Review of The Cello Maker

[Alida Spies]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Cello Maker" by David P Andersen.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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“The Cello Maker,” written by David P. Andersen, contains sixteen short stories spanning many topics and several years. Some are so believable I thought I was reading accounts of actual events. Although each story is unique, themes about the consequences of human interaction and superb craftsmanship are common to all. I loved the way the author adjusted his imagery to the topic he was writing about. An example is how he used the phrase, “he sighed a small arpeggio of resignation,” in the story about the cello maker. Each story conveys a message about life and how our actions impact others. I enjoyed the reactions to kindness. The stories also provide information on topics not widely known, e.g., computer languages. I enjoyed reading how a simple task was turned into a form of art as the worker put his heart and soul into it.
 
Two of the stories have supernatural themes. Some are about love; others are about airplanes, whether radio-controlled or real. Some stories play out just after World War II, while others are set in recent times when computers are already in use. The author combined a fascinating selection of stories into one book. The selection included stories previously published in other media.
 
I liked all the stories, but "The Ugliest Dog in Kilkee" was my favorite. It tells a story of great empathy, not only for other human beings but also for animals. “Sinusoidal motion” conveyed important messages about revenge and how our lives can influence our children and grandchildren. The author used an offensive term for Jewish people in “Echos down Colorado Street."  The specific term was generally used at the time. David also mentions racially based job reservations in the story. Readers should not see these as derogatory.
 
The story I liked the least was “The Invention of Voice Mail" because it contained considerable technical information. People with no or low knowledge of computers may find it difficult to understand. I did not like the author using abbreviations without specifying what they stand for, e.g., FAA and MSP. People not familiar with the USA may not know what the abbreviations mean.
 
I discovered two minor errors, and the book was professionally edited.
 
I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. The aspects I disliked did not impact my enjoyment of the book, and I do not want to remove a star. I recommend this book to everyone who enjoys reading a good story. The variety of topics, beautiful descriptions, flowing writing style, and life lessons make the book a pleasure to read.

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The Cello Maker
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[Julius Peters]

"The Cello Maker" by David P. Andersen is a captivating collection of short stories that beautifully explores human interaction and craftsmanship. Each tale is a masterpiece, offering profound life lessons and vivid imagery that linger long after reading.

Andersen's ability to blend diverse themes, from supernatural elements to post-WWII settings, makes "The Cello Maker" an engaging and thought-provoking read. His attention to detail and character development shine throughout the collection.

[Nwachukwu Somto]

Your insights into the variety and depth of the stories are really helpful. I appreciate how you highlighted the different themes and the author's use of imagery.

[Rebecca De Figueiredo]

This book is a compendium of shortish stories, spanning a wide range of scenarios and topics. I felt immediately drawn in on opening the book, with its proper, non-obtuse easy to read prose. The reviewer has done a good job of explaining all, thank you.

[Magdalyne chebet]

"The Cello Maker" by David P. Andersen is a collection of 16 diverse short stories exploring themes like human connection, empathy, craftsmanship, and life’s impact on others, blending vivid imagery, historical settings, and thought-provoking messages about life and relationships. Congrats BOTD!

[Amarachi Stephanie Ejike]

A fascinating collection of sixteen short stories spanning several themes, “The Cello Maker,” written by David P. Andersen, conveys salient lessons about life and how our actions impact others.
The book is a pleasurable read you don't want to miss.

[tarafarah7]

Sharing themes about life and the impact our actions and behaviors have on others, today's BOTD is a collection of 16 stories that readers will find inspiring and engaging. I love that the stories cover different topics and time periods. It sounds like there's something here for all to enjoy. Thank you so much! I've added this to my "Want To Read" list!

[Michael Ocheje]

A captivating collection of 16 short stories, 'The Cello Maker' by David P. Andersen, explores human interaction, craftsmanship, and life's lessons, showcasing the author's vivid imagery and engaging storytelling.

[Rupali Mishra]

Congrats on BOTD!
David P. Andersen's "The Cello Maker" is a collection of sixteen varied short stories that explore interpersonal relations, empathy, manufacturing, and the impact of life on others. It combines historical locations, striking imagery, and thought-provoking lessons about life and interpersonal interactions.

[Love Ukaegbu]

I like how unique the author made the book "The Cello Maker" by David P. Andersen and also created 16 stories and even included a computer language. It is certainly worth the read. Congratulations on the book of the day.

[Sanju Lali]

A set of sixteen short stories spanning various aspects of our life can be found in the book "The Cello Maker" by David P Andersen. Each story is unique, themes about the consequences of human interaction and superb craftsmanship.

[Sushan Ekanayake]

David P. Andersen’s "The Cello Maker" is a masterful collection of 16 short stories exploring human connection, craftsmanship, and life’s impact. From WWII tales to modern musings, each story offers something unique. Perfect for fans of vivid imagery and thoughtful narratives. Congratulations on being BOTD!

[Leen282]

Short stories are perfect for reading on public transport or while waiting for an appointment. Kindness, empathy, human interaction - beautiful topics to include in a book. I enjoyed the example given by the reviewer about the use of language, the reference to arpeggio in the story about the cello maker.

[Ajiferuke Ajibola]

"The Cello Maker" by David P Andersen is a collection of unique stories with themes about the consequences of human interaction, superb craftsmanship, and empathy. I am compelled by the review to check it out. Congrats to the author on BOTD.

[kashala]

I wonder how lovely the stories could be reading such a book with a compilation of short stories. My imagination is drawn to the authors by the review.