The Song of Hartgrove Hall

A Novel

By: Natasha Solomons

Narrated by: James Langton

Length: 12 hrs and 53 mins

Publisher's summary

A captivating novel that evokes the author's New York Times best seller The House at Tyneford.

It's a terrible thing to covet your brother's girl.

New Year's Eve, 1946. Candles flicker, and a gramophone scratches out a tune as guests dance and sip champagne. For one night only, Hartgrove Hall relives better days. Harry Fox-Talbot and his brothers have returned from the war determined to save their once grand home from ruin. But the arrival of beautiful wartime singer Edie Rose tangles the threads of love and duty and leads to a devastating betrayal.

Fifty years later, now a celebrated composer, Fox reels from the death of his adored wife, Edie. But his connection with his four-year-old grandson - a piano prodigy - propels him back into life, and he must ultimately confront his past.

The Song of Hartgrove Hall is an enthralling novel about love and treachery, joy after grief, and a man forced to ask: Is it ever too late to seek forgiveness?

©2015 Natasha Solomons (P)2015 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Wonderful

The writing is brilliant, the story grows quietly, over time building upon itself. This is a novel about love, family, loyalty and how our sense of sense is inexorably tied to the landscape of where we grow up. There is music infused with every word.

A blend of melancholy and joy not to be missed

It was a little slow to peak my interest but I am so very glad I listened past the third chapter. James Langton is a wonderful narrator giving life to each character. If you were musically gifted as a child or are the parent of such, this listen is for you. Likewise if you have elderly parents this book might give insight into growing old and mending family relationships, although I'm sure it wasn't by any means intended to do so. It's a wonderful story that will make you sad one minute and laugh out loud the next.

music

even though the book was about music I thoroughly enjoyed it. Had enough intrigue to keep you interested. Actually wished I could have heard some of the tunes

The craft of the writer stands out

Beautifully written by Natasha Solomons, the story, characters and settings woven together in time and place, at times chaotic much like the the hectic lives of the typically selfish artists, cajoling us to see past their weaknesses into the art that compels them first and always.

Quite enjoyable and faithful glimpse into that world. Thank you for the honesty in the telling of a difficult story well told.

Captivating historical read …

Loved the honest characterization of all the brothers. I was hooked from the start. Love WWII lit, although this was really post-war. The setting is so vivid in this novel that it functions as another character. Multi-generational as well, so it was wonderful to see different perspectives/paradigms of older generations clashing with younger family members. The time line takes readers all the way through the fifties into the sixties, which was also wonderful to experience through the characters. Loved the writing and the performances.

Very good book

Loved the story, flowed very well. The narrator did a wonderful job. Hope to find more that he has narrated!

Well written - Excellent Story Line

Surprising storyline. I was stationed in England, so I loved the memories that came flooding back as I listened to the book. Unique storyline in some aspects, but filled with love, heartache, success and failures.

A Symphony of History & Garden of Tunes

As a former dancer with music being my 1st love, I enjoyed the romantic backdrop of “saving a historical home” all-the -while crafting music for the future.
Today at nearly 80, I too struggle to preserve the past via my recent acquisition of an 120 yr old Southern Victorian Cottage. Thus, had many laughs regarding the never-ending-repairs-list.
A good read for any age!!

Good read especially for anyone who really appreciates the creation of music.

I thought this book might be a bit slow but ended up really enjoying the story.

Lovely Story

Enjoyed this. Heartfelt and interesting character development. Well written. Would recommend, but you have to stick with it.