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Mesmerized

Alissa Walser author Jamie Bulloch translator

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Quercus Publishing

Published:6th Jun '13

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

Mesmerized cover

Set in Mozart's Vienna, this story follows Franz Anton Mesmer as he attempts to cure a blind musical prodigy. Their growing relationship raises questions about trust, talent, and potential scandal. Mesmerized explores these themes.

Mesmerized is a captivating narrative set against the backdrop of Mozart's Vienna, a city alive with scientific inquiry and courtly intrigue. The story revolves around Franz Anton Mesmer, a pioneering figure in the field of hypnosis and alternative medicine, as he navigates the complexities of his controversial practices. In a private hospital filled with the unsettling sounds of distressed patients, Mesmer is on the verge of unveiling groundbreaking cures that challenge conventional understanding of the mind and body.

The plot thickens when Mesmer is approached to help a blind musical prodigy, whose talents have garnered the attention of the Empress. This opportunity presents Mesmer with the chance for fame and recognition, but it also raises profound questions about the nature of the girl's blindness. As he contemplates the possibility that her lack of sight may be entwined with her extraordinary musical abilities, Mesmer realizes he must first earn her trust. This delicate balance of intimacy and professionalism sets the stage for a complex relationship that could lead to either a transformative breakthrough or scandal.

As Mesmer delves deeper into the girl's world, he must confront the societal pressures and gossip surrounding his methods. The story explores themes of ambition, trust, and the ethical dilemmas faced by those who seek to push the boundaries of science and art. With rich character development and a vivid historical setting, Mesmerized invites readers to ponder the intricate connections between perception, talent, and the human experience.

'A beautiful, unpretentious exercise in the language of the mind' Michael Mills, Buzz. * Michael Mills, Buzz *
'Subtle and finely wrought ... I was intrigued, captivated' Paul Dunn, The Times. * The Times *

  • Winner of Spycher Literaturpreis Leuk 2010

ISBN: 9780857051028

Dimensions: 196mm x 128mm x 18mm

Weight: 160g

272 pages