Shannon's Library

LET’S GET EXCITED ABOUT THIS BOOK!

This is the remarkable story of one of the greatest events in musical history, the creation of George Frederic Handel’s masterpiece, Messiah. Composed in just twenty-four days, Handel’s “Grand Oratorio” was birthed in the darkest and most desperate hours of his life. His health was failing. Critics ridiculed him. Creditors hounded him. Enemies persecuted him. Pride had nearly destroyed him. Yet, out of Handel’s night emerged the dawn of Messiah. Anyone who has thrilled at hearing the Hallelujah Chorus will love reading Handel’s story of hope and redemption as timeless and poignant as the music itself.

Shannon’s Rating – PG

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LET’S TALK ABOUT THIS BOOK!

When you think of some of the greatest stories read around Christmas time, what comes to your mind? Charles Dicken’s “The Christmas Carol?” Dr. Seuss’ “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas?” “The Polar Express” by Chris Van Allsburg? Barbara Robinson’s “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever?” Christmas is known for its beautiful, spiritual, faith-promoting stories. Might I add one to your list?

“Hallelujah,” by J. Scott Featherstone is a story near and dear to my heart. One that I believe every Christmas-loving reader out there needs to know about.

In the early 1700’s, George Frideric Handel, a well-known opera composer began producing oratorios instead of operas. “What’s an oratorio,” you ask? Oratorios are large-scale concert pieces that were cheaper to produce than operas – which require elaborate costumes and sets. Handel’s oratorios quickly became the latest craze in London and became regular features during the opera season.

By 1741, however, Handel had fallen on difficult times. In the depts of his despair, Handel received a libretto from Charles Jennens, a poet with whom he had worked previously. Using scripture references, the libretto beautifully detailed the life of Jesus Christ. Handel sequestered himself in his London home and began to compose music to this sacred poem. In just 24 days he had completed a 260-page oratorio, which he titled Messiah.

In this novel, “Hallelujah,” J. Scott Featherstone fictionalizes what could have been happening during those 24 days as Handel wrote one of the greatest musical compositions in history.

I am not a musician. I don’t play any instruments. I can’t sing. At all. I know absolutely nothing about composing music. But I am a reader and I know a remarkable story when I read one. This book by Featherstone speaks to my soul. It’s absolutely beautiful. Every Christmas I find myself recommending it to multiple people because I truly believe it’s one of the best historical fiction novels ever written.

Trust me when I say, read this book. It will become one of your favorite stories to read during the Christmas season. And for an extra dose of the Christmas spirit, I highly suggest reading it while listening to Handel’s Messiah. What could possibly be more Christmasy than that?!?