The Dark Side of Dawn by M G da Mota
Formats: ePub, Mobi
Publisher: 4 Square Books ISBN: 978-1-61766-228-7
Price: $US 3.95
This elegantly constructed novel effortlessly interweaves a number of intriguing
plot threads simultaneously serving up a murder mystery, a lost manuscript
by Mozart and an intricate web of relationships. The story is told through
the voice of Vera, the main heroine of the book, who has just emerged battered
and bloodied, literally in this case, from a relationship with her ex-husband.
Vera is a concert pianist who has a particular affinity for Mozart and she
has just been left a house in the Azores by an aunt (Aurora) of whose existence
she was previously unaware.
On visiting the Azores, Vera is suspicious about the circumstances surrounding
her aunt’s death and comes across a manuscript in her papers which she
believes to be a lost piece of music by Mozart. The novel cleverly and skilfully
gradually reveals clues as to the origins of the piece by introducing historical
interludes which describe Mozart’s relationships with two boyhood friends
from the perspective of one of these friends. At the same time we are introduced
to a rich cast of characters including Dr Elias (the local solicitor), Augusto
(the handsome handyman), and Alessandro (a celebrated conductor and composer).
The novel looks at a number of interesting themes including the subjugation
and empowerment of women, the toxic effect of religion, and the redemptive
and healing power of music. Vera is on an emotional journey throughout the
book as she gradually moves from crushed and helpless victim to resourceful
woman who is not afraid to take the initiative in carrying out some much needed
detective work, and who recovers musical gifts she thought were lost. The
web of relationships with Dr Elias, Augusto and Alessandro are skilfully drawn.
We begin to see that there is an iron resolve and depth in Vera in spite of
past traumas.
The plot is developed with admirable clarity as the various mysteries and
secrets that lie at the heart of the book are gradually unearthed. Da Mota
very sensibly takes her time in revealing the truth and the reader is compelled
to go on Vera’s journey of discovery to find out what really happened.
There are moments of high dramatic tension - try the moment where Vera finally
confronts Augusto - but also moments of extreme tenderness and sensuality
as we watch Vera begin to heal and fall for the charms of the handsome and
talented Alessandro. Some of the descriptive writing is very poetic and da
Mota is good at conjuring up atmosphere and mood.
Vera says: “Dawn is always darker before the light breaks up and the
sun rises…..Aurora never saw the rising sun. She stared most of her
life at the dark side of the Dawn”. At various points in the novel,
we wonder if Vera will be consigned to a similar fate. However, as she finally
takes her place in the concert hall we are in the presence of an artist who
is once more at the height of her powers and, who in doing so, has banished
the darkness. The novel is a victory song for the redemptive power of music
and art as symbolised by the redoubtable Vera. Overall, this is a great read
and well worth your attention.
Robert Beattie
A victory song for the redemptive power of music and art. A great read.
Note: The author of this book is a Musicweb International reviewer, Margarida Mota-Bull.
Support
us financially by purchasing this e-book from |
|
 |
 |