Reviews of GRISHA: The story of Russian-American cellist Gregor Piatigorsky
by Margaret Bartley

Joram Piatigorsky, Gregor Piatigorsky’s son, writes of GRISHA:

Margaret has done a wonderful job of researching my father’s life, from the frightening hardships of the Russian pogroms, his escape from the Bolshevik Revolution and the insanity of Hitler and World War II. She tells of his struggles as a talented young cellist and his success as a great artist. She captures my father’s remarkable life in extraordinary times, his vulnerabilities and his strength as a survivor.

When I was a boy, I heard my father’s own account of these events, and I can state with first-hand knowledge that she has recreated the highlights of his life in her own words with feeling and sensitivity. I can hear my father’s voice and see my father gesticulating as she recounts his adventures. This book has its own music. I regret that my father is not alive to read it himself, but I’m certain that he would approve.”

As Reviewed In: STRINGENDO, Australian Strings Association, April 2006
“The author, a historian and amateur cellist, has drawn on personal reminiscences, autobiographies, and state archives for this overview of the first half of Piatigorsky’s life.  However, instead of a dull recitation of facts and figures, she has chosen to present it in the form of a dramatic narrative….this book is a ripping good yarn.”

As Reviewed In: Polish Music Center Newsletter, University of Southern California, January, 2006
Reviewed by Gary Fitelberg
“Author Margaret Bartley is quite amazing in her story-telling ability and her portrayal recreates a glorious, romantic and unforgettable part of history. Her account of all the events is so remarkable and is done entirely in a dramatic narrative style so real that you could imagine you were there yourself.

...GRISHA is an absolute must read for any serious study of human nature, history and music.”

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As Reviewed In: Times Argus, Montpelier, Vermont: October 14, 2005
Reviewed by David Kaslow
“Bartley’s “GRISHA,” a biography of eminent Russian cellist Gregor Piatigorsky demonstrates understated writing at its most effective....”

As Reviewed In: ASTA, August 2005
Reviewed by Terry King, cello faculty; Hartt School and Longey School of Music
“This book gives the reader a powerful feeling for the times and Piatigorsky's experiences. One comes away with the sense of witnessing history as well as knowing him on a personal level.”

As Reviewed In: American Record Guide, August 2005
“If there was ever a book to make one feel appreciative of life in the United States, this is it.  …Bartley’s picture of existence in Tsarist Russia and the forces that made the Communist Revolution what it was as seen though the eyes of a boy born in 1903, is terrifying…..  Her picture of temperamental conductor Wilhelm Mengelberg is memorable.” 

As Reviewed In: The Wholenote's Bookshelf, July 2005
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As Reviewed In: Lake Champlain Weekly, June 29, 2005
Reviewed by Lisa Schinofen
“An incredible story....This stranger-than-fiction tale of cellist Gregor Piatigorsky is related by Margaret Bartley in a new biography titled GRISHA after Piatigorsky’s nickname. News headlines start each chapter to anchor the account in history. It’s a strategy that makes for an engaging, compelling story. ”

As Reviewed In: Music & Vision's Ask Alice: May 2005
I have never met Piatigorsky, nor was I fortunate enough to hear him play, but, after reading this book, I feel as though I had. The dialogue may be imperfect, but the resonance of the man is impeccable. Margaret Bartley has made Piatigorsky come vivdly and triumphantly alive. Against all odds: Piatigorsky lives!!!!
Alice McVeigh, homepage of Music & Vison website, Kent, UK

As Reviewed In: Adirondack Life, December 2004
The early life of cellist Gregor Piatigorsky  (1903–1976) is the focus of GRISHA, Margaret  Bartley’s book based on the musician’s  autobiography and letters and interviews with his family and  students. This is the tale of his struggle against an oppressive father and an inhospitable country.

Reader Reviews:

History set to music: Absolutely gripping from first page to last. I set aside a mystery by one of my favorite authors to finish this book! Bartley’s description of the pogroms in Tsarist Russia brought me to tears, as did the difficulties faced by young Grisha as he struggled to rejoin his family and become a cellist. His letters home often end the short chapters, and are more poignant after he finds success in America. Musicians will enjoy the portrayal of greats including conductor Wilhelm Furtwangler and pianist Vladimir Horowitz. Bartley brings twentieth-century European history alive through her descriptions of food (and young Grisha’s constant hunger), anti-Semitism and even clothing, as Grisha’s problems getting a job are compounded by the fact that he never seems to have a clean suit. The people, sounds, smells, and physicality of Europe in turbulent times make a fascinating backdrop for Piatigorsky’s rise to fame. This book would make a great movie. Such a vivid tale deserves a wider audience – and I would certainly buy the soundtrack! Highly recommended.
G. Long, Portland, Oregon 

GRISHA is a beautifully written and inspiring story about the struggle of a poor Jewish child in Tsarist Russia.  His will and talent compel him to survive incredible poverty and misfortune.  Our book club selected this book to read.  None of us are musicians or historians, but all loved the book.  The author, Ms. Bartley, called in to our book club and spoke to us on speaker phone.  She was great, both informative and entertaining!  I highly recommend this book.
Patricia Engler, Linton Springs Book Club, Maryland

GRISHA: The Story of Cellist Gregor Piatigorsky is a book unlike other biographies; well researched, accurate and spellbinding, passionate, compelling. “Leave yourself time for this book,” said one of my friends, “because once you start it, you won’t want to put it down.”
Norma Wanegar, Cellist, Venice Florida Symphony

This book was a rare find. I found myself ignoring my daily routine and reading on – I was hooked!
Claudia Wolfgang, Vermont Cello Choir, Burlington, Vermont

GRISHA is a marvelous and wonderfully written biography! You have a very fluid style of writing that makes it so easy to read that the pages just seem to glide past. Congratulations on your literary accomplishment!
Paul Kahn

There is something about Piatigorsky’s story that resonates with an ideal humanity in many people: strong desire to succeed and be the best (even if we don’t succeed); he communicated personally to millions through the quality of his music and his personality which resulted in an upliftment and inspiration.
Edward Sackstein, Geneva, Switzerland

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