Enchanting! Fascinating! Only for the curious! Music lovers around the world will enjoy this story of the life of an Italian violin.

"Made In Italy-Strings Attached" is the story of travel, love for a priceless Ceruti violin, and history. Thomas Kelley has done a wonderful job in bringing together these three elements seamlessly. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the history of Cremonese makers and their violins, Kelley has done well to provide his readers with the necessary historical context to understand why "an old Italian violin" matters so much. I only wish the story was a little longer. I found myself wanting to delve into a deeper detail of each of the characters involved, such as Mr. Phillips. If you enjoy music, travelogues, and memoirs. This book is for you. 4/5 Stars.

Thank you to Netgalley and Old Stone Books for providing me with an advance review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

MADE IN ITALY—Strings Attached: Four Seasons of An Italian Violin by Thomas Walter Kelley is a captivating memoir that blends history, travel, and music into an extraordinary tale of discovery and passion. The book chronicles the journey of Tom and Cheri Lyon Kelley as they delve into the mysterious origins of a fine, old Italian violin that unexpectedly entered their lives in 1980.

The narrative begins with the couple’s initial encounter with the violin, which sparks a curiosity that leads them on an adventure spanning continents and centuries. Their quest to uncover the violin's origins takes them through the picturesque landscapes of Italy, where they explore the rich history of violin-making in Cremona, a town renowned for producing some of the world's most exquisite string instruments.

Kelley’s writing is both informative and personal, offering readers a glimpse into the world of violin craftsmanship, as well as the couple's own lives and the deepening of their relationship through this shared pursuit. The story is filled with intriguing encounters, from interactions with expert luthiers to navigating the darker side of the violin world, including fakes, frauds, and thefts. These elements add a layer of suspense and excitement to the narrative, making it more than just a simple historical exploration.

One of the book’s strengths is its ability to transport readers to the beautiful and culturally rich settings of Italy. The descriptions of villas, landscapes, and the Italian lifestyle are vivid and evocative, creating a strong sense of place that enhances the overall reading experience. Kelley's passion for music and history is evident throughout the book, and his detailed research is seamlessly woven into the narrative, making it both educational and entertaining.

The violin itself becomes a character in the story, with its history and journey across time serving as a metaphor for the resilience and beauty of art. Kelley skillfully intertwines the story of the violin with the story of his own marriage, creating a narrative that is both poignant and inspiring. The couple’s dedication to preserving the violin’s history and their deepening bond through this journey add an emotional depth to the book that will resonate with readers.

MADE IN ITALY—Strings Attached is more than just a book about a violin; it’s a celebration of art, history, and the human connections that bind us to our past. It’s a must-read for music lovers, history enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates a well-told story that combines elements of mystery, travel, and personal reflection. Thomas Walter Kelley has crafted a memorable and engaging narrative that will stay with readers long after the final page is turned.

Whether you’re a seasoned musician or someone simply intrigued by the stories behind the instruments, this book offers a unique perspective on the life and legacy of a violin that has transcended time and borders.

Thanks Netgalley and Old Stone Press for this arc.

The reality of this book turned out to be a little less exciting than what the blurb promised. It is an enthusiastic love letter to the violins of the Golden Age of Cremora in general and specifically to the (Giovanni Battista) Ceruti violin which his wife plays and which they (gulp) decided to buy roughly ten years ago.

"You never truly own one of these great violins. You simply pass through its life."


Kelley gives a well rounded history of the master luthiers of Cremona, tells how certain violins can become the "voice" of the violinist, authentication is key, reappraisal every two-three years must be done to be sure insurance matches the price, and that these two-three hundred year old instruments must be played often in order to keep them in tip top condition.


There is also a fair amount of space devoted to Kelley and his wife as well. Some of it is relevant to the violin and a lot of it is, well, okay but not what I was looking to read. C+

This is an enthusiastically written account of the author's experience with the violin. Not one specific violin, but the violin as an object and a force in his personal world. It is obvious on every page that he is not a professional writer and that this book is a product of passion. His enthusiasm jumps from the page as he describes the special connection of player and violin, the famous Italian violin makers of old, or the Venice of Vivaldi. Most endearingly, it always does so when he writes of his wife and her violin playing:

"With the energy and enthusiasm that is in my wife's soul, she eagerly auditioned for Mr. Tipps. The outcome--well, it couldn't have gone better[...]Triumph!"

A charming, personal book about people and their connection to the violin.

If you like violins, or you like Italy, you will enjoy this charming slender book. I suppose one could question whether there is enough story here to make a book, and if violins are your primary attraction here then you might find yourself not caring very much about the friends the Kelleys make in Italy as they look for information about their precious violin.
There is a very clear and brief summary of the rise of the great Italian violin makers, and some interesting insight into the authentication and appraisal of old violins. It reminded me of the time I took my violin to a local repair expert and he looked it over, took a fat book off the shelf, and showed me who he thought made it. And the complexity of the bond between player and instrument was nicely conveyed.
The book won't take much of your time and will be a pleasant read.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read an advance copy of this book.

An enchanting story of a couple's trip to Italy to learn the history of a beautiful violin that comes into their life. Compelling!