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Mary Sharratt's novelization of Alma Mahler is as rich as many of the characters therein. Alma longs to follow her passion for music but the times and attitudes of most of those around her hold her back. Marrying Gustav Mahler, a leading composer and conductor of the day, complicates her life in dozens of ways, as well. The lavish setting of Vienna with its well-heeled, colorful characters~albeit with myriad flaws in both people and mores of the era~plays out a bit like a film, replete with characters~and music~ we know, like Alma, her husband, and even an early suitor of hers, the artist Gustave Klimt. One can only hope for Alma as she tries to follow her bliss~and cheer for her with each little victory.