Chapters 9–12

Mona’s Related Performance
Part 4: Living at Willesden Lane

In this part of her performance, Mona describes Lisa’s feelings on finding a piano at Willesden Lane. She also describes how Lisa’s playing reminds the Kinder of home, and the way that Grieg's Piano Concerto in A Minor becomes an anthem for them as they struggle to survive together.

Note: In this part of the performance, Mona refers to events from Chapters 8 through 14 of the book.

Questions to Discuss with Students

• As London is bombed, Lisa plays the cadenza from the Grieg Piano Concerto. A "cadenza" is a passage that allows a soloist to shine while the orchestra remains silent. Why do you think Lisa chose to play this particular cadenza in the middle of a bombing raid?
• What musical styles or songs most remind you of your home, your family, or your country of birth? Have these ever helped or comforted you? How?

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