As someone deeply moved by music, this book touched my heart. Alan Hovhaness: Unveiling One of the Great Composers of the 20th Century is a tender and emotional tribute. Hinako Fujihara Hovhaness brings his story to life with such warmth and love that I felt like I knew him personally. A truly beautiful read.

I took a class in university called The Art of Listening—a classical music course that introduced me to composers like Debussy and John Cage. Somehow, though, I had never heard of Alan Hovhaness. This book felt like uncovering a hidden piece of music history, quiet and powerful in its own right.

What I didn’t expect was how deeply this memoir would resonate with me. I picked it up looking for something calming, a break from the noise of daily life, I have ADHD . What I found was a story full of emotional depth, especially in the portrayal of Hinako. I’ve always gravitated toward strong female characters—not just bold and outspoken, but those whose strength is quiet, steady, and deeply human.

Hinako’s story touched me. Watching her navigate loss, memory, and love reminded me so much of my grandmother, who lived with dementia. Reading those moments brought back memories that were painful, yes, but also full of love. There’s something profoundly comforting in the way this book holds space for grief without rushing past it.

This isn’t just a memoir, it a deeply reflective, personal memoir that invites you to pause and truly listen. I’m so grateful I found it.

This book isn’t just a biography, it’s a personal love letter to genius. At 38, I’ve read my share of composer bios, but Hinako Fujihara Hovhaness’s tribute is hauntingly poetic and deeply human. Her stories peeled back layers of Alan’s complexity: mystic, rebel, romantic. The emotional honesty here feels like a requiem composed in prose. You don’t just learn about Hovhaness, you feel him. Whether you love music, mysticism, or raw human passion, this book hits a rare emotional note. I finished it more inspired, more reflective—and more in awe of one of the 20th century’s true originals.

Reading this book felt like sitting with someone who’s letting you into the most important parts of their life. Alan Hovhaness: Unveiling One of the Great Composers of the 20th Century isn’t just about his music—it’s about love, illness, travel, and the quiet moments in between.
Hinako Fujihara Hovhaness shares their story in such an honest and gentle way. I really felt the emotional weight of Alan’s journey, especially as he started to get sick. You can tell how deeply she cared for him, not just as his wife, but as someone who understood his music and his soul.
Their travels added something really special to the story. It felt like each place meant something, and through her words, I saw how much these experiences shaped both of them. And the way Alan viewed his music—with such spirituality and peace—stayed with me long after I finished reading.
This book touched me more than I expected. It felt real and full of heart. I’m really glad I read it.

Oh, what a delightful read this was! As a lover of classical music, I found The Francis Bacon X-Periment absolutely captivating. It paints such a vivid portrait of Alan Hovhaness—not just as a composer, but as a soul deeply connected to the mystical and the divine. I remember hearing his Mysterious Mountain on the radio decades ago, and this book brought me back to that sense of awe and serenity. What moved me most was how it captured Hovhaness’s belief in Francis Bacon as Shakespeare—imagine that! It may sound far-fetched to some, but the author presents it with such tenderness and curiosity that I couldn’t help but be swept up in the mystery. The writing is warm, respectful, and full of little details that feel like a private concert for the mind. If you love music, history, or simply stories that sing, this book is a treasure.