Overview

Twin brothers, separated at birth One raised Christian, one raised Jewish Reunited through the power of music Identical twins Ari and Archer grow up worlds apart in the Texas Panhandle, each unaware of the other's existence. Ari is raised by a wealthy Jewish family in the oil business, while Archer is loved by a hardscrabble Christian ranching family. Yet both boys shared an inexplicable gift-music flows through their veins, inherited from their birth mother who is a renowned pianist. The boys are prodigies who master instruments with ease, hearing melodies in the ordinary world around them: cattle mooing, coyotes howling, wind breathing through canyon stone, the rhythm of city traffic and sirens. Each boy follows his musical calling. After a sports injury cripples his left hand, Archer channels his passion into composition, earning his way to Juilliard. Ari, meanwhile, becomes a promising young conductor, studying at Tel Aviv University, where he learns the art of weaving individual instruments and voices into symphonic unity. Against the turbulent backdrop of the Vietnam War and Israel's struggles in the Middle East, their destinies converge when Ari is commissioned to conduct a people's orchestra celebrating Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin's Sinai Interim Agreement in 1975. Unknowingly, Ari selects a composition by Archer for this momentous event and enlists their birth mother as the starring pianist. A Testament to Wind and Stone is a captivating story that explores the mystical bonds between twins, the bridges and barriers between Jewish and Christian families, and the universal language of music that transcends all differences. It's a heartfelt tale of resilience, faith, and the unbreakable connections that unite us.

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Reviews

An intriguing tale of identical twins, separated at birth, eventually finding each other. Beyond the engaging plot, the true heart of this book lies in love and appreciation-for families, faith, nature and the power of music. Reading A Testament to Wind and Stone is a healing experience, reminding us of the beauty around us in these troubled times. - Betty Sue Flowers, Former Director of the LBJ Presidential Library & Museum, Emerita Professor of English at the University of Texas, Author, and Futurist A lovely and timely rumination on the ties that bind, the tensions that strengthen us and how we are knitted together by faith, decision and destiny. Kudos to Max Sherman on a wonderful journey.-Stacey Abrams, Author and Political Leader Max Sherman has employed his vast and meticulous knowledge of politics, religion, music, and international affairs to create a novel that both captivates and inspires. He creates believable figures from the Texas Panhandle culture and puts them on a world stage to exemplify an ecumenical spirit sadly missing in the world today. It's a heart-warming story of two gifted young men who use their exceptional talents to pursue and fulfill their dreams.-Gregg Ramshaw, Former Producer of PBS NewsHour What a remarkable and original novel. Historically rich and deeply compelling, it tells a story few would ever imagine-and does so in a way that completely captivates the reader. As both a rabbi and a Texan, I found this book profoundly meaningful and one I will cherish for years to come.-Rabbi Brian Strauss, Senior Rabbi at Congregation Beth Yeshurun, Houston A book for musicians and music lovers of all stripes, Max Sherman's novel is a touching statement on the power of music to create and strengthen the bonds between us.-Dr. Adam Kerry Boyles, Director of Orchestras at MIT and Assistant Conductor of the Hartford Symphony Orchestra

Author Information

Max Sherman is Dean Emeritus of the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin. He also served as president of West Texas State A&M University and as a Texas state senator from 1971 to 1977. Texas Monthly named him as one of the state's best legislators every year he was in office.. Max's first book was Barbara Jordan: Speaking the Truth with Eloquent Thunder (2007). He was Barbara Jordan's friend and colleague for twenty-five years, first in the Texas Senate and later at the LBJ School. His second book, Releasing the Butterfly: A Love Affair in Four Acts (2020), is a memoir about his love story with his wife, Gene Alice, and how they found happiness and dealt with Alzheimer's. A Testament to Wind and Stone is his first novel.Sherman has a J.D. degree from the University of Texas and a B.A. in history from Baylor University. He lives in Austin, Texas.

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