Young Adult Non-Fiction
VG/A Anderson, M.T. Symphony for the City of the Dead: Dmitri
Shostakovich and the Siege of Leningrad.
Candlewick, 2015. 464p. 978-0-7636-6818-1. 24.99
M.T. Anderson’s first
foray into young adult non-fiction is a love story to the city of Leningrad,
just like the Shostakovich symphony that he writes about. World famous
composer, Dmitri Shostakovich was born in St. Petersburg, Russia at a time of
great turmoil in the country. After the Tsar was overthrown, it wasn’t long
before the country was taken over by Lenin and Communism. While the book covers
Shostakovich’s entire life, the focus is during World War II, when the city of
Leningrad was under siege for 872 days. During the siege, Shostakovich wrote
his Seventh Symphony for the city of Leningrad and miraculously it was
performed in Leningrad even though the musicians were literally starving to
death. His symphony performance was a turning point for the Russians, it was
symbolic of their patriotism and spirit of survival. A fascinating read for
history buffs and/or music lovers. Loren Spector, LAPL, Memorial Branch
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