Rich DiSilvio

Book Title: "Liszt’s Dante Symphony”
Author: Rich DiSilvio
Published By: DV Books
Age Recommended: 4
Reviewed By: Kitty Bullard
Raven Rating: 4

Review: If I had to choose a most bazaar historical novel this one would be it. Rich DiSilvio has written a one of a kind book depicting some of the world’s most notorious historical figures and their relationships with Liszt’s Dante Symphony. The story spans the course of two generations highlighting the rise and fall of these men.
Written as a fictional work this book makes one see a side of these men that could have been truth and places them on a much more human scale. I enjoyed the book and think many other historical fiction readers will as well!… (mer)

This book follows the life of the Wozniak family during the 19th century. They are a hardworking coal mining family who have suffered greatly since immigrating to America. The eldest brother Stan is crippled in a mine accident, forcing the youngest child, Marc, to join his father and middle brother in the mine. In one of the worst explosions to date, the father is killed and the middle brother Ted runs off immediately afterwards. Left as the bread winner, Marc uses his wits and intelligence to land himself an office job at the mine in direct conflict with the corrupt and irresponsible Huxley, the owner of the coal mine.

The book also follows well known Americans such as Teddy Roosevelt and J.P. Morgan. It weaves their stories among the life of the Wozniak family, as Marc grows up and gains prominence within the coal mining industry. It also highlights some of the important progresses of the Gilded Age, such as electricity and the automobile.

Overall, I thought this book was extremely well written. The author obviously knew his subject matter and has conducted in-depth research about the era. The characters were fascinating, not only because of their diversity, but because of their drive and motivations. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in historical fiction.… (mer)