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House of Music

Raising the Kanneh-Masons

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House of Music

By: Kadiatu Kanneh-Mason
Narrated by: Kadiatu Kanneh-Mason
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About this listen

Seven brothers and sisters. All of them classically trained musicians. One was Young Musician of the Year and performed for the royal family. The eldest has released her first album, showcasing the works of Clara Schumann. These siblings don’t come from the rarefied environment of elite music schools, but from a state comprehensive in Nottingham. How did they do it?

Their mother, Kadiatu Kanneh-Mason, opens up about what it takes to raise a musical family in a Britain divided by class and race. What comes out is a beautiful and heartrending memoir of the power of determination, camaraderie and a lot of hard work. The Kanneh-Masons are a remarkable family. But what truly sparkles in this eloquent memoir is the joyous affirmation that children are a gift and we must do all we can to nurture them.

©2020 Kadiatu Kanneh-Mason (P)2020 W F Howes Activists Entertainment & Celebrities Politics & Activism

Critic reviews

"An amazing, compelling, moving, unforgettable story." (Lady Antonia Fraser)
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A truly wonderful book! What more can I say! An inspiration to all of us. The record of a life dedicated to the well-being and happiness of her extraordinary and gifted family, while revealing her own joys, as well as emotions,sufferings and heartaches as they grew together through childhood into adult fame and fulfilment.

Full of love and Music.

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I enjoyed listening to this audiobook read by the mother of 7 talented children.
I appreciate how both parents poured not just love but time & all their energy into nurturing all their children's talents, and can feel your pride in watching them fly.
as someone who loves music, I thank you

house of music

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I’ve been hooked on this book and I’m so sad it has come to an end. I’m also one of seven children and can relate to a lot of this, but their extraordinary talent is really astounding. The sacrifices the family took, so that every child had the same opportunities, is incredible.

Incredible family.

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I was enthralled from beginning to end. A very personal insight into the family life of the incredible Kaneh-Mason’s. Written by Professor/mum of the family. Written from a mother’s perspective particularly resonated for me as a mother myself. I thoroughly recommend this book. And well done for raising such amazing children and for so wonderfully representing your own writing talent and story telling ability. And for unashamedly highlighting similar values to my own of kindness, humbleness, generosity and determination. Thankyou.

Beautiful book. Made more special as read by the author

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As a new parent of two, this book was like watching an episode of Bluey...tender, gentle and immensely inspiring. You are left with the desire to be the best parent you can be, everyday.

Inspiring and tender

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Such a deep dive into the life of a truly unique family. Their highs, their lows and a testimony to the level of dedication needed to nurture the natural gifts they all seem to be born with. Brilliant insight.

A revelation

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I loved every word.i wish my parents had allowed me to pursue my greatest love of music.

A mother and fathers love and devotion.

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I hardly finish a book on the day I purchased it however, like the brilliance of her children, This book was awe encompassing, riveting, and very much a wonderful read. This is inspiring. thank you.

Awesomeness

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What strength of character this lady has. An amazing story of family life. Would recommend anyone to read the book.

AMAZING WOMAN

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I'm such a huge fan of Isata that I wanted to know more about her talent, grace and dedication. This book doesn't disappoint. Kadiatu Kanneh-Mason is as extraordinary as you would imagine the mother of a whole house full of dedicated geniuses must be. She is very honest about every shortcoming she feels she has - but in that you can see only the great expectations she puts on herself. She has a fascinating and wonderful heritage that she celebrates by passing the very best of to her children. If you are raising mixed heritage children this is the book for you - she reflects on the heartbreaking challenges of racism but also the warm and loving communities her and her husband grew up in! It is beautifully read by Kadiatu Kanneh-Mason herself which is often a terrible idea, but Kadiatu is an English literature professor blessed with the most beautiful speaking voice (perhaps another magical element in raising a musical family). I smiled when I read that Isata is known as "Clara Schumann" to her sister's and brothers - that is exactly who I think of her as too.

Inspiring, literary memoir of a remarkable modern family

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