magic strings of frankie presto

The Magic Strings Of Frankie Presto was a real surprise. I had the book kicking around for a few weeks; it came with me to the pools, to work and to the bedroom but I never got around to opening the cover. Why? I’m not quite sure. The cover didn’t give me much of an insight into what was inside and I had two other books I badly wanted to get into, (Who’s Afraid and Hidden Bodies, the sequel to YOU), so poor Frankie Presto was parked on the bench for longer than it should have been.

I feel bad for that decision because The Magic Strings Of Frankie Presto is a damn good read. It’s the story of a young orphan called Francisco, who, through many a fateful opportunity or encounter, works his way through the music business with his mad guitar skills and unique voice to become a legend. He has six strings on his guitar and when a life is changed at Frankie’s hand, a string turns blue.

If you loved Forrest Gump and Walk the Line, you will devour this book. I love the way Frankie is woven into major music events and scenes. It is fantastical, absurd, charming and soulful. There is a hairless dog, alongside characters who bring everlasting love, tragedy and of course music. Infact music is the narrator to Frankies life and times which starts at Frankie’s funeral, with interviews from those who were touched by his magic and music. I didn’t see the twist at the end coming either, which rounded out the tale perfectly, leaving a message for the reader ‘everyone joins a band in their life’.

A clever book with heart from Mitch Albom (Tuesdays with Morrie).

Solid 4 stars from me. 2016 is starting out strong with some brilliant reads!  Buy it now through Book Depository for free shipping worldwide.

The Book Jacket

Mitch Albom creates his most unforgettable fictional character—Frankie Presto, the greatest guitarist to ever walk the earth—in this magical novel about the bands we join in life and the power of talent to change our lives.
In his most stunning novel yet, the voice of Music narrates the tale of its most beloved disciple, young Frankie Presto, a war orphan raised by a blind music teacher in a small Spanish town. At nine years old, Frankie is sent to America in the bottom of a boat. His only possession is an old guitar and six precious strings.
But Frankie’s talent is touched by the gods, and his amazing journey weaves him through the musical landscape of the 20th century, from classical to jazz to rock and roll, with his stunning talent affecting numerous stars along the way, including Hank Williams, Elvis Presley, Carole King, Wynton Marsalis and even KISS.
Frankie becomes a pop star himself. He makes records. He is adored. But his gift is also his burden, as he realizes, through his music, he can actually affect people’s futures—with one string turning blue whenever a life is altered.
At the height of his popularity, Frankie Presto vanishes. His legend grows. Only decades later, does he reappear—just before his spectacular death—to change one last life.
With its Forest Gump-like romp through the music world, The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto is a classic in the making. A lifelong musician himself, Mitch Albom delivers a remarkable novel, infused with the message that “everyone joins a band in this life” and those connections change us all.