come together. I shouted at them to wake up and smell the coffee when they missed opportunities to get together, and I reveled in the sweet endings when they finally connected.

The atmosphere of the 1940s is beautifully portrayed, and on a secondary level only to the (mostly) unrequited love story, it was my next treasured experience while reading this book. I loved the sounds and sights of the era, the music, the cars, and the lifestyles so well depicted. It was a fascinating dip into the life of those dynamic times.

Don Warrick is simply amazing. I loved his voice for the main character, Lenny, which was perfect for whatever age the character spoke from, whether middle aged or young. The other characters were amazingly portrayed and consistent throughout the story - Natasha, her annoying but delightful mother, Lenny's Uncle Schmeel, and even the announcer at Carnegie Hall who had me thinking, "Ed Sullivan," by his unique voice and pronunciation. Emotions flowed from Mr. Warrick's voice in such a way that you couldn't help but choke up or feel excited for "him," and the characters. But most surprising was this amazing narrator's singing voice. I loved hearing him sing various snippets of imaginary songs from the forties, and also lullabies sung by Natasha's mother, etc. They were beautifully done and his voice is very enjoyable.

If you are aching for a lyrical listen, for something above and beyond the usual offerings in the field of fiction, I highly recommend you pick up a copy of Uvi Poznansky’s The Music of Us.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

So much more than I expected!

What a well written book regarding mental health. I fell in love with Lenny and Natasha. Their story has so many facets. The narrator did a spectacular performance with his emotions and character voices. I requested this review copy audiobook and have voluntarily written this review. This book is a standalone listen and part of a series. I loved how the author wrote such a love story that spans time and is beautifully written. I will definitely listen to more books by this author and narrator.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

True Love Renewed Every Day

What did you love best about The Music of Us?

This story is a wonderful story about finding true love that lasts forever. Nothing can change the course of unconditional love--not even mental illness. Marriage vows are a pledge that are meant to last forever and this story is such a glorious example of how love can last through "sickness."

Who was your favorite character and why?

Lenny is the main male character. The story is told from his point of view. He is an honest and loving guy who lives his entire life doing his very best to be a loving son, friend and husband. He is loyal and faithful and is a really nice guy.

What about Don Warrick’s performance did you like?

Don Warrick's performance was inspiring. As the moods of the story change, Don manages to convey each scene with gripping intensity. The reader is drawn into the story and becomes engrossed in what is going to happen next.

If you could take any character from The Music of Us out to dinner, who would it be and why?

I would like to meet Natasha and get to know more about her life. She has deep emotions and it would be interesting to know her innermost thoughts.

Any additional comments?

I won this audiobook in a "Mother's Day Event" on Facebook in which several authors shared audio samples of their books. It was a wonderful opportunity to receive a book in exchange for an honest review. I would like to thank Uvi for this gift to hear this beautiful and touching story of true love through the years.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Sensitive, lyrical, powerful work

What made the experience of listening to The Music of Us the most enjoyable?

I loved the way the Don Warrick translated Uvi Poznansky's wonderful story to audio: After listening, I felt as if I'd seen the tale on film.

What did you like best about this story?

I am a fan of Uvi Poznansky -- her fresh look at reality through her characters' eyes always enthralls me. So, although I love the narration, it is the respectful and sensitive way that the narrator translated the dramatic values of Poznansky's prose that most fascinated me.

Which scene was your favorite?

The moment Lenny met Natasha, and then Ben's moment of discovery.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Music for the Soul

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

A heartfelt masterpiece

I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

This was a touching tale of Lenny and Natasha when they first met. It was so interesting to hear their love story from the beginning after the first two books tell their current story. The story is grounded in the present, where the last books left off, but is focused on memories, vividly told, from Lenny's perspective. The realistic emotions portrayed in this book are tangible. I found myself feeling genuine emotion while listening to their story. The narration is very well done. All in all, this is a masterpiece of an audio book and well worth the time.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

A Lifetime of Love

The Music of Us: Still Life with Memories, Book 3 written by Uvi Poznansky and narrated by Don Warrick. This is another amazing addition to the world the author has created. This time the story is told from Lenny’s point of view. We find out how the love between Lenny and Natasha started. The story begins in the early 1970’s as Lenny struggles with facing the fact he is losing the love of his life to a horrible disease that at the time there was so little known about it. He has to decide if he will take her the next day for the brain scan.

Lenny then takes us back through his memories of how his enlistment in the marines. How he met Natasha and her memorable Mother. The descriptions of life during the 40’s for the Greatest Generation were truly enjoyable to hear. This is another fantastic part to the puzzle of the story of this complex love affair and slowly budding romance during World War II.

This story holds the listener's attention from the very beginning when they realize what is happening with Natasha. The reminiscing of Lenny and the flashback to how their love began is such a sweet thing because the listener can see where it is going. The overall arch of the story building their love story to take them back to the beginning where he knows what may happen in the future. This is truly a beautiful story. That held my entire attention throughout the entire audio production.

Don Warrick did another great job on this vocal performance. His characterization of Lenny was outstanding. I loved how Lenny singing along really gave the character more heart and soul. The Uncle Schmeel character and Natasha’s mother were also very memorable. This was a highly enjoyable performance from Mr. Warrick. The production value was of the highest quality there was no audio defect the entire performance was crisp and clear. I received this free review copy at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Melalncholy Memories

Framed by the departure of his son for Italy and an appointment for his ailing wife's medical tests, a man remembers back to happier days when he first met and fell in love. Beautifully told. Natasha is beautiful, innocent and, even as a 16 year old, a melancholy soul, beautifully crafted by the author's loving touch. Lenny is brash, and funny and eternally hopeful, and the America they are set in, early in WWII is a world that is portrayed with a lyrical language that is at once beautiful and dream like - a world that can only exist in that "still life" the title refuses to.
Like the other books in this series, Natasha and Lenny's story is one every lover of great literature should read.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

A beautiful and elegant love story

I love Ms. Pozanski's work and this one did not disappoint. She tackles a difficult and tragic subject, yet turns it into a delicate and compelling love story. Her characters are vivid, and the prose...lovely. I found the narrator a bit distracting though when he sang the lyrics, and sometimes the variation in characters was discordant.

However, I still highly recommend this book, because Ms Posanski's style compensates painting the beauty of the music in their love.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Breathtaking!

Would you listen to The Music of Us again? Why?

Yes. The narrator Don Warrick's performance is mesmerizing. I'd already read Book 3, the story of when Lenny and Natasha first met - he a young WWII Marine falling head over heels for the brilliant young pianist. Don Warrick's performance took my breath away as he brought these characters to life.

What other book might you compare The Music of Us to and why?

"The Winds of War" television series comes first to mind, the falling in love part, and also the author's so heartfelt job researching the events and history of the period.

Which character – as performed by Don Warrick – was your favorite?

Two characters: Natasha and Natasha's mom. And Lenny! This is a hard question because the narrator does such a superb job of tugging at your heartstrings with all the characters.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Most poignant for me was the subject of Alzheimer's Disease, and the effect it has on a loved one. The narrator did such a superb job that he had me in tears.

Any additional comments?

This was my first Audiobook! But it won't be my last because hearing this story actually told and so beautifully was a thrill. I am grateful to this Audiobook because it has opened a whole new kind of story telling for me!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

A FINE READ AND NARRATION

Would you consider the audio edition of The Music of Us to be better than the print version?

Although I thought the audio was great, I particularly loved the book in print because I'm a visual person. Absolutely no reflection on the narrator!

Who was your favorite character and why?

I was very touched by the main female protagonist. To be so talented at such a young age with a domineering mother would be a very difficult situation and Uvi Poznansky portrayed her feelings and surroundings very well.

What about Don Warrick’s performance did you like?

I thought for a man, he used a subtle touch, which went well with the author's delicate, lyrical prose.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When the two main protagonists, having been separated for long, finally got together. Very moving...

Any additional comments?

Here is my reviewHaving read Uvi Poznansky’s, THE MUSIC OF US (Vol 3), I knew going in just how lovely this book was. In fact, it’s my favorite of all her books. Still, to be honest, I wasn’t sure a man’s voice could give justice to her delicate, touching prose. But I was happy to be proven wrong! Don Warrick did a great job, adding just the right interpretative coloring to this author’s fine writing, and at the same time, pulling the reader in that much more. Highly recommended!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Sentimental moments.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Music of Us?

The Music of Us (Still Life with Memories Book...
Uvi Poznansky

A beautiful and poinent piece of writing from Poznansky.

The Music of Us takes the reader on a journey of experiences that touch the soul. A remarkable place to walk and turn the pages of this special book highlighting war and WWII. Natasha and Lenny are excellent characters.

Sentimental moments.

Any additional comments?

Superb narration