This is just the kind of book we look for on Strong Sense of Place. It transported me to a long-lost version of Prague where the tension is palpable and it's easy to believe that ghosts walk the cobblestone streets. I also love that our heroine is in her 50s — 100% yes to mature, vibrant protagonists who've seen some things. The twists and turns of the plot kept be engaged until the last page.

I was drawn to the Walter Presents books because I throughly enjoyed the series Professor T from a few years ago and I was hoping for some similarly engrossing reads. I was lucky enough to be asked to read and review The Ghost of Frederic Chopin. The story appealed to me, as did the location! Set in Prague in the mid 1950s, we follow a journalist, Ludvík Slaný, as he tries to get to the bottom of Vera Foltýnova’s claims that she is in contact with Chopin’s ghost and that he is using her as a conduit to make his compositions heard many years after his demise. Surely this has to be an elaborate scam? I liked how this book was written and the insights we got into the thought processes of the main characters and how their feelings shifted throughout the story.

This is not a long book but it is an enjoyable read which tells a captivating story and made me think and question my own opinions and thought processes as I read. As I mentioned, the setting was a big draw for me. I find the history of the Czech Republic to be very interesting and though I am by no means an expert, there is plenty in the background which makes for an excellent location for a story!

I understand that The Ghost of Frederic Chopin is based on a true story so I am quite keen to find out more about the individuals who the book was based upon. I haven’t yet read the other books in the Walter Presents series but as far as I am aware, each can be read independently and I look forward to reading the others. Perhaps a good Christmas gift for friends or relatives who like something a little off the beaten track? Definitely a good gift for yourself – as if bookworms need an excuse!

This novel is told from different perspectives and I could not pick one protagonist in this book. All the characters play very crucial parts in this story and I think they are all very important in telling about the events happening in this book. I really liked their personalities, they are all very different and kind of familiar. 1995 for me was post-soviet times, and I could somewhat relate to the atmosphere set for this book. Even though this book is about music, I felt that the mood was very gloomy and quite mysterious.

The narrative felt quite spooky and filled with very interesting events from the past. The plot is not very exciting and there are not many twists or turns, but I was very absorbed with this story, and really wanted to find out more. 🙂 The topics discussed in this book were war, the ability to communicate with the dead, sorrows of lost love, unfinished business after we die and many more.

I really enjoyed the writing style of this book, the story was very engrossing and easy flowing. The setting of this book was very pleasant and unusual, the book is set in Prague and in 1995, kind of makes me go back down memory lane and remember my own life back then in a country that just got freedom. (I was born and grew up in Lithuania, and we got independence in 1991) That is why a lot of events discussed in this book feel quite relatable. 😀 The chapters have a very decent length and the book is pretty short. I really liked the ending of the book, it rounded this story very nicely.

So, to conclude, I really enjoyed this book filled with intriguing characters as well as the plot that balances between two worlds: the world of the dead and the world of the living. I really like books about ghosts, so if you are looking for a quick, spooky, ghostly read, I would strongly recommend this book.

This is a strange, whimsical little book on belief, the tricks your mind can play on you, set in Prague immediately after the Velvet Revolution. Inspired by the story of Rosemary Brown, this book revolves around a journalist trying to expose a hoax- Vera Foltynova claims to be visited by the ghost of Frederic Chopin, who dictates compositions to her. There are some excellent passages on how complicit the media is in an authoritarian state, with the Secret Police drawing many informers from among journalists. Very relevant in a world where there are softwares used by governments to spy on their citizens. I didn't much care for the book, though- I'm not a fan of magical realism, and the journalists willingness to put an innocent citizen under surveillance was treated with far too much flippancy for my liking. If you want a light, reasonably interesting quick read, this is the book for you!

Was looking forward to reading this book and it didn't disappoint. I realise that it was partially based on something that happened in real life, but the idea is a bit bonkers. The journalist seems to go a bit mad as he's determined to bring the fraud down, it makes you want to laugh in places. Overall, a good and interesting read.

A gentle book following a journalist's attempt to unmask a widow who claims to converse with the ghost of Frederic Chopin. As Slany becomes embroiled in the 'fraudulent' life of Vera he begins to question his beliefs in the face of the beautiful music created and shared. Could his determination to prove Vera wrong more accurately reflect his unhappiness with his life and the constant state of observation of citizens stemming from the government. Miracles might exist and beauty celebrated in this atmospheric mystery,

Written by Éric Faye and translated from the French by Sam Taylor, The Ghost of Frédéric Chopin is the third book in the ‘Walter Presents’ series published by Pushkin Press. Every book in the series is a standalone (so far), so there is no need to have read the others before delving into this one, although I would highly recommend you do if you’re a fan of mysteries from various corners of the world.

The novel is set in Prague in 1995, where Věra Foltýnova, a middle-aged woman claims to be able to see the ghost of Frédéric Chopin, the famed composer, who dictates some new music to her that he didn’t have time to compose himself before his untimely death. What makes Věra’s story even more intriguing is the fact that she has doesn’t have any particular musical education, apart from some piano lessons she used to take as a very young girl, and yet experts claim the music she produces (upon Chopin’s ghost’s dictation) perfectly fits with the rest of the composer’s oeuvre.

This story grabs the attention of everyone in Prague, and so the journalist Ludvík Slaný is commissioned to create a documentary about Věra and her story, although he doesn’t believe her at all. Set to uncover Věra’s purported fraud, the journalist enlists the help of Pavel Černý, a former secret police agent, who secretly follows the middle-aged woman and investigates her and her past. Is this all a very well thought out plot to deceive everyone, or is Věra truly capable of seeing Chopin’s ghost?

The novel is narrated through the point of view of both Ludvík Slaný, the journalist, and Pavel Černý, the police agent, each one of whom recounts their encounters and experience with Věra. Although it sounds completely fantastical, the plot is actually inspired by the true story of Rosemary Brown (1916-2001), an English composer who claimed that the spirits of several composers dictated their new music to her. It is a very atmospheric story, with the author transporting us to picturesque Prague, with its scenic views and mysterious stories, as we learn more about Věra and are led towards the solution of the mystery that surrounds her.

Delving deeper into Věra’s past, the author very eloquently blends her personal story with the history of Czech Republic itself, as the dissolution of the former nation of Czechoslovakia happened only a couple of years prior to the current events of the novel.

“We were all still in shock, I think, caught between euphoria and bafflement, astounded to wake up one fine morning in two countries when we had gone to sleep the night before in one.

Location 905 (Kindle version)

Faye’s prose is beautifully woven and I especially loved his descriptions, as I truly felt like I was strolling down the cobblestoned streets of Prague along with Černý, all while Chopin’s new musical scores resounded in my ears.

Overall, I really enjoyed this atmospheric mystery which transported me to autumnal Prague in a period where I can’t travel there myself. It’s definitely not a fast-paced mystery, but rather a mellower one, in which the journey of investigating takes the reigns and guides the reader through the characters’ lives and secrets.

This book combines a lovely writing style, an intriguing mystery and an encompassing atmosphere, so if you are a fan of any of those in your books, then you should definitely grab a copy as soon as possible.

This book is about Ludvik Slany, a former agent turned journalist. He gets tasked with making a documentary about Vera Foltynova. Vera is a widow in her late 50’s who claims the the deceased composer Frederic Chopin dictates new compositions to her from beyond the grave. Ludvik’s main goal is to show everyone that Vera is a hoax, but there’s more to her than beats the eye. And he soon discovers that the world is not as simple as he first thought ☺️
This book puts a new spin on the classic mystery novel, it’s filled with moody ambience and intriguing characters and I really enjoyed it😀
Thank you so much to Pushkin Press and NetGalley for the ARC!

This was a charming book that would be ideal on holiday. It was absorbing but perhaps not as moving or as emotionally rich as I would have liked.

In Prague in 1995, Vera Foltynova insists that the ghost of the great composer Chopin is delivering new music through her. She claims to have never received any formal musical training herself and yet she can play these beautiful melodies, which bear a striking resemblance to Chopin's style. Naturally, this has piqued the interest of many media outlets and investigators but Ludvik Slany, a journalist fascinated by the case, has enlisted the help of secret police agent Pavel Cerny in an attempt to expose Vera as a fraud. But could this investigation in fact prove the opposite?

I love quirky mysteries like this and I really enjoyed how this one unfolded. I found myself constantly torn between assuming that Vera was mentally disturbed and believing her wholeheartedly. There was no doubt for me that there was a very strong, ghostly presence surrounding the whole case and Chopin was certainly there in some form or another.

However, I didn't warm to either Ludvik or Pavel. I couldn't get away from the fact that I think they would have been more inclined to believe Vera if she were a man. They both appeared to be men with a subtle but definite misogynistic gaze and I think this is what drove a lot of the doubt that they both had about Vera's claims.

I was very satisfied with the ending though. It felt like Vera and her extraordinary story had outlived her and would prevail for generations after. What a fun little read!

The Ghost of Frederic Chopin is such an atmospheric book with an interesting premise. I loved the writing which is almost lyrical, the characters who are memorable and the intricate plot.

The book has such a strong sense of place, with vivid descriptions that had me feeling like I was there with the characters.

The book does drag a bit in the middle with unnecessary descriptions but picks up pace after.

All round The Ghost of Frederic Chopin is an enjoyable read and I do recommend.

The Ghost of Frederic Chopin is the third novel in the Walter Presents series in which publisher Pushkin Press collaborate with Channel 4 to present ’timeless novels with strong international appeal'. This captivating story is inspired by English composer, pianist and spirit medium Rosemary Brown who claimed that dead composers dictated new musical works to her. Prague, 1995: Vera Foltynova, a widow in her late 50s, claims to receive visits from the ghost of great composer Frédéric Chopin. What’s more, she declares that Chopin has dictated dozens of compositions to her, to allow the world to hear the sublime music he was unable to create in his own short life. Many dismiss her story as a ridiculous hoax, while others swear that the music has the same beauty and refinement as the work of the dead master. Ludvik Slany, a secret police agent-turned-television journalist, is assigned to make a documentary debunking Vera’s claims.

He arrives in Prague ready to uncover a scam, but the more he subtly tries to trick her into giving herself away, the more he begins to think he may be witnessing a genuine miracle. This is a compelling, original and beautifully translated story that is rich in the atmosphere of Czech life, the country’s rebuilding after the sweeping scourge of communism and its nascent democracy. It's elegant composed and has enough tension and intrigue throughout to keep you reading this supernatural-tinged tale; there is even some humour interspersed within its pages. An intricately plotted mystery imbued with the foggy atmosphere of post-Communist Prague, The Ghost of Frédéric Chopin is an engrossing and absorbing story of music, faith and the ghosts of the past. Highly recommended.

Just loved this book!

I love Eric Faye, and this one didn't disappoint. I usually read in French but always love to see the translation work (which in this case is superb!).

Such an interesting story, with the historical background of Prague, communism, music, Cold War, this mystery is wonderful, the writing is a treat, I can only recommend you read it too!

I cannot say more I will just blurt out spoilers but thank you very much to NetGalley and Pushkin Press for the opportunity to read and review.

This book was inspired by the life of Rosemary Brown (1916-2001), an English composer who claimed that the spirits of dead composers were dictating works to her. The setting is Prague in 1995 when the country was adjusting to its new status. A television journalist, Ludvik, is tasked with interviewing and investigating Vera Foltynova, a middle aged woman who claims to be transcribing works by Chopin dictated by the composer himself. He employs an ex-secret policeman to spy on Vera as he is sure that someone else is the mastermind behind a scam.

The storyline is as much about the Czech Republic, its recent history and the adjustments people had to make when it became a democracy, as it is about Ludvik’s investigation. It is also his story. He struck me as the kind of disillusioned middle aged lost soul that le Carre tended to write about. To say too much about his investigation is to give away his conclusions which we learn as he shares them with another investigative reporter many years later. The final few paragraphs were simply too, too twee but they made me smile!

Another charismatic and intriguing mystery in the Walter Presents library. Ludvik Slany's obsessive mission to prove the self-claimed medium to Chopin is a hoax, creates a compelling exploration of what one's reason disbelieves and how far one will go to prove it. Slany's straightforward and somewhat cynical outlook on life is put to the test during his encounters with Vera Foltynova - but will what he discovers change his life forever?

A quirky, poetic and, thought provoking novel that hums with the static of recent communism, and reverberates with questions around the power of faith... The sardonic humour of Slany and the comforting character of Mrs Foltynova create an enjoyable and amusing contrast - you can't help but hope she will prove this uptight journalist wrong!

A wholly absorbing mystery brimming with the atmosphere of 1990's Prague, the lingering shadows of the StB and the cut-throat world of the media - highly recommend.

"The Ghost of Frederic Chopin" is the third book in the Walter Presents series in which the publisher Pushkin Press partners with Channel 4 to present a series of ‘timeless novels with strong international appeal'. Walter Iuzzolino, the curator of the Walter Presents programme at Channel 4 curated several titles that originated from several places around the world along with the background stories of how he discovered them. I personally think that this is a good form of partnership between a small publisher whose mission is to bring literature in translation to English and a TV programme specialising in curating foreign-language drama with English subtitles. The result is this interesting novel which chronicles the tale of Chopin’s posthumous publication using a medium in the form of Věra Foltýnová.

The story begins in 1995 with a brief introduction of how Ludvík Slaný, a former-secret-agent-turned-television-journalist, got a task from his boss Filip Novák to create a documentary about a woman who claimed to have a conversation with the ghost of Chopin. The task seems impossible to Ludvik at first, and he had an initial guess that his boss might be giving him this task in the hope of seeing his failure due to the fact that he dated his boss’ ex-girlfriend, Zdeňka. But Ludvík finally takes his job due to his curiosity. Along with his cameraman, Roman, he visits Mrs Foltýnová’s apartment in Londýnská, Prague to interview her and see with his own eyes whether the woman is indeed a con or a real deal.

Despite the fact that it was written by a French author, this novel describes vividly how the Czechs try to cope with its recent communist past in 1995. At that time, it was only 6 years after the Velvet Revolution which deposed the communist dictatorship and 2 years after the dissolution of Czechoslovakia. Many people are still wary of the surveillance method employed by StB, the secret police force in communist Czechoslovakia. Officially, the communist government condemned anything related to mysticism as being represented by Mrs Foltýnová in this story. Ludvík Slaný and his collaborator, Pavel Černý, also an ex-StB agent employ many methods to tail Mrs Foltýnová from day to night, even go as far as intercepting her letters and phone calls to get to know the mastermind of the posthumous Chopin compositions that Mrs Foltýnová claim to be dictated by the composer himself.

Around the second half of the book, the timeline shifts from 1995 to 2015 and the way the story is presented becomes a form of confession by Ludvík Slaný as he recounts his case of filming documentary about Mrs Foltýnová. It is said that the interlocutor is a woman called Dana, but I did not catch any introduction about this character except that he is described as significantly younger than him. It is hardly crime fiction, but many of the methods employed in this book to tell the story are really as intriguing as following the footsteps of a detective as he is unmasking the real face of the criminal, except for the fact that there is no real criminal in this story.

I do not want to spill the beans about the plots and conclusions, but this is a gem in European literature that questions the mode of inquiry from the 20th century which trusts science as a method of advancement in human civilisation. In some ways, this is also the way the author tries to rebuke Soviet communism in Central and Eastern Europe by showing that the experiment in socialism did not bring good impact and there are other unknown forces at play in this world. I also want to praise the literary translation of Sam Taylor which could bring the mysticism in the story into play. Besides that, I would recommend reading this novel while having a cup of tea at night and listening to Chopin’s nocturnes or mazurkas. Highly recommended.

Wow, this was a perfect read for me; I loved everything about it.
Atmospheric isn’t the right word, isn’t enough, but the sense of place and time is created so well, Lyrical almost - it’s like the novella itself is a classical music composition (which I know sounds OTT!).
A few beautiful lines:

“This damp day, with its lingering odour of dead leaves in puddles, had entered the realm of dusk…”

“Central Europe slowly slid into the heart of winter, as if being pushed down a gentle slope…”

Part of the story takes place in the ‘transition’ time of the early nineties, when Czechoslovakia was split, a volatile and compelling part of Europe’s history. Added to the mix is the fact that there is a grain of truth at its heart – an English spiritualist medium, Rosemary Brown, became known in the seventies for claiming to have contact with famous composers, of which Chopin was only one of many. Intriguing!

Like many people I read lots of translated literature, and to be this great the translator must also be exceptional (Sam Taylor). I will keep an eye out for more of his translations.

I got this ebook on Netgalley, but I have now pre-ordered a physical copy for myself – the first time I have done so with a Netgalley book. I’m a fan of Pushkin Press, but know nothing about this author. I do hope they will translate/publish more of his work.

Not your run of the mill mystery here - this is a unique story, partly based on real happenings and all the more engrossing for that. It is set in Prague and is the story of journalist Ludvik Slany being tasked with investigating and making a documentary about Vera Foltynova, an older woman who claims to be the conduit for the composer Chopin, who has dictated hundreds of works to her from beyond the grave. What starts out as a determination to find her guilty of a massive fraud becomes much more complicated as the book progresses. I found myself being sucked into this book, almost from the start, with its quirky mixture of spiritism, science, skullduggery and music. I absolutely loved it, but did occasionally find the Czech names of people and places a little tricky to follow.

Quirky and based on a true story which was a shock!
Imagine meeting someone who claims to be visited by dead composers.
Walter Presents delivers again.
Recommended

The Ghost of Frederic Chopin is the third book in the Walter Presents series and like its predecessors it is another unique and enjoyable story. This novel is set in 1990s Prague and follows the travails of Ludvik Slany, a television journalist who is given the job of investigating Vera Foltynova, a widow , who claims to have visions of Chopin who through her visions and hearing his voice proceeds to direct her into relaying his compositions onto paper to then be performed.
Is she a fraud,? Is she some form of conduit for the dead composer? And is Ludvik being set up by his boss to discredit him?
The story explores the echoes of Communist Prague of spies and betrayal and allegiance to the state and how Vera’s past and present maybe intertwined to create the potential fraud. Who could be trusted in the past? The plot pulls the reader further and further into the mystery as each time Ludvik believes he might lead Vera into a trap to reveal a grand hoax , he finds himself more convinced that she is genuine.
As somebody who has visited Prague several times, I enjoyed following the journeys around the city landmarks.
Eric Faye’s story is a good read , his style is understated which helps build up the enigma of Vera . Rather like the Walter Presents Television for international drama recommendations this book similarly directs us to an international novel that we may have overlooked or not considered. The book leaves you with bigger questions about the human mind and perception but that’s no bad thing.
Thank you to NetGalley and Pushkin Press for the advance copy