Bel Canto (2001) by Ann Patchett An opera singer becomes a hostage when terrorists take over a concert venue. “Unhurriedly, even languorously, Patchett brings readers into the minds of the characters.” – Booklist “If I had to use one word, it would be “poignant”. Since luckily enough, I can use more than one word, it …continue…
An Equal Music (1999) by Vikram Seth A string quartet member has his life turned upside down when he thinks he sees a long-lost love on a London bus. “Seth depicts, with Canaletto-like skill, the shimmering air and light of Venice at dawn, even as he neatly reproduces the loving tensions of the Maggiore [Quartet].” …continue…
Canone Inverso (1998) by Paolo Maurensig A mysterious violin offered at auction causes strife for two friends in post-war Vienna. “Maurensig has created a masterpiece of mysterious tragedy and lingering shadows, a compelling story with a shocking and enlightening ending.” – Booklist “Paolo Maurensig delivers a powerful metaphysical thriller, culminating in a devastating finale.” – …continue…
The Memorist (2008) by M. J. Rose The search for a magical artifact once treasured by Beethoven leads to danger and murder for the seekers. “A triumph! A breathtaking, smart and inventive novel that dazzles while it thrills. Part passionate romance, part rousing adventure, The Reincarnationist is one of the year’s best reads.” – Chicago …continue…
The Sandy Bottom Orchestra (1996) by Garrison Keillor and Jenny Nilsson A young adult novel about a Wisconsin town’s desire to have an orchestra perform at their dairy festival. “Filled with wry, affectionate descriptions of mid-nineties lifestyles, this will amuse those who enjoy Keillor’s whimsical observations of personal quirks and contemporary attitudes.” – Booklist “The …continue…
The Spanish Bow (2007) by Andromeda Romano-Lax A cello prodigy’s great adventures and political intrigue as he travels around the world. “Romano-Lax makes an impressive and richly atmospheric debut.” – New York Times Book Review “From the hypocrisies of the courts of Madrid to the terror of Nazi-occupied Paris, Romano-Lax weaves the upheavals of the …continue…
As It Is in Heaven (1999) by Niall Williams A love story about a beautiful violinist whose music brings healing to a grief stricken widower. “Rolls with courage and clarity towards a breathtaking affirmation of magic, miracles, and the power of human love. Read it, and believe in angels.” – The Times (London) “Page after …continue…
The Song of Names (2004) by Norman Lebrecht A young man searches for his violinist friend who disappeared in the 1950s. “Lebrecht’s deep knowledge of music, his insights and his verbal inventiveness enliven the book.” – Publishers Weekly “Lebrecht offers a first-rate glimpse into the business of classical music, as well as provoking the reader …continue…
Psalm at Journey’s End (1996) by Erik Hansen The story of a string quartet’s fateful voyage on the Titanic. “He writes with fierce energy, creating emotional landscapes that may make one think of the evocative scenes and brilliant colors of Turner paintings. In all, it’s a brilliant piece of storytelling.” – Publishers Weekly “Hansen’s melancholy …continue…
Funeral Music (1998) by Morag Joss A murder mystery where cellist turned amateur sleuth Sara Selkirk is on the case; first book in the Sara Selkirk series. “As well plotted as Ruth Rendell and with all the psychological complexity you find in the great P. D. James…Beautifully written, it manages to be witty and touching …continue…