LitPick Review
Maile Manoa has been blessed with a beautiful voice and an insatiable thirst for music. However, the options for musical growth are almost nonexistent in Hawaii, and she must sing to provide for her family. Unsatisfied with the same Hawaiian songs she has sung all her life, Maile becomes determined to travel to New York, in search of opera and stardom. Funds run low quickly, and jobs are unforthcoming and forbidden, as the wrong gig could potentially ruin a future career. Maile quickly discovers that singing is not solely a career, but a lifestyle in which appearance is everything. When her voice teacher recommends a move to Salzburg to save money and grow musically, will Maile be able to succeed amongst a city torn by the previous World War II and budding Cold War, but held together by music and tradition?
Opinion:
Aloha, Mozart was an extremely unique read focused on music and success amongst young adult books typically far more action packed. It was actually very refreshing, and Maile, the main character was extremely relatable. The contrast between the different cultures and locations in the book: Hawaii, New York, and Salzburg, made Aloha, Mozart, extremely interesting. I especially enjoyed the method Williams used in incorporating the different languages and vernaculars in the book. While certain parts of the book could be slow at times, Mailes character development was enhanced by the political and romantic subplots. Overall, Aloha, Mozart, was a fantastic read, especially for readers interested in music.
