The Maestro

Author: Tim Wynne Jones
Other books by Author: Some of the Kinder Planets, The Book of Changes


General Summary and Plot
Burl Crow has lived a rough life for a 14 year old. His sister died six years before the opening of the book, changing his parents forever. His father spends his paycheck on alcohol and has an abusive anger. His mother is usually stoned on Valium. Burl runs away swearing he will never return home. He finds a pyramid shaped cabin far into the woods and meets a musical genius, N.O.M. writing his last and final musical work. He is a quirky fellow who is gravely ill. He may have schizophrenia or he could be just a nut job. After one night with N.O.M. the man goes back home though Burl begs him to stay. Burl is allowed to stay in the cabin. N.O.M. has food airlifted to him after a month but, after the next month N.O.M. dies from his sicknesses.
Burl tries to keep the cabin even pretending to be the Maestro’s son. His last hope lies in the suitcase of handwritten music left in the cabin, The Revelation, a musical genius’ last written work. The ending is VERY unexpected but- for Burl it is probably for the best.

Positive Elements
Despite the hardships in his life Burl is growing up to be a sensible, compassionate man.
He carries his wounded father through the woods to safety
And others but, I can’t think of them right now

Spiritual Content
There is quite a bit of talk about the book of Revelation because the Maestro’s work is based on the fazes of Revelation. It is a prayer or an oratorio.
One of the only things left in the cabin after N.O.M. leaves is a Bible that Burl reads often.

Negative Elements
Abusive father
A very dreary look at life.
His father is having an affair.
The mother and the Maestro are addicted to prescription drugs.
Hunters make fun of a mentally challenged boy

Profanity
Is “Friggin’” a bad word? if it is then- they used it a bit.
P--- twice
D--- a few times
H--- a few times
Burl’s father calls Burl “a slut just like your mother”

Sexual Content
Father is having an affair with a local waitress

Violence
Burl’s father is abusive and in the end of the book they beat each other up.

Overall Theme
Making the best of what life gives you.

Conclusion
I really enjoyed this book. It was well written – though in a writing style I’ve not seen before. I won’t tell you the conclusion but, it turns out all right.

Suggested age group
High school- some of the subject matter is a bit mature.