#woferl

qotd: “I am going to tell you a story you already know. But listen carefully, because within it is one you have never heard before.” — @marielubooks

-

𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (4.0)

-

i dont often read historical fiction, but this story made me want to dive further into the genre because i LOVED the message behind this book. “The Kingdom of Back” tells the story of Nannerl Mozart, the sister of the famous composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. going into the story, i had no idea who Nannerl even was. I was not aware that Wolfgang had a sister. but that is the point marie lu tries to make. in her author’s note, she writes, “What legacy could Nannerl have left if she’d been given the kind of attention and access that her brother enjoyed? What beautiful creations were lost to us forever because Nannerl was a woman? How many other countless talents have been silenced by history, whether for their gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic circumstances?” i was absolutely devastated by this story and that is what made it all the more impactful. i felt inspired and left wanting more after falling for the artful description of the music produced by Nannerl. this book pushed me to do more outside research, where i learned that the kingdom of back was an actual fantastical world created by the two siblings. the dark, fantasy elements were beautifully woven into the historical fiction and i was blown away by the world building. marie lu made it feel as though the kingdom of back were actually real. the ya genre needs more books like these, books that can serve as a call to action. i encourage everyone to pick up this book if given the chance, so the story of Nannerl Mozart can be spread.

-