Never Stop Singing to Me - Book Review


Book Review of :  Never Stop Singing to Me



never-stop-singing-to-me.jpg

C. Linden Thorp’s captivating new book, “Never Stop Singing to Me,” is an exquisite piece of creative nonfiction beautifully weaving the author’s remarkable life experiences into poetic prose. The book is enhanced by the beautifully crafted jacket by Japanese artist Mariko Kinoshita. The setting for the story is the foothills of the French Pyrenees separating France from Spain. In addition to the visceral, spiritual, and often poetic tone, the author has incorporated medieval philosophy, heritage, and symbolism.

The first chapters introduce a nameless storyteller who shares thoughts in the first person while communicating with another person. For some time, neither character is identified, except that they are both dedicated musicians of renown. Without names, we feel they are isolated souls moving in and out of one another’s minds, music symbolizing their feelings and personalities. A flashback to their first meeting at a music conservatory intensifies their relationship for Sasha, the narrator, while Gabrielle indulges herself in the drama of operatic diva recordings.

A surprising introduction to the power and fear of scorpions sets the contemporary story in motion with conflict between the two main characters. The reader learns that Gabrielle and her family ancestry is Jewish, originally from Russia, while Sasha comes from a Roman Catholic, Spanish heritage. Both are medieval music specialists studying the ancient ways of teaching and performing music: Sasha is a string player, Gabrielle is a well-known vocalist, and both taught young musicians. Now, they desire to learn 15th-century naturalistic techniques and have moved to the high, rural mountains to understand how modern emotions are blocking traditional knowledge and find happiness which they had lost in the city. The metaphor of valley to mountain top is significant to the story. The two women are determined to become reflective, understand primitive life, and learn from the past.

Gabrielle falls during a blizzard and is seriously injured. While Sasha is tending to her, she dreams or hallucinates a sensuous backstory of Na Fabrisse de Caramany, a renowned minstrel or trobiaritz of the region. Could an ancestral spirit have been released into Gabi’s mind through the accident? The magic and mysterious power of storytelling is allegorically used to interpret the two main characters’ relationship and the power of music. Love and death are explored through the secondary story with direct references to the conflict between the Roman Catholic church and the witch hunts of the medieval Good, also known as the Cathars. The Inquisition of heretics encompasses secondary characters, as does a send-off vigil for the Crusaders en route to the Holy Land.

Thorp’s writing will delight wordsmiths with its poetic, sensual imagery and psychological challenges, but it is sometimes overdone. The theme that stories are an “essential element of being human” will haunt the reader long after the conclusion.

If you like romance novels, you will love “Never Stop Singing to Me.” It is an intriguing novel that will steal your heart. The brilliant storytelling of C. Linden Thorp keeps you turning the pages as she brings relatable characters to life and seamlessly intertwines their tales. It is a captivating story exploring the power of music, faith, hope, and the miracle of following your heart.


Reviewed by: James B

Latest Author Interview

Never Stop Singing to Me

Catch our latest interview with author Linden Thorp, an English Writer living in Japan who has penned an emotional book about love, titled, "Never Stop Singing To ME." She tells us why she wrote the book and what it means to her.

About Linden Thorp


thorp-linden.jpg

Linden is a full-time writer and mindful online educator. She is also a qualified UX copywriter specializing in White Papers, Reviews, Reports and Case Studies. Currently living in Japan, she is established as a freelance writer for Natural Health, Mindful Education and Human Development. She writes for various websites and Medium. Writing is her passion: she has published 3 novels, a textbook and several eSelf-Study Guides, and a non-fiction book about university education in Japan is in process. She enjoys daily walking, reading literary works and is a film fanatic.




Visit https://flourishwriteconsult.com for more information on Linden Thorp


Comments

By: Kenneth Miles GuimondDate: 01/07/2024 01:31:25



Book Review Request
newsletter.png
book_reviewers_wanted_sml.jpg


Instant Grammar Checker

AuthorsReading.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an affiliate, this website earns from qualifying purchases.

Book Reviews of Featured Books

homeland.jpg
HOMELAND
home-for-the-bewildered.jpg
Home for the Bewildered
adventures-are-everywhere.jpg
Adventures are Everywhere
dancing-with-the-clouds---a-true-story-of-post-traumatic-growth.jpg
Dancing with the Clouds - A true story of post-traumatic growth
one-man-s-journey.jpg
One Man's Journey
june-17-1967---battle-of-xom-bo-ii.jpg
June 17, 1967 - Battle of Xom Bo II