New Releases by Sarah Bruce Kelly

Vivaldi's Muse explores the life of Annina Giro, Antonio Vivaldi's longtime protegee. Annina first falls under the spell of the fiery and intriguing prete rosso (red-haired priest) at a young age, when Vivaldi is resident composer at the court of Mantua, her hometown. Stifled by the problems of her dysfunctional family, she has long dreamed of pursuing operatic stardom, and her attraction to the enchanting Venetian maestro soon becomes inseparable from that dream.

13-year-old Mary was marked from birth by the "sign of the caul," a powerful signifier in African-American culture. The caul indicates rare powers, especially a tendency toward "second sight." Mary's special gift of seeing manifests itself in visions of ghosts and spirits and culminates in an uncanny musical ability. But her remarkable gifts set her apart from her Pittsburgh neighbors, and she is shunned and belittled. Mary's loneliness is compounded by her mother's cruelty and indifference. She must find her own way through the tangled web of difficulties she faces everyday, and her music becomes her refuge. Gradually, though, Mary learns that music is more than just an escape from her problems. By losing herself in her extraordinary musical creativity, she grapples with her inner demons and discovers the true power of her special gifts.

Annina Giro, a young singer in 18th century Venice, dreams of studying with Antonio Vivaldi to become an opera singer.