'After having read Rites of Spring, I am now equally thrilled by Hungarian Dances. Jessica Duchen is a very gifted storyteller; her characters are sensitively portrayed. She has observed "Hungarianness" very well indeed. And her understanding of the tragedy and sufferings of the Gypsy people - that is not just history, but very much a problem of our time - gives this book an even more profound meaning.' * Andrs Schiff *
'Jessica Duchen's debut novel is captivating, imaginative and fascinating. As a musician and a mother, I recognized many of the scenarios and found the questions that were posed very poignant, both from a musical and personal perspective. The pace builds powerfully to a dramatic and ultimately very moving conclusion. Completely gripping!' * Tasmin Little on RITES OF SPRING *
'Adam and Sasha appear to have the perfect life - good jobs, a nice home, money and three perfect children. But as their marriage begins to unravel, their ballet-crazy daughter starts staving herself - and her parents are too preoccupied to notice. A haunting, heartbreaking novel.' *
Closer on RITES OF SPRING *
'The pages of Hungarian Dances just kept turning! Like all the best
novels, it asks unexpected and compelling questions. It's a book for
anyone with an interest in how history leaves its mark on people and how
they in turn come to live with its scars.'
* Martin Davies, author of
The Conjuror's Bird *
'Highly recommended' *
Classical Music Magazine *
'A sensitive and thought-provoking novel that will resonate all the more for those with musical leanings.' * Femke Colborne,
MUSO on RITES OF SPRING *
'Duchen skilfully balances the conventions of the genre with the authority of a writer who really knows her subject. ALICIA's GIFT is a wonderful read. But make sure you keep the Kleenex handy when you tackle it.' *
Music Teacher on
Alicia's Gift *
''It really is difficult to put down . . . It's Duchen's compassionate human observations which carries her through . . .Those in the musical world will relish sentences such as 'orchestras are full of sheep eating shit'; those outside it will marvel at its fragility and volatility. And everyone will be encouraged to ponder just how far the search to 'find oneself' is selfish, unselfish or, impossibly and painfully, in a timeless dislocation somewhere between the two.' *
BBC Music Magazine *
'Jessica Duchen writes about families, the arts and their sometimes devastating combination with such skill and passion that her books are unputdownable. It is very rarely that I find a new writer whose work I love so much.' * Katie Fforde *
'This is a very well written study of the problem of being and having a child prodigy.... it's a gripping read and it's very easy to get caught up in the excitement of wanting Alicia to succeed... I enjoyed this book a lot' *
Muso on
Alicia's Gift *
'Like a stuffed palacsinta pancake, Duchen's novel of music and memory bulges with fruity treats...' *
Independent *
'I suggest you give
Hungarian Dances a whirl.' *
South China Morning Post *
