Sleeping with Schubert: A Novel by Bonnie Marson
Every once in a while, a book comes along that is so clever, so original, so engaging, you hate for it to end. Sleeping with Schubert is one of those books.  

Liza Durbin is living a comfortable yet dull existence in Brooklyn, making a living as a tax attorney. Her world changes one evening while visiting her parents in California, when she goes shopping with her father at Nordstrom's. Noticing that the piano player has taken a break, she has this overwhelming urge to sit down and play.  Except she hasn't had a piano lesson since childhood. To everyone's amazement, Liza performs with the skill of a concert pianist.  Her father is stunned, and Liza subsequently faints.  

Once safely back to her parents house, Liza has another try on the piano.  It was real.  Although her mother insists she possessed the talent all along, they all know something remarkable has just happened. 

Back home in Brooklyn, Liza tries to make sense of her new-found talent.  It doesn't take long through things spiritual and real, that Liza realizes the great composer Franz Schubert has taken up residence in her body.  And he's on a mission.

Overnight Liza becomes the obsession of fans and agents, pleading with her to do everything from perform at Carnegie Hall, to embark on a world tour.  Understandably, Liza is confused, thrilled, scared, dazed, and excited, all at once.  Why is this happening?  Can she stop it?  Does she want to stop it?  And if she could stop it, would her life ever be the same?  After tasting greatness, could she go back to practicing law?

Liza's plight affords her the company of her supportive parents, her sister and publicist Cassie, and a never ending stream of agents, press, and critics wanting a piece of her newfound fame.  And as her new life moves along at full speed, it becomes clear it is headed for a dramatic and intended conclusion - Schuburt's mission is to finish his celebrated "Unfinished Symphony".  

So it is to be, New Year's Eve at Lincoln Center, where the "Finished Symphony" will be unveiled.  However, Liza is in hiding.  Can they work together in one body, composing music and performing it?  Will the "Finished Symphony" be a success?  And what will come to be of Liza when Schuburt's work is complete? 

Bonnie Marson takes this unorthodox idea of a musical mystery tour and brilliantly transforms it into a very delightful novel.  Not only is her character inspirational, but Bonnie herself is as well.  This debut novel was picked up by Random House within a week.  Since then, the film rights have been sold to Paramount Pictures and Sony Classical has released Sleeping With Schubert, the companion CD. 

Sleeping with Schubert is not only lots of fun, it just may nudge you to find your "inner Schuburt".  Or as Liza explains, Schubert found a "tiny crack" in her soul.  Some of us still need to patch it up.

About the Author: Bonnie Marston is an artist who has sold her works in galleries and to collectors around the country.  She lives in Tucson, Arizona with her husband.  This is her first novel.  

Sleeping with Schubert : A Novel