The Kingdom of Back

Nannerl Mozart is a child prodigy.  She can play better than most men with more training and practice.  She has her father's attention as long as she is young and the best at what she does, but she knows everything will change as she gets older.  She can already feel the world restricting her because she is a girl.  She can bring glory to God and money to her family during her performances as long as she is perfect and still considered a child.

She and her younger brother, Wolferl have a close bond even though they are four years apart.  Wolferl is small for his age, but he, too, is enamored with the world of music.  His talent is obvious from an early age, and Nanerl sees the way her father's time and attention quickly shifts to her younger brother.  She sees her her change to be a musician and to be remembered slipping away.

Then one day a mysterious stranger appears with an offer to make her most beloved wish come true.  Nannerl will be remembered.  Hyacinth offers her entry to a magical world of fairies and other magical creatures.  He seems sincere if a bit dangerous.  He only wants her to complete a few tasks in exchange.  

Hyacinth may be able to grant her immortality in the guise of her music, but the cost may also be more dear than she could have ever imagined.

This work of historical fantasy by Marie Lu addresses the very real disparities between the treatment of men and women over time.  How many women, like Nannerl Mozart were silenced because of their gender?  Lu does an excellent job of balancing Nannerl's feelings of love for the boy who would become Mozart.  She loves him dearly, but she is often overcome with feelings of jealousy and despair at what she fears will be her fate.  Their father is set up as the true enemy here, and young Wolfgang becomes a would be collaborator with his older sister.  The parallel fantasy story set in the Kingdom of Back has all the hallmarks of a traditional fairy tale, and readers may realize the truth before Nannerl does.  This is an interesting story.  It's a bit slow in the beginning the but worth the attention in the end.  Recommended.