The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto

by Mitch Albom

At nine years old, Frankie Presto 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 unique, and his amazing journey weaves him through the musical landscape of the twentieth 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 and even KISS.

Frankie becomes a pop star himself. He makes records. He is adored. But his gift is also his burden, as he realises, 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, to change one last life . . .

• ISBN10: 1847442277
• ISBN13: 9781847442277
• Publish Date: 10 November 2015
• Publish Status: Out of Stock
• Out of Print: 5 March 2021
• Publish Country: GB
• Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group
• Imprint: Sphere
• Format: Hardcover
• Pages: 512
• Language: English

Reviews

[wcs53]

It took me a long time to finally get this book read, but I almost wish I’d read it sooner. On his last visit to Canada before he died, I bought a copy of this for my dad. We had a shared enjoyment of reading Mitch Albom’s books. After his death, my mum and I discovered that a bookmark about halfway through his copy. We both vowed that we would have to finish it for him. It took me a couple more years to manage this, but when I got to it it was a hard one to put down.

Albom is a great storyteller. This book is the story of a fictional, famous guitarist, the Frankie Presto of the title. It is narrated by ‘Music’ and is interspersed with interviews with real musicians, who in the book have gathered for Frankie’s funeral. The story flits back and forth between different moments in Frankie’s life, with the ‘interviews’ revealing more of his life story. In the end everything comes together, for both the reader and Frankie himself, but there are many times during the book when you are left wondering if everything will be revealed or if there are mysteries that will remain unsolved.

If you are a fan of Albom’s other books, then this one is not to be missed. If you have read nothing by him before, then this would also be a great place to start.