From the Bookshelf of La Crosse Public Library …

[close] I’m not sure if I like this novel or not. Being trained in opera, I was really excited that there was a historical fiction novel about an opera singer. Lilliet Berne was a very interesting person who certainly had quite the path to the Paris Opera House. Lilliet didn’t speak in order to protect her delicate voice. It was difficult at times to discern between thoughts and spoken word. I really enjoyed Chee’s use of historical figures in the novel and the many references to romantic period opera. This novel should be read in long stretches. I read it in short increments and it was confusing at times to follow what was going on. The setting and detail of the time period were wonderful. I would probably give Alexander Chee another try.

~Mary, Readers' Advisory Librarian