The Soprano

Comments by a Beta Reader

The Soprano guarantees an adventure through the life of a remarkable woman who overcame adversity to shine on the world stage. It provides hints of drama, resilience, and the allure of the operatic world. The author’s passion for the subject matter is evident, and the book should resonate well with readers who appreciate historical fiction and strong, inspirational characters.

(Comments by Beta Reader 1)

The Soprano is compelling and paints a vivid picture of Maggie Gard’s tumultuous journey. The narrative flows well and the inclusion of historical events adds depth to the character’s development. It is clear that the author has done extensive research, which lends authenticity to the story.

Maggie’s personal growth and her professional challenges create a rich tapestry of life. The detail about her involvement in the resistance and the sacrifices she made for her art are particularly engaging, and the impact of age upon the singer’s voice adds a touch of realism to the portrayal of her life as an artist.

(Comments by Beta Reader 2)

 

Mirusia

Book signing at the Performing Arts Centre Arts

The Soprano on sale for $25/-

In the foyer of the Performing Arts Centre

After the show , Hazel in an ecstasy of Joy with Mirusia

On Saturday, 24/2/2024, Colin and I had an unparalleled concert experience that left our hearts singing.

We experienced the magic of Mirusia and her extraordinary talent. Her every note resonated with passion, emotion, and sheer musical brilliance.

 Mirusia’s voice, like a soaring nightingale, transported us to the realms of pure musical bliss, leaving us awe-inspired and deeply touched. It is no wonder she is known as “Australia’s Songbird”.

THANK YOU FOR A LOVELY EVENING, MIRUSIA.

Thank you, also, to my dear friend, Tracey Huges for presenting me to Mirusia.

Wynnum Library

Hazel Barker at Wynnum Library

Thank you for inviting me to speak on the panel about Indie Publishing. My thanks also to Nadia from BCC Libraries, QWC, and to the lovely Lauren Else Daniels for a successful and enjoyable day meeting fellow writers and fervent readers.

Indie Author Day

The Soprano

The Cover of my latest book. Out soon.

It would make a delightful Christmas gift for your wife or husband or friend.

Signed copies available from the author.

$25

The Soprano

I wrote this book because one day, as we were listening to 4MBS, Brisbane’s favourite classical music station, we heard a commentary on the singer.

My husband said, ‘She’s been through 2 world wars, and has helped the resistance fighters in Italy against the Nazis. Why don’t you write about her?’

I immediately did some research on the singer, and her story appealed to me, so we visited her birthplace, Harwood Island, in NSW, to glean some information on her. On obtaining the address of the singer’s aunt, we wrote to her and gained some valuable information. I also acquired the address of the singer’s daughter in Italy and gathered more material for my book.

We then flew to Hobart, Tasmania, where the librarians were most helpful, and gave us copies of newspaper cuttings about the singer. Finally, I looked up old copies of ‘Newsweek’ magazine, where an interesting story began to unfold.

I incorporated all this information and began writing.

The result is my literary novel, ‘The Soprano’, soon to be published by Armour Books.

This is not the cover of the book.

The Soprano

Coming Soon

The Soprano is about an ordinary Australian

with an extraordinary gift

who strives, against all odds,

to be an opera star and sing at La Scala.

Maggie’s debut is postponed by the outbreak of World War I

and her career is threatened when World War II erupts.

She joins the resistance against the Nazis in Italy.

Will she survive the war and achieve her ambition to sing at La Scala?

The Soprano by Hazel Barker

I find research an enjoyable and exciting part of writing. It is thrilling to discover something new on the subject of my research. Some authors delegate the researching to others, but I neither have the money nor the inclination to do so.

For my forthcoming book, “The Soprano,” I have consulted libraries, read reviews on my protagonist’s performances at opera houses, traveled to her birthplace, Howard Island in NSW, written to her surviving relatives in Tasmania, and interviewed her daughter in Milan. I have used the results of my research as the framework of my story.

It is an interesting story packed with pitfalls, panic, and pandemonium. It shows pluck and perseverance despite so many obstacles.

Witness the life of a true Aussie battler. The life of a struggling young artist in a foreign land. The life of a resistance fighter. The life of a star. The story should appeal to the general public. To the lover of music. To the lover of adventure.

You will not be disappointed.

Hazel Barker, author.

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News Flash

News Flash

Hazel’s book, The Soprano, has been accepted by Armour Books and will be published early in 2024.

***

The Soprano laid hold of me from the start. It is exhilarating and attention-grabbing. I wanted to read more… (Jean Briggs – Literary Advisor and Consultant, California Gully, Victoria, Australia)

The Soprano promises to be about a young girl who is leaving her family and country for a period of time. The feeling of fear and what is left behind is strong through these pages, and we can all connect with this emotion. The beginning pulls us in. We feel a strong connection for her leaving and look forward to her experiencing new adventures. The promises are subtle and extremely reliable. (Rhay Christou, MFA, Teaching and Creative Writing, Vermont College, USA)

The Soprano is a beautifully crafted historical fiction. Lovely prose throughout that builds excellent setting and mood. Characters are strong and have a good rapport between them. Dialogue suits the style of historical fiction, and exposition is woven neatly throughout in a way that intrigues. (Carolyn Martinez, Hawkeye Publishing)

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