A Good Read

The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto by Mitch Albom

This book is testament to Mitch Albom's talents as a musician and a writer. It is an engaging magical story of legendary fictitious guitarist, Frankie Presto - the greatest guitar player who ever lived - and the 6 lives he changed.

'Music' is the narrator. The story starts at Frankie's funeral in his birthplace of Villareal, Spain, at an unspecified time but close to present day. One by one as real life famous people arrive Music tells the story of how they ‘knew’ Frankie.

Frankie was born in 1936 in a burning church. He was abandoned as an infant, and raised by a music teacher. At just nine years old the Spanish civil war tore his life apart, he was sent to America in the bottom of a boat. His only possessions were an old guitar and six precious strings given to him by his beloved music teacher. A new era begins for Frankie. He experiences the amazing music of the 1940s, ’50s and ’60s, with his stunning playing and singing talent affecting numerous stars (Duke Ellington, Hank Williams, Elvis Presley) until, as if predestined, he becomes a pop star himself.

He makes records. He is adored. But Frankie Presto’s gift is also his burden, as he realises the power of the strings his teacher gave him, and how, through his music, he can actually affect people’s lives. At the height of his popularity, tortured by his biggest mistake, he vanishes. His legend grows. Only decades later, having finally healed his heart, does Frankie reappear just before his spectacular death—to change one last life. 

All of us in my book group enjoyed this. It's a great plot and very well written.

∼ Be safe and well ∼ 

Polly x