Symphony for the City of the Dead: Dmitri Shostakovich and the Siege of Leningrad
by M. T. Anderson
This book captures the journey of a composer writing a symphony amidst the siege of Leningrad. Anderson tells a powerful story, through the eyes of a musician, of Russian resilience and the ability to withstand hardship. The book is a tribute to the importance of music to the human psyche and how it can serve as a conduit of strength, courage, and hope in very challenging times. In a time where so many have been suffering, it is an impactful reminder to lean into the things that keep us mentally strong.