Millicent Hurley

Millicent Hurley, a twelve-year-old from Kansas, moves with her family to Vienna in 1912. Struggling with homesickness and the difficulty of adapting to a new language and culture, she initially feels isolated and frustrated, especially as her brother adjusts more easily. In high school, she discovers the newspapers club, where she gradually becomes more confident and passionate about journalism. At sixteen, Millicent meets Rahayu Maharani, a foreign journalist who inspires her further, leading her to an internship at the newspaper Stakkato. Over the years, she hones her skills, reporting on local events and cultivating a love for journalism. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she witnesses a haunting and supernatural performance by a white-haired cellist at a music academy. As the audience succumbs to the malevolent music, Millicent’s resilience allows her to act—she intervenes to save a struggling musician, Herr Czerny, and tries to escape the hall while the eerie melody continues to ensnare others. Her courage and quick thinking highlight her growth from a timid girl into a decisive, brave young woman.