Quick take
Mozart’s older sister makes the deal of a lifetime to secure the same musical opportunities as her prodigal brother.
Good to know
Feminist
Family drama
Magical
Real-life characters
Synopsis
Born with a gift for music, Nannerl Mozart has just one wish—to be remembered forever. But even as she delights audiences with her masterful playing, she has little hope she'll ever become the acclaimed composer she longs to be. She is a young woman in 18th century Europe, and that means composing is forbidden to her. She will perform only until she reaches a marriageable age—her tyrannical father has made that much clear.
And as Nannerl's hope grows dimmer with each passing year, the talents of her beloved younger brother, Wolfgang, only seem to shine brighter. His brilliance begins to eclipse her own, until one day a mysterious stranger from a magical land appears with an irresistible offer. He has the power to make her wish come true—but his help may cost her everything.
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Why I love it
Juliann Nelson
Content Producer, Fortune
I was beyond excited when I heard that Marie Lu would be tackling historical fiction—based on the Mozart family, no less—in her newest book, The Kingdom of Back. As a major band geek, I loved getting to read about Mozart’s lesser-known, but equally talented, sister and the lush fantasy world she finds herself drawn into.
Everyone knows the name Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, but his older sister Nannerl, a talented performer and genius composer, wants to be remembered, too. A daunting task made near impossible by an unsupportive father and a society that doesn’t recognize women composers. When a strange figure from a mythical land offers to make her wish come true, Nannerl has to learn who she can trust and what she’s willing to give up to be remembered.
As with Lu’s other novels, The Kingdom of Back has that something special that keeps me, and many others, coming back for more. Longtime fans will love seeing Lu stretch her creative muscles in a totally new setting, and new readers will enjoy an excellently crafted, utterly entrancing book on one of history’s forgotten figures.
Member ratings (568)
Daniela R.
Flushing, NY
I’ve always been a fan of Marie Lu, and once again she does not disapoint. This was so beautifuly written I couldn’t help but cry by the end. An excellent short read that sit with you for a long time.
Piper M.
Denver, CO
Heart-wrenching, impactful, real and relatable and brilliant. The Kingdom of Back is now one of my top 5 books, I love it so much. I don’t like magical realism all that much, but I did love this book.
Harper J.
Nashville, TN
When I choose this book, I had no real idea of what I was about to read, but I loved it after all. The mix of the magical and real worlds and amazing characters keept me enjoying it to the very end.
Amanda W.
Puyallup, WA
I loved getting to know Nannerl and how talented she was despite her more famous younger brother. This is magical, dreamy, beautiful, but also feminist & powerful. YA but easily works for adults too.
Brit H.
Greenwood, IN
Great book! Loved how Marie Lu took parts of history and developed the grey areas into a wonderful novel! It made me wonder could this have been true?! I loved the characterization and the tension!