In recent years, much light has been shed on the remarkable life and writing of American author Willa Cather (1873-1947), many of whose novels explored the subject of women and creativity. Now, acclaimed author Lionel Rolfe has delved into his fascinating family history to reveal the extraordinary story of the friendship between Willa Cather and his mother, piano prodigy Yaltah Menuhin (1920-2001), sister of world class violinist Yehudi Menuhin. Against the tumultuous backdrop of America and Europe in the early and mid-20th century, Rolfe presents the engrossing chronicle of his mother's struggle as a budding musician, her tragic relationship with her own parents, and the solace she found when Cather became her mentor - a mutually inspiring friendship which would endure for decades and would see Yaltah inspiring some of the most memorable heroines in Cather's novels, most notably Lucy Gayheart. Here is a personal yet universal book which not only provides illuminating new insight into two important women artists, but also raises many provocative questions about the effects of societal and familial constraint on the lives of brilliant women.
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