THE QUILICOS, LOUIS, GINO AND UNA: AN OPERATIC FAMILY Ruby Mercer Oakville (Ont.), Mosaic Press, 1991. 205pp, paper, ISBN 0-88962-452-6 (paper) $16.95, ISBN 0-88962-153-4 (cloth) $26.95. CIP Grades 10 and up/Ages 15 and up Reviewed by Gary Robertson. Volume 19 Number 5 1991 October Fans of opera and music students generally will appreciate this book on the Quilico family with its main focus on Louis and his rise to the top as an operatic baritone. Too few Canadians attain international star status on the musical stage. Fewer still have such a glowing tribute paid to them. The author, Ruby Mercer, who is the grand lady of Canadian opera, lovingly follows each of the Quilicos through both their formative development and their professional careers. As one reads the book, one begins to understand the love, devotion and strength of purpose Lina passed on to her husband and son. She became the catalyst and inspiration that made Louis' career possible. Music students will also appreciate the struggle and determination needed to reach the top in the music profession. This book is written in a loose, informal manner, which makes it easy reading. It is filled with recollections, conversations and personal memories. One would have to know opera well to understand or appreciate all the refer­ences to specific operas, personalities and venues. The inclusion of more dates would have helped the continuity of the book a little more, but it is an enjoyable read. It is well bound and has over three dozen black-and-white photographs, which visually illustrate many of the highlights of this truly remarkable family. Gary Robertson, Thorn Collegiate, Regina, Sask.