The Woman in the Moonlight: A Novel

(Paperback)

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

A stirring and romantic historical novel about nineteenth-century Vienna and the tragedy and dynamic passion that inspired Ludwig van Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata.

Vienna, 1800. Countess Julie Guicciardi's life is about to change forever. The spirited eighteen-year-old is taking piano lessons with Ludwig van Beethoven, the most talented piano virtuoso in the musical capital of Europe. She is captivated by his volatile genius, while he is drawn to her curiosity and disarming candor. Between them, a unique romance. But Beethoven has a secret he's yet to share, and Julie is harboring a secret of her own, one so scandalous it could destroy their perfect love story. When Beethoven discovers the truth, he sets his emotions to music, composing a mournful opus that will become the Moonlight Sonata. The haunting refrain will follow Julie for the rest of her life. Set against the rich backdrop of nineteenth-century Vienna, The Woman in the Moonlight is an exhilarating ode to eternal passion. An epic tale of love, loss, rivalry, and political intrigue. A stirring portrait of a titan who wrestled with the gods and a woman who defied convention to inspire him.

Reviews

Spanning 50 years and various dazzling European cities, Morrisroes fiction debut combines historical fact and speculation into this story of the woman who inspired Beethovens Moonlight Sonata. Julie is a complex, thoughtfully written protagonist, surrounded by a large but never overwhelming cast of supporting characters, and the historical backdrop, full of court intrigue, is rich and detailed. Historical-fiction fans will find much to enjoy here. Booklist [The Woman in the Moonlight] is a novel full [of] illuminating details about the countess and the composer, but also finely rendered details about society life in 1800s Vienna. Town & Country Though researched to a fare-thee-well, Morrisroes fiction never lets atmospheric historic detail slow the swift pace of intrigue, politics, art, and sex. Can the HBO miniseries be far behind Matthew Gurewitsch for BeyondCriticism.com Based on a true story, Morrisroe turns her accomplished non-fiction research and writing skills to this little-known aspect of Beethovens life to deliver an intriguing story. Book Marks, Lee Woodruff An intoxicating novel about love, art, and life. Just as Beethovens Moonlight Sonata moves one from tears to hope, so does Patricia Morrisroes story of the woman who inspired the sonata, Countess Julie Guicciardi. Lara Prescott, New York Times bestselling author of The Secrets We Kept I was utterly absorbed in this beautiful novel of the brilliant, impossible Beethoven and the lovely countess who inspired one of his greatest sonatas. The story is so moving I was sorry to come to the last pages. I read them with tears in my eyes. Stephanie Cowell, author of Marrying Mozart Sensual, witty, and deeply researched, The Woman in the Moonlight vividly captures the tumultuous romance between volatile genius Ludwig van Beethoven and his enchanting girl, Countess Julie Guicciardi. In a love story ripe with decadence and court intrigue, Patricia Morrisroe transports readers on an unforgettable romp through nineteenth-century Europe. Brava! Sally Koslow, internationally bestselling author of Another Side of Paradise Captivating and emotionally compelling. Morrisroe writes with intelligence and great wit. Her spirited heroine is simply unforgettable. A must-read for music fans and anyone in search of a gripping love story. I could not put it down. Sheila Weller, New York Times bestselling author of Girls Like Us: Carole King, Joni Mitchell, Carly Simonand the Journey of a Generation The Woman in the Moonlight shines a light into nineteenth-century Europes political and cultural history, revealing lives that are just as nuanced, tortured, and decadent as any we might read about in the tabloids today. Morrisroes touching debut novel is a tribute to the focus, tenacity, courage, and sacrifice demanded by both art and what is commonly called true love. Barbara Quick, author of Vivaldis Virgins

Author Bio

Patricia Morrisroe is the author of Mapplethorpe: A Biography, Wide Awake: A Memoir of Insomnia, and 9 Narrow: My Life in Shoes. She was a contributing editor at New York magazine and has written for many other publications, including Vanity Fair, the New York Times, Vogue, the London Sunday Times Magazine, Travel + Leisure, and Departures. The Woman in the Moonlight is her first novel. For more information, visit www.patriciamorrisroe.com.