Ann Abelson

. . .lacks fire. Dreadful formulaic choppy book that exploits the myth that Paganini made a deal with the devil as an explanation of his extraordinary virtuosity. Better to have made a serious story that explores his congenital Marfan’s syndrome and its impact on him as a man and violinist. Instead, we only get the “legend Paganini.”

The formula of sexual liaison with human followed by performance followed by illness followed by dream sexual encounter with succubus repeats endlessly until Paganini’s death. His singular trait is his unlikableness due to a monster ego and ambition for fame and disgustingly described illness. One episode in his life, his time in jail for murdering either a mistress or a rival, is not fully explored.

What passes for insight into the character of Paganini includes his sexual appetite, his poor relations with his parents who viewed him as a feedbag, and his desire for women but lack of commitment and inability to really love them or anyone until his illegitimate son is born. Unfortunately, he dies without that redeeming quality flowering. Also unfortunately, the “fire” within Paganini is reduced to lust – both real and fantastical; the agony of creativity that he suffered is also attributed to spectral forces rather than inherent talent.

One can only conclude that the “fire” that lit Paganini is the fire of hell. The book was completed by the author’s son, the author having (wisely) put the project aside until death intervened. A book I didn’t read, only skimmed.… (mehr)