The Music of Silence

This is a beautifully written memoir by Andrea Bocelli, who brings to his writing the same qualities he does to his singing--passion, emotional intensity, and love of life. In recalling the people and places that shaped his life, he is detailed, but also gives his impressions. A reflective and spiritual man, he is also very active, a man of the world, determined to prove to himself and others that "it was possible for a blind person to do anything he set his mind to. If people judged that something was beyond my capacities, I felt obliged to prove them wrong." With his usual honesty and insight, he also realizes how much of his identity is based on his extra-ordinary talent: "Day after day, the idea that only my vocal talents could attract the attention and respect of others became more and more rooted in my mind. Singing came for me an identity from which it was impossible to flee." One can see from these two quotes that his need to prove himself and his strong sense of identifcation with his singing, were the cornerstones on which he built his amazing career. I was surprised to find that contrary to the somewhat stiff and formal image he sometimes conveys, he is actually an extrovert, tempestuous, and even led a rather desultory exitence during certain periods of his life (especailly when he was playing piano in piano bars in and around Pisa). His relationship with Enrica seemed largely based on the fact that he felt she would help keep him on the straight and narrow. Expressive, poetic, and even philosophical (he comes to the conclusion we all have destinies we are meant to fulfill), this memoir is a fascinating look into the personality and character of a very gifted and courageous man, who writes, as he sings, from the heart.

How do I feel about this book? Charmed, inspired, surprised, humble, grateful. Mr. Bocelli's writing style is truly charming - so candid (about a lot but not so candid about himself). I was surprised at his writing skill and so grateful to the wonderful translator; don't overlook his personal notes at the end. When I dried my eyes after the final page, I felt uplifted and humbled by the Andrea's faith and courage. Because I have read other books about Andrea Bocelli, I had some perspective on this "third person" autobiography. When you read it (and you must) recognize the omissions of certain personal details as what they are, his need to protect and honor the marriage relationships he and Enrica cherish. So much of this book tells us about Andrea's religious and moral self - it is not difficult to understand his need to more completely express his beliefs, as he did in the final paragraphs. You will find this book entertaining, amusing in spots, informative and truly worth your time. Andrea Bocelli not only gives his glorious voice to our sighted world, he brings the reader of his book into that other world of the blind where we find a man who lives by faith and courage most of us will never know. Please read this lovely book - you will be better for it.

A wonderful engaging autobiography, I could not put it down. This is a truly gifted man, one who is able to show us his thinking and emotions though his beautiful singing and now in his writing. He reveals to us (the reader) his mental processes of how a young blind boy became a man. His fears, hopes and aspiration are all hear. His love of family and friends (Typically Italian) are touching. His Love for his Homeland (Tuscany). His Blindness, His Love of Music, His Education, His Friendships, His Search for a wife and his experience of having a child and his career and how it all started are all hear. Wonderfully written and beautifully translated. A Must reader the Bocelli fan.

Note: I purchased this Harper Collins book, but my review is based on the reading of the Virgin Publication (same text & translator). This book will not teach you anything about opera or even music for that matter. We get something much better; a frank and introspective story of a life (so far), one full of all those things which make each one of us ordinary and extraordinary at the same time. The story of a man who never let go of his dreams, even when time and many other obstacles lay in his path. It shows how important a wise and loving family and caring friends can be in the big scheme of things. In this case, the life of a man whose voice has captivated millions of fans, myself included. It is a rare glimpse into a man's conscience, not just in it's bright and shiny refined state of maturity, but in the beginnings when we all strive to determine who we are and make our own way. Andrea shares openly incidents in his life where retrospect reveals mistakes and misguided notions. He comes out the other end of self-discovery with a philosophy and attitude towards life to be admired. He shows that one cannot merely "wish" for something to be so. Effort and action need to accompany any goals in life, and is courageous in his quest. The seed of an idea to become a singer grew through the years, instead of fading. It is a book of hope, which should inspire even the most jaded of souls, who have given up their dreams merely because the passage of time has dimmed their flame. On page 115, he writes: "every man distinguishes himself by his unique qualities, but all men resemble each other in their defects, which are universal." Reading this book, you will come to know the boy and the man from Tuscany whose life is infinitely unique, just as we all are. Just as we all resemble each other. If you admire this man for his voice, or just want to read an amazing, inspiring story, written by a man not afraid to reveal his mistakes or insecurities, alongside his most proud moments, I recommend this book. Then you can go learn more about opera!