Review of A Shadow Melody

[Ellylion]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "A Shadow Melody" by Brian Kaufman.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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A Shadow Melody by Brian Kaufman is a story written in the best traditions of Edgar Allan Poe. Young Harry Browning sees unusual things that can be frightening. He lost his mother to cholera. His father, George Browning, is a good, hardworking man trying his best to support their small family. The opportunity emerges after George meets with Elias Brympton, a well-respected businessman in New Concord, Ohio. He offers George a position in his estate. Also, he sees a sparkle in seven-year-old Harry. A talented kid, Harry can even repair a telephone, a big technological breakthrough for the end of the nineteenth century. Mr. Brympton happens to be a professor at Muskingum College. He decides to help Harry get a proper education. The years under Elias Brympton's wing are smooth for Harry. Only the untimely and tragic death of George overshadows them. But Mr. Brympton offers his friendship to the orphaned boy.

Years pass by. Harry becomes a star in Muskingum College thanks to his boldness toward modern inventions. He participates in World War I, loses his best friend, Drew, in the trench because of shelling, and gets wounded. Mr. Brympton died while Harry was away. However, he made sure that Harry would be able to continue his scientific studies, leaving him an appropriate sum of money. Thus, Harry becomes a hermit in his laboratory in New Concord. But fate decides otherwise, bringing beautiful Elizabeth Rose to his doorsteps. First, a housekeeper and later an assistant, Elizabeth, would help Harry in his competition with Tesla and Edison in constructing a device for communication with the other world.

As I was reading the book, I kept asking myself why would these brilliant minds waste their time and resources building a machine to contact dead people. But the author helped me realize that it was the spirit of the age. He brilliantly outlined all peculiarities of the epoch, such as spiritualistic séances that were nothing more than masterful tricks. Too many deaths of beloved ones because of the war or many incurable diseases made people of that time accept them as truth. The same motives led them to find even more unorthodox ways to speak to those they loved. I liked these psychological nuances very much. The book has remarkable suggestions regarding faith and reason. According to Harry, "Something designed, down to a cellular level, must have a designer." This assumption is not strange to contemporary thinkers as well. Presented as a discussion, such statements would not be offensive to religious readers or non-believers, in my opinion.

But the most impressive feature of this book is the plot. The events were unfolding smoothly until the most dramatic and unexpected moment left me shocked. I cannot reveal the details but would mention that the author adds less-known facts to the storyline. For example, he refers to The Garden of Earthly Delights, a masterpiece of Hieronymus Bosch. This approach enriches a reader's experience, taking it to the next level.

I liked the characters so very much. Harry is lovable from the first to the last pages of the book. He's a very good scientist. Also, he learns how to be kind and generous from Mr. Brympton. Elizabeth strives to become an independent woman. She has a college education, but women are not considered serious candidates for positions in scientific fields. Yet she does her best to earn money and support her parents despite some misunderstandings. Secondary characters, like Elizabeth's mother, Constance, are unforgettable too.  

There wasn't anything to dislike about this book. I believed that the book was professionally edited since I came across only two negligible errors or typos. Thus, I am very happy to award this book 4 out of 4 stars. The mentioned positive aspects of the book make a three-star rating impossible, in my opinion.

Fans of historical fiction would find this book fascinating. It is suitable for lovers of the sci-fi and horror genres, as for those preferring romance novels and psychological dramas. I should add that the scary part of the book is not overwhelming at all. Readers interested in the development of scientific thought at the beginning of the twentieth century would enjoy this book.

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A Shadow Melody
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[Okoye Chinonso+]

While reading the first two paragraphs of the review, I was filled with all sorts of emotions toward young Harry. At a young age, lost his mother first, then his father, then his sponsor. Pretty sure I would've been lost in despair if I were in his shoes.

[Okoye Chinonso+]

At this point, it just feels hard to believe this is something that has happened in time already. Harry is a strong-willed person, that much can be said. But his resolve is unfathomable.
A great review this is, thanks.

[Ellylion]

At this point, it just feels hard to believe this is something that has happened in time already. Harry is a strong-willed person, that much can be said. But his resolve is unfathomable.
A great review this is, thanks.

Thank you very much!

[Daniel NSENGUMUREMYI]

I see, to be hard working to your family is important cause even though you can die you’re example to your family!
As Harry we have to be kind and generous

[Christopherio]

Young harry has had a sad and emotional life but stays humble and continuous with his journey. harry seems really talented and I would like to see how his journey goes. thanks for the review.

[OTrain Disene]

A book that was backed up by plot is one worth to be read. I think it is more story-oriented than any other aspect of the book. I am glad you enjoyed it, Because I enjoyed your review.

[Amy Luman]

I’m not a real fan of historical fiction, but that seems to be secondary to the plot of the story. I am really interested in Harry’s development. As far as I can see, he is diligent in his pursuit. Is he truly a hermit, or is he just focused on his work to the exclusion of other things that he deems unimportant?

[Ellylion]

I see, to be hard working to your family is important cause even though you can die you’re example to your family!
As Harry we have to be kind and generous

Thank you very much for your comments!

[Ellylion]

Young harry has had a sad and emotional life but stays humble and continuous with his journey. harry seems really talented and I would like to see how his journey goes. thanks for the review.

Thank you so much for your comments!

[Ellylion]

A book that was backed up by plot is one worth to be read. I think it is more story-oriented than any other aspect of the book. I am glad you enjoyed it, Because I enjoyed your review.

Thank you so much! Yes, the story is very engaging

[Ellylion]

I’m not a real fan of historical fiction, but that seems to be secondary to the plot of the story. I am really interested in Harry’s development. As far as I can see, he is diligent in his pursuit. Is he truly a hermit, or is he just focused on his work to the exclusion of other things that he deems unimportant?

A trauma he got in the war makes it hard for him to socialize with others. Thus, he focuses mainly on his work

[Patty Allread]

Your review inspired me. I love historical fiction if it's well-written and has a storyline based on an interesting era. I will enjoy reading about Harry and his endeavors.

[Muna Chizzy]

I'm impressed with Harry's resilient spirit to achieve success even as a poor orphan boy. I find it weird how this scientist will create devices that will make them communicate with dead people. I guess I have to read the book to have insights on that. Thanks for the detailed review.

[Ellylion]

Your review inspired me. I love historical fiction if it's well-written and has a storyline based on an interesting era. I will enjoy reading about Harry and his endeavors.

Thank you very much for your comments!