Shadow Song

This book was complete amoral trash disguised as romance. Two incredibly selfish people keep the flames of a summer romance from nearly 40 years before alive, manipulated all along by an evil old Jewish meshugge creep, before they both decide to bring betrayal and heartache to two families, including their children. DO NOT READ THIS TRASH!

Terry Kay has the ability to make you hear the music of an old dreamer, and make it your own. He can also make you believe in ghosts, and makes you want to welcome them home. Though briefly told, this story encompasses most of our century: from an opera house in 1918, to young love in 1955, and then on to matured love in 1993. I first heard of this book at a Terry Kay book-signing last fall, where I had him sign The Runaway, his latest, and To Dance with the White Dog, his best known. In the long line of waiting admirers (it took me three hours), some of them kept saying that Shadow Song was their favorite book by Kay. Strangely, they would close their eyes, as though they were listening to something. Now that I've finished the book, I understand. I also recommend to anyone planning to read this book that they acquire a recording of the "Ombra leggiera" (Shadow Song) from Giacomo Meyerbeer's "Dinorah" and listen to it before they begin reading. And then listen to it again WHILE reading the final scene. It is a remarkable experience. My CD version features the great Maria Callas. However, to make the experience authentic, I may look for a recording by Amelita Galli-Curci. I know that that old Jew, Avrum Feldman, would have it no other way. Come to think of it, I might even pick up a couple of candlesticks and pull out an old picture of a long-lost love. That would really make him happy. I can hear him now, urging from his bench, "Go, Go."

I started reading this book in small chunks but the pace accelerated as I went on. Towards the middle, I could not let go of the book. The storytelling is superb. I especially liked the dual tracks separated 38 years apart. Dealing with the subject of true love and adultery is mature and quite intriguing.

I read the hardback AFTER I heard this book on tape. I played it in the car on a 200 mile trip and was so enamoured of it that I checked it out of my local library again, a month later. I have listened to it at least half a dozen times and never seem to tire of it. I am now considering purchasing my own copy, something I have never done with any book on tape! The story is simply beautiful and I identified with much of it.

This book really took my breath away and I find that I keep returning to it for a good read over and over again!! I reccommend it to anyone who has ever realized how important one event can be in changing your life---what a winner!!!

For a non-native English speaker, it is quite difficult to find an English-written book able to have your heart and soul working at top speed. "Shadow Song" is one of them. Its message gets deep inside of you since the very first pages, and makes you follow the story of the protagonist's search of his own truth --his way back home. It is an accurate description of people's need to face their destiny no matter what. "Shadow Song" is not only a story of love and friendship; it is a story that shows that happiness is a matter of taking the chance.