Reviews
‘The Cellist’s Notebook’
This was such a beautifully written novella that I devoured in one afternoon. I was instantly captivated by the magical feel and found myself just enchanted by everything within it. For a book so short, it was so detailed and I found myself feeling like I was in Emily’s shoes, and I love when a book does that to me.
One of the things I loved most about The Cellist’s Notebook were the gorgeous settings, and this, in turn, made me eager to visit them. My favourite by far was Nana Rose’s house and the Cumbrian countryside. I am a sucker for a good country setting and from the way it was described I found myself wanting to visit Nana Rose myself. I also loved reading how the author described Norfolk and Norwich. As someone who lives only 45 minutes away from Norwich I enjoyed reading about places that I knew and had visited in the past.
For a short book, I felt like the plot was perfect. In some novellas you can feel like the plot is too rushed, but with The Cellist’s Notebook this wasn’t the case. The pacing felt ideal for the story that was being told and nothing felt like it was being skimmed over. The twist at the end had me both shocked and jumping for joy and it was the best possible way to wrap up the story. Granted, I would love to read more about these characters, but maybe in a different book?
The Cellist’s Notebook was a charming, magical read that I adored! It’s the perfect read if you want something short, but packed full of wonder.
Amy’s Bookish Life: The Cellist’s Notebook
At less than 70 pages, this tale hits upon a heart-warming tale of a family, music, and reunion.
Emily is ten years old and is taking her Nana up on a promise—to learn to play the cello. Nana, however, isn't exactly sure why she promised Emily such a thing, since she herself has played since her brother disappeared during WWII. Still, a promise is a promise. And this one results in much more than the beginning of Emily's love for music.
I was surprised at how emotional and satisfying this tale became in such a short number of pages. Emily comes across with tons of personality right away. Her determination is inspiring, and she still remains loving and sweet. But then, her Nana is just as wonderful. The relationship between the two is warming and slides right in with their shared love for music.
But this story is about so much more than a young girl's growing love for the cello. There's a touch of mystery as Emily learns about Nana's brother, who disappeared during WWII. While the author switches scenes using flashbacks, it's never confusing and weaves nicely into the tale. But then, only important scenes are focused on, and that's why this story stays short. The entire thing could have used a little more editing, but that hardly hurt the tale. I did find myself smiling and even sighing once or twice.
This is a lovely, short, and meaningful read. The author doesn't sink into the tale with the usual novel style, but rather lets the characters develop just enough to make one care about them, feeds in only necessary backstory, and glides through Emily's summer quickly, making sure only important highlights are given more attention. I especially see homeschoolers enjoying this one.
Bookworm for Kids: The Cellist’s Notebook
I haven’t read anything by Kittie Lambton before, however I can firmly say that the Cellist’s Notebook is one of the most endearing novels I have probably ever read. I love novels about tales of discovery and mystery. I especially enjoy novels about familial mystery and the situations that characters find themselves in that are often based on real life. It was enjoyable page to page and it was lovely to read about this set of characters and settings.
With the January blues well and truly here, there is nothing nicer than curling up inside, the world outside going by whilst reading a good book. With a well-thought out plot that had the right amount of surprise and unknown just to keep you reading, the character of Emily is so endearing and sweet I felt instantly connected, also memories of her Nana Rose, my grandmother was called Rose and just to read that character of a Nan with memories and spending time with her, really made me feel nostalgic. Thank You Kittie for reminding me.
Curious and resilient, Emily had an outlook and a connection with the other characters that made me feel like I could relate to her, how the moments of the story came together and the plot was woven, just goes to show how wonderful Kittie’s writing was. The Cellists’s Notebook was an endearing and intelligent read that I am sure I will be thinking about for some time to come, definitely pick up a copy, you won’t regret the hours reading away about this novel of memories long forgotten, utterly charming.
Belleandthenovel: the Cellist’s Notebook