I love historical fiction, especially when it is based on strong women, so I was really looking forward to reading Good Things I Wish You by A. Manette Ansay. This is the story of Clara Schumann, wife of composer Robert Schumann, and her relationship with Johannes Brahms. Clara was a much more accomplished pianist than her husband and toured all over the world playing concerts in the 1850’s, while raising eight children. However, after reading the book, I don’t feel like I know much more about her than I did before I read it.

It is written in an interesting style, weaving a modern day romance in with that of the past relationship between Clara and Johannes. I liked the inclusion of photographs as well as actual correspondence between Clara, her husband and Brahms. This brought authenticity to the story, yet somehow it was still lacking depth. Nevertheless, it is a quick and interesting read.