Book review: The Magic Strings Of Frankie Presto

SOME people strive for greatness in their lives, others want fame and fortune, while some simply aim to touch lives. Francisco “Frankie” Presto did all three in his life.

The seventh novel from Mitch Albom, the author behind Tuesdays With Morrie, The Five People You Meet In Heaven and For One More Day, follows Presto — a gifted guitarist with the ability to change lives — from the moment he was born in a church during the Spanish War.

Raised by a sardine factory owner and taught to play by a blind music teacher known as El Maestro, Presto is sent to America when he is nine, with his only possession an old guitar and six magical strings, which turn blue whenever he changes the course of someone’s life.

The Magic Strings Of Frankie Presto will make you laugh, cry (possibly several times), and touch you in various ways, and while at times it may appear schmaltzy and unbelievably predictable, this moving story is one to enjoy and savour.

The Magic Strings Of Frankie Presto

Mitch Albom

Sphere, £14.99;

ebook, £7.99