Review of Keys to Harmony

[sayjil gordhan]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Keys to Harmony" by Margalit Jakob.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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Keys to Harmony by Margalit Jakob takes the reader on a captivating journey of art and persistence. Jakob is a pianist and descendant of a Holocaust survivor and has set the goal of attending the prestigious Rubin Academy in Jerusalem. She had high hopes of surpassing her parent's expectations, but after being rejected from the academy, Jakob begins a spiral into depression. She is unable to play as she has before, and even though she keeps trying, the situation worsens. The reader is taken on a journey of Jakob’s life and struggle with depression. Jakob is inspiring and has persisted in all endeavors for years ahead of her rejection. The book articulates how Jakob can compartmentalize depression and be functional at the same time to the point where experts and society aren’t overly concerned about seemingly mild depression. Jakob unwaveringly persists in fighting depression with support from her husband and continuously seeks help. Through a long journey, Jakob and the reader see light at the end of the tunnel.

I do not choose to read non-fiction often, as I like to be highly selective. I chose this book to break the streak of fiction books I had read this year. I am delighted by the freshness of Keys To Harmony. The author’s prose easily invites you into the story without a melancholy tone or overt optimism. There is introspection on every page, and it makes each page captivating. Undoubtedly, this book can be read quickly, but even a slow read does not deter you from how interesting the book is. The book contains themes of art, therapy, hope, and depression. I truly think this book vindicates people (including me) who are passionate about their hobbies or interests despite negative opinions. By this, I mean that when adversity and depression strike, the creativity and love of art and culture may become a beacon to stay strong. I loved gaining knowledge on what significance the holy land means to specific generations and how this meaningfulness is taught to the next generation. I think Keys to Harmony highlighted how art being produced is often harshly criticized by experienced artists, and personal experience is often dismissed by professionals when seeking help.

There is so much to gain from reading this book. I have become deeply enlightened. I recommend this book to anyone who likes non-fiction and looks for more uplifting stories on adversity. This book is suitable for all readers as it contains no profanity or sexual content. The book is well-edited, as I found no errors. I believe that as this is a personal story, it’s not appropriate to comment on alterations to characters or plot line, and the fact that the author’s prose was excellent is the reason for the high rating of this book. I rate this book five out of five stars.

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Keys to Harmony
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[Gerry Steen]

I need to read an uplifting story from time to time. Margalit Jakob's struggles with and conquering of depression are intriguing. It is true that one's passion for an art can save one from the grips of depression. Each form of art is a vehicule of expression that can be used when one is not able to verbalize their feelings and pain.