To make someone as unmusical as me care so much about a violin speaks to the beautiful way this book was written! ( )

“My name is Min and I play the violin”
There are very few biographies that I get wrapped in to the point where it feels like I’m having a chat with a friend over a glass of wine. Plus I never thought I’d be so interested in the life of an inanimate object but by the way Kym described it that violin had a more interesting life than I could have imagined.

Gone details the life of a violin player and her journey to find her soulmate which for a performer happens to be a violin. I dabble here and there with instrumental music and I had always wanted to play the piano but my parents could never afford it. The classical station is always playing on my morning commute to work because of the pensive feeling I get. It’s nice having a soundtrack to accompany my thoughts every morning. And there are passages in the book where Kym gives her commentary about certain pieces she’s performed or listened to and her interpretation of them that had me nodding my head in agreement. Reading this book was like clicking with a new friend.

I had heard about the stolen violin on the news but it was a tiny blip that I didn’t give much thought to. I don’t even think I connected the dots when I read a story about a million dollar violin being recovered. This book has just the right amount of adventure, love (in a unique perspective), and wanderlust. Perfect for me. ( )

Min Kym was a child violin prodigy. She grew up, became a successful soloist, and performed all over the world. As a young woman, she was able to purchase a Stradivarius--not one from his "golden" period, but a Stradivarius nonetheless. From the first touch, this Stradivarius spoke to her, and it became a part of her being and never left her side. Then, one evening while she was waiting for a train, it was stolen. The police soon discover the culprits--it was a crime of opportunity and the thieves at first had no idea what they had taken. (Shortly after stealing the violin, they tried to sell it for 100 pounds--it was worth 750,000 pounds.)

Despite learning the identity of the thieves, the police were unable to recover the violin. Without the violin, Min's life fell apart. She could no longer perform, and in fact couldn't even bring herself to play another violin.

This book had some interesting insights into what it was like to be a child prodigy, one who forgoes a "normal" childhood for the sake of her art. It was also an interesting look into the life of a traditional Korean family residing in London so that Min could receive the appropriate musical training. Min was able to convey her love of music, how she experienced music emotionally, and how she practiced and learned her art. She also adequately conveyed her emotional breakdown, although I found that part less interesting.

Recommended, if this description appeals.

3 stars ( )

Wow! What an amazingly powerful and moving memoir of violinist Min Kym as she tells her story of growing up as a young child prodigy - an amazingly accomplished violinist at such a young age. She found her voice through the instrument of her dreams - her 1696 Stradivarius. In the early days, she and her instrument danced together, trying on different strings for that perfectly rich yet sweet and precious sound. The instrument became an extension of her being and in wedded bliss they sang together as one. That is until...the day it was stolen and a piece of her soul was wrenched from her being.

Once, many, many years ago I was introduced to a Bösendorrfer Imperial Flügel grand piano in the voicing room of its maker. Over the course of 30 minutes I played my entire meager repertoire from memory. Although, admittedly unworthy of ever owning such an exquisitely hand-crafted instrument, I still dreamed of the rich sounds which emanated from its entire frame. All subsequent grand pianos I played paled in comparison to the rich sonorities of that Bösendorrfer. My heart was lost forever.

This is the closest I will ever come to understanding the devastation and loss experienced by Min Kym in the disappearance of her Strad. She the worthy performer who had drawn out the rich voice of the instrument under her capable touch had been summarily torn from her extraordinary instrument which was suddenly made mute.

This memoir tells the story well and evokes a vast array of emotions. She reflects on her entire life which brought her to the precipice and speaks kindly of those who aided her in stepping away from the rim. I myself was deeply moved in the telling of Ms. Kym's story and found my heart aching for her in her loss. Yet there is also the element of hope threaded through it. All is not lost.

I am grateful to author Min Kym, Crown Publishing and Goodreads First Reads for having provided a free uncorrected proof of this book. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone. ( )