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Quote by Karen Hesse

“When I point my fingers at the keys, the music springs straight out of me. Right hand playing notes sharp as tongues, telling stories while the smooth buttery rhythms back me up on the left.”

Quote by Karen Hesse

Book:Out of the Dust
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Work

Out of the Dust

This novel depicts the struggles and hardships faced by a young girl and her family during the severe drought and dust storms of the 1930s in the American Midwest. The story follows the girl's journey as she navigates the challenges of her environment and the loss of her family, highlighting themes of survival, resilience, and the human spirit. more

Author

Karen Hesse
Karen Hesse

Karen Hesse, born on August 29, 1952, is a renowned American author. Her works are known for their profound character development and rich imagination, particularly in depicting the psychological changes in the process of youth growth. Hesse's books have won numerous literary awards, including the Newbery Medal for Children's Literature. more

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“Does the prince play?" asked the lute player. "Hamish is a wee beast with all stringed things," Fergus said. "Pity those wolves didn't have strings." Immediately, the woman passed the lute to Hamish. He didn't move his arms in time to take it, so she simply plopped it down in his lap. "I'll trade you a tune for your dish of pears." Hamish sat there, a frozen little creature with big eyes. Pinned to the bench by fear and by the lute. How badly Merida wanted him to be able to play fearlessly for this group. Not for their benefit, but for his. How was it that his sense of fun had been replaced by a sense of fear? She whispered to him, "You could play 'Crosses and Squares.'" Still he was frozen. Maldouen said, "Don't you think you owe Ol' Flower a tune for saving your life?" Maldouen was being playful, but he had, without realizing, hit upon the only way Hamish perform: obligation. Hamish let fear rule him, but not at the expense of other people. Hamish whispered, "All right," and then added, to the dog, "Ma'am," which made the entire table laugh uproariously. Hamish began to play. The villagers began to clap in time with him. Hamish played faster. They clapped faster. Hamish played little riffs and twirls, and the villagers got up and danced along with the well-known tune. With the lute in his hand and the tune ringing out strongly, it was almost possible to believe Hamish wasn't afraid, but Merida knew better. This was how it always went. When Hamish played for other people, he always looked like a different person. Straighter, surer. More like Hubert or Harris. This was part of a good show, after all, and he felt obligated to give Ol' Flower a good show.”

Playing MusicLittle BrotherObligatedLuteHamish
Book:Bravely
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