The Inextinguishable Symphony
By Martin Goldsmith

This novel is appropriately named for Danish composer Carl Nielsons' symphony # 4, also known as The Inextinguishable Symphony.

We follow the lives of Gunther and Rosemarie from the years of Hitler's initial presence in Europe to "freedom" in America. For them no truer words than Nielson's description of music and life could be spoken.

As Gunther and Rosemarie deal with the indignities brought on by Hitler, in the years just prior to the final to the solution, to their struggle as survivors in America, music is their continual salvation.

The book also examines the author, Gunther and Rosemarie's son, and his exploration into the reason for the constant, unspeakable, silent presence in an otherwise normal family existence.

I enjoy the authors uncensored look into the lives of his parents as he discovers how they became the people they have come to be.

A large part of the book gives elaborate detailed descriptions of musical presentations that I was not fully able to appreciate because of my lack of musical knowledge. This was my loss.

The book flows like a beautiful sonata and is definitely a worthwhile read.