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Hope and Second Chances
Rhapsody in a Minor Mode follows a young gifted cellist who has his life turned upside down and goes on a journey of self-discovery and healing. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Although it is intended to stand alone, Rhapsody follows from my previous book, The Lighthouse, which was published in 2020. Niels, the protagonist in Rhapsody, is a minor character there. The situation that launches Niels on his journey in Rhapsody is a central element in The Lighthouse (his mother is one of the main characters in that book) but Niels is not aware of it then. I liked his character a lot and wondered what he would do if he ever found out about his parentage. Rhapsody in a Minor Mode is the result.
Niels’s journey is inspiring to read as he overcomes his struggles and rediscovers his passion. Was there anything from your own life that you put into the characters in your novel?
What an interesting question! Happily, I have never had to deal with the kind of life-changing revelations and situations that Niels confronts. In the years before writing Rhapsody, however, I lost some people (and pets!) who were very important to me, and that contributed to the theme of loss that runs through the book. Beyond that, I have been fascinated by the lives and culture of gitanos since picking grapes with a group of them in France many years ago, and I love flamenco. It was a joy to incorporate both elements in Rhapsody.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
One of the themes is self-discovery, drilling down to the core of who you are. Our life journey is often full of difficulties, unexpected developments, and incomprehensible phenomena. The way we respond defines us. Another is the tension between embracing and trying to transcend the constraints of the assumptions, definitions, and expectations of one’s family and cultural context. Finally, there is the theme of hope and second chances.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I am quite taken by the characters and world that I’ve created in The Lighthouse and Rhapsody in a Minor Mode and not yet ready to let them go. What’s forming in my mind is their origin story. The book is probably 2-3 years to publication.
Niels’ journey takes him to Spain, where he falls under the spell of Tiago, an enigmatic gitano guitarist. Tiago’s mysterious legacy launches Niels on a new musical path, and he is torn between a future in Spain and returning to his home in Canada. As he struggles to reconcile the different elements of his life, Niels learns about love, loss, and the true meaning of family, and discovers that sometimes life does give you a second chance.
Rhapsody in a Minor Mode
Rhapsody in a Minor Mode by Elaine Kozak presents the journey of Niels, a Toronto-based music student who embarks on a transformative journey upon learning about his mother’s traumatic past. The narrative delves into themes of personal discovery and the complexities of human relationships. Niels, who has been nurturing his musical talents from a young age, is confronted with a disturbing revelation about his mother’s rape at a family Christmas party. This leads him to make the drastic decision to leave his studies and travel. His journey takes him across the ocean where, amidst the rhythms of flamenco, he not only rediscovers his passion for music but also forges deep connections with a new circle of friends in Spain.
Kozak’s storytelling particularly excels in the book’s latter half, where the focus shifts to the intricate dynamics of Niels’s relationships. His time in Spain is marked by significant growth, both in his personal life and in his musical pursuits. The plot gains momentum with the introduction of Tiago, a character whose intriguing past could be further explored. Through Niels’s interactions with Tiago, we witness his gradual reconnection with his musical roots, his family back in Canada, and his evolving self-awareness. Niels’s journey, while complex, provides a nuanced look into the challenges of navigating personal traumas. His reactions, especially towards events affecting others, like his mother’s past and his interactions with his girlfriend Aude, highlight the intricacies of human emotions. These moments in the story, while presenting Niels’s struggle with effective communication and emotional expression, add a layer of depth to his character. They effectively portray the sometimes difficult path toward personal growth and the understanding of others’ experiences, making Niels’s journey relatable and human.
Rhapsody in a Minor Mode is a narrative that navigates the turbulent waters of human emotions and relationships. It offers a portrait of a young man’s quest to find his place in the world amidst the echoes of his past.
Pages: 367 | ASIN : B0CQ34BW5Z
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