Against the background of the Napoleonic wars, Beethoven's illegitimate son by his Immortal Beloved is brought up in Frankfurt by her husband whilst Beethoven in Vienna adopts his late brother's child. Beethoven writes the Missa Solemnis to awaken his son's spiritual awareness after the four-year old boy is stricken by illness. Reader reactions: 'Powerful & moving.' 'Enjoyable & informative... a touching love story.' 'An extraordinary story, beautifully told.'