
Member Reviews

Another gorgeous read from Eva Ibbotson which is so much more than a romance novel, it's also history, nature and a great, loving description of opera. Tessa is intelligent and searching for freedom away from the rigidity and relative poverty of her royal heritage. Yes, there are the usual misunderstandings between the lovers but there's also so much wit and charm and a host of wonderful characters together with a magnificent setting in Vienna. Read it and I guarantee you'll be swept away.

This is a delightful and charming historical romance, almost like a fairy tale with a brooding hero, a princess, a castle in Austria and even a bear. The author is well known for her children’s books and while this was originally intended for adults and is thus a little more mature in some regards, there is nothing to offend and it will delight many teenagers I am sure. The story is imbued with music and opera, glorious scenery, counts and duchesses and a jumped up ‘honourable’. From humble beginnings, millionaire Guy Farne is due to rekindle the love of his life when he meets an impoverished wardrobe mistress at the International Opera company and the rest you can probably imagine. The story is told with such warmth, humour and love for the subject that it is difficult to put down. I loved the characterisation, the ancient maiden aunts in the castle, the larger than life opera stars including the glorious Rhinemaiden, Boris and ‘The Mother’, the three Heidis for whom a role is found regardless of the production and the aging aristorcracy who belong to a much bygone age. There are so many little quirky habits to enjoy. The Viennese setting glistens in glamour and decadence. The book is beautifully written, originally released in 1982 but the story is timeless and like every fairy tale there is a gentle moral to take away. It is a lovely bit of escapism from the modern world and I heartily recommend it for lovers of romance, music and exquisite storytelling.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an opportunity to read a copy ahead of the re-release.