The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto cover art

The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto

 Preview
LIMITED TIME OFFER

3 Months Free + £10 Audible voucher

£5.99/mo after 3 months. Cancel monthly.
Get this deal
Offer ends on 5 July 2026 at 11:59 BST.
More purchase options

The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto

By: Mitch Albom
Narrated by: George Guidall, Ingrid Michaelson, John Pizzarelli, Mike Hodge, Mitch Albom, Paul Stanley, Roger McGuinn
Get this deal

£5.99/mo after 3 months. Offer ends on 5 July 2026 at 11:59 BST. Cancel monthly.

Buy Now for £14.35

Buy Now for £14.35

At nine years old, Frankie Presto is sent to America in the bottom of a boat. His only possession is an old guitar and six precious strings.

But Frankie's talent is unique, and his amazing journey weaves him through the musical landscape of the twentieth century, from classical to jazz to rock and roll, with his stunning talent affecting numerous stars along the way, including Hank Williams, Elvis Presley, Carole King and even KISS.

Frankie becomes a pop star himself. He makes records. He is adored. But his gift is also his burden, as he realises, through his music, he can actually affect people's futures -- with one string turning blue whenever a life is altered.

At the height of his popularity, Frankie Presto vanishes. His legend grows. Only decades later does he reappear, to change one last life . . .©2015 ASOP, Inc. Family Life Fiction Genre Fiction Metaphysical & Visionary Guitar
adbl_web_anon_alc_button_suppression_t1

Critic reviews

Mitch Albom sees the magical in the ordinary (Cecilia Ahern)
Powerful . . . Albom has touched the lives of a lot of people he never even knew
Compelling and uplifting
A writer with soul
Albom breaks hearts with his stories
All stars
Most relevant
Absolutely loved this book. The twists and turns of Frankie Presto's life are beautifully presented from a variety of narrative perspectives. I would definitely recommend this.

Magical strings, magical story

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
A well narrated story which links time and people in a unique way. There is a real journey through music and musicians. It's a lovely story with highs and lows. Very well narrated. a pleasant story, which makes you search your own soul. Unique and easy listening.

Intriguing linked up story.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
This story is so unusual as you would expect from Mitch highly recommended to anyone who enjoys guessing till the end x

Amazing

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
This was such a different take on a story as the narrator was music itself, explaining how babies first grab it out the air if that is to be their major character trait. From then on we travel back and forth through time as Frankie goes from Spain to America using his talent to play with various musical idols.

Lovely wee story, I think you'll enjoy it.

Magical Music

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
If ever an audiobok was made just for me this is the one. It has elements of fantasy, a love for music in general and guitar-music in particular just streams out of it.
The story of a young penniless Spanish kid who is brought up during the Spanish Civil War and is taught guitar (in all styles) by a blind master. The boy then travels to the USA, becomes a master musician himself and contrives to get involved with Duke Ellington, Elvis, The Beatles and countless other musical icons. Beautifully written & lovingly narrated by an ensemble of readers, some of whom are real life musicians (Jim McGuin of the Byrds etc) who feature in the story itself.
A moving story that absolutely hits the sweet-spot dead-centre for me (a 59 year-old still struggling to play very basic guitar but persevering none-the-less).
A bonus is that there is a soundtrack album out too, or just access the Spotify playlist via the author's website - you can hear many of the tunes that feature in the story, including some stunningly lovely Spanish guitar.
I tend to be enthusiastic about the books I review - this one is extra special and heartily recommended.

Magic indeed; totally enchanting.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
See more reviews