Parents' Guide to

The Kingdom of Back

By Michael Berry, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 12+

Mozart's sister steps up in witty historical fantasy.

Book Marie Lu Fantasy 2020
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age 13+

Based on 1 parent review

BookGems
BookGems Adult
April 25, 2020
age 13+

Sweet Historical-Fantasy

Review from bookgems.co - Mozart is a household name, but really it is only Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart who is associated with the name. Few think of his sister, Maria Anna “Nonnerl” Mozart, a talented musician and composer in her own right. The Kingdom of Back tells the story of the siblings, emphasizing the fantastical world that the two created to amuse and entertain themselves and offer a bit of escapism from the challenges of the real world. Nonnerl narrates the tale, seamlessly blending her fame as a musical genius, the jealousy that creeps in as she recognizes her brother’s talent, and her desire to be remembered in a world that will not celebrate her accomplishments. Her one desire is to be remembered, but given her gender, she knows that making a name for herself will be a perpetual battle. Nonnerl must navigate meeting her father’s demands and her all-but-certain future as a forgotten name, and, thus, escapes to the Kingdom of Back where she finds inspiration, music, and beauty. As she grows, though, Nonnerl discovers that not all in Back is as it seems, and not all in the real world is what she had assumed. How can Nonnerl protect herself and brother from a world that wishes to consume them, and achieve her dream of being remembered throughout history?

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

As THE KINGDOM OF BACK opens, Nannerl Mozart is a gifted teen musician whose virtuosity impresses the nobles of Europe. Unfortunately, she is overshadowed by the genius of her younger brother, Woferl, even though she's in some ways the better composer. Dismissed because of her age and gender, Nannerl can't help but feel resentful, and when she meets a mysterious stranger called Hyacinth, she confides that her greatest wish is to be remembered forever. That confession has unexpected ramifications, and soon she and Woferl are brought to an enchanted kingdom to do Hyacinth's bidding. Soon, Nannerl will have to weigh her ambitions against Woferl's health and decide how to make her mark in music.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (1):
Kids say (4):

Some of the best stories can be found in history's footnotes, and this intricate historical fantasy uses the early childhood of Mozart as a springboard for an enchanting tale of sibling rivalry. In The Kingdom of Back, the relationship between Woferl and Nannerl is described with insight and sensitivity. Author Marie Lu expertly mixes fantasy and fact as she follows the struggles of Nannerl in her efforts to build a legacy that will last forever. Heartbreaking, rapturous, and witty, The Kingdom of Back is a major change of pace for Lu, completely successful and worthy of a wide readership.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how The Kingdom of Back presents an alternate history of European music. How do authors use fantasy to offer a different perspective on history?

  • Why have women been excluded from participating in business and the arts? How have they struggled against such oppression? Are women still excluded in some areas today?

  • How do artists find sponsorship for their art? Is it important for individuals, charities, and governments to support them?

Book Details

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