The Hollywood Book Reviews commends “The Hawk of Yonezawa: Historical Fiction with J.S. Bach” by Donald D. Joye

The Hollywood Book Reviews’ Jack Chambers commended and described Donald D. Joye’s book, “The Hawk of Yonezawa: Historical Fiction with J.S. Bach,” saying that it is “the perfect read for those who enjoy historical fiction and fantasy novels, especially those that are more of a novella than anything else and feature historical figures and music appreciation as well.”
This masterpiece was among the books displayed by Author Reputation Press during the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books 2023 at the University of Southern California on April 22–23, 2023.
The author, Donald D. Joye, is a professor at Villanova University. He has been enthusiastically involved in classical music since he was thirteen years old. After growing up on Long Island, New York, and attending college in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, he settled in Philadelphia, where he and his wife Claudia raised their three boys.
This book he wrote is dedicated to two significant people in his life: his oldest son and his friend, Dr. Douglas D. Feaver.
“The Hawk of Yonezawa: Historical Fiction with J.S. Bach” by Donald D. Joye is an exciting read tailored to suit all ages with a uniquely chosen diction and characters that are easy to love. It will be an excellent movie if it is adapted into a screenplay.
The book is a reminder that there need not be violence in every aspect of life, as it also glorifies God and puts a spotlight on religion, one of the many reasons why Bach chose to help Hana-ko and Hanzu fix the organ at their church. This will be an entertaining movie to watch, as not many screenplays have depicted Bach’s story, much less in such a light as the author has done.
In this story, the author explores the impact of music through a historical fantasy journey with legendary musician Johann Bach. The famed musician finds himself transported to Japan, having missed a rare performance from a musician he loved, George Frederic Handel.
Upon his return trip, however, he finds himself meeting a 12-year-old boy and his mother. They ask him to help restore their church’s organ, but he graciously refuses. Soon, however, another delay in his return home allows him the time to help the boy in a dream repair the organ, falling into a series of adventures along the way.
Here’s an excerpt from the review written by Hollywood Book Reviews’ Jack Chambers that highlights:
“The author did a wonderful job of really delving into the mindset and viewpoints of famed composer and musician J.S. Bach. The relationship the character had to both music and his faith was so incredible to see come to life through the pages, even looking upon the works of thegreat Martin Luther who compared a life in theology to a life in music. The clash of cultures between Germany and Japan in the 18th century was amazing to read about as well, and the bond that he developed with the boy and his mother was nothing short of emotional and compelling.
This is the perfect read for those who enjoy historical fiction and fantasy novels, especially those that are more of a novella than anything else and feature historical figures and music appreciation as well. The heart and passion for which these characters stem from, and the character growth each of them is a part of was amazing to read. The detail and the imagery in the author’s writing brought both countries to life beautifully, and to read the themes of family, friendship, and culture appreciation all play out in this moving yet short and powerful novella was a true and genuine pleasure to read.
Moving, engaging, and heartfelt, author Donald D. Joye’s The Hawk of Yonezawa: Historical Fiction with J.S. Bach is a must-read historical fantasy novella. The twists and turns in the journey Bach takes and the evolution of his character, as well as the emotional finale that sees a teary exchange between Bach and a pivotal character, make this entire journey worthwhile. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today! “