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Instrumental

A Memoir of Madness, Medication, and Music

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Instrumental

By: James Rhodes
Narrated by: Mark Meadows
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Summary

James Rhodes' passion for music has been his absolute lifeline. It has been the thread that has held him together through a life that has encompassed pain, conflict and turmoil. Listening to Rachmaninov on a loop as a traumatised teenager or discovering an adagio by Bach while in a hospital ward - such exquisite miracles of musical genius have helped him survive his demons and, along with a chance encounter with a stranger, inspired him to become the renowned concert pianist he is today. This is a memoir like no other: unapologetically candid, boldly outspoken and surprisingly funny - James' prose is shot through with an unexpectedly mordant wit, even at the darkest of moments. An impassioned tribute to the therapeutic powers of music, Instrumental also weaves in fascinating facts about how classical music actually works and about the extraordinary lives of some of the great composers. It explains why and how music has the potential to transform all of our lives.

©2014 James Rhodes (P)2017 Audible, Ltd Mental Health Awareness Celebrity Memoir Funny
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Critic reviews

"The publishing sensation of the year." ( Mail on Sunday)
"Thrilling and harrowing.... Unsurpassed and unsurpassable" ( Sunday Times)
"There is an insight, often startling but always valuable, on almost every page...a tough, riveting read." ( The Times)
All stars
Most relevant
I listened to Fire on all Sides first and immediately went on to this. Both brilliant. My only criticism would be that the reader in 'Fire' was much better than this one, who sounds at times cynical and nasty. But, overall, wonderful.

Fascinating and Honest

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Incredible true story. Very realistic insight in my opinion into a horrific start at school from abuse by a teacher, a place which should provide your opportunities for your future. The book was very harrowing at times but rewarded with a positive ending by the author.

Took a while to get into as so extreme. But worth it

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This is an important book - privilege, power & child rape; cultural contexts for ‘treatment’ & some kind of survival for Rhodes & for others, via music.

I urge others to hear this..

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This harrowing book is a rare insight into a struggling and brilliant mind. Thank you James Rhodes for still being here for us despite everything. Keep on playing and inspiring

Raw, heart-breaking and honest insight

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Great, interesting... Sad, funny... real... Easy to read. Brilliant narrator too. The Spotify playlist is very useful!

F... ing great!

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