Wing toward the stars

the long version

Niccolo Paganini, violinist/composer in 1830's royalist Italy, attributed musical success to his own genius. He cuts a dashing figure as he bedazzles audiences, yet callously connects with individuals in his private life. At death he is hurled through space and time to a bleak West Virginia Depression-era coal mining community. In this Dante-esque purgatory, he moves from the grim world of the mines, out onto the various levels of an alien world, encountering a kaleidoscope of people, including sinners and saints, and a culture of fiddle music. In this new environment, he helps a young fiddler perfect his skill. In doing so, he makes amends for his own past shortcomings --and discovers the well-spring of music. --page 4 of cover.