Synopses & Reviews
As a child, Renne showed promise of becoming one of the world's greatest cellists. Now, years later, his life suddenly is altered by two events: he becomes a juror in a murder trial for the brutal killing of a Buddhist monk, and he takes on as a pupil a Korean boy whose brilliant musicianship reminds him of his own past.
Review
"Eloquent [and] extraordinary....This wise and gently humorous novel works with unassuming power." Chicago Tribune
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"Most impressive...an engaging, freshly observed and utterly convincing portrait of a young man in transition." Wall Street Journal
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"Salzman just gets better and better....[T]his book is a jewel....Salzman's intonation is flawless, his themes infinitely ponderable, his symmetry and resolution captivating and uplifting." Donna Seaman, Booklist
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"[Q]uirky and enjoyable..." Publishers Weekly
Review
"[H]aunting....Salzman's handling of his weighty theme the passing of torches as the ennobling essence of civilization is unfailingly light and delicate: this is lovely, offbeat movie material." Kirkus Reviews
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"The mesmerizing first-person narration reveals Renne's self-tortured character, keen intelligence, and troubled heart....A spiritual journey not to be missed." Library Journal
Synopsis
From the bestselling author of Iron & Silk comes a new novel about two musical prodigies, a murder trial, and a romance. A former musical genius tries to regain his high standards when he meets a woman and a talented six-year-old cellist.
About the Author
Mark Salzman is the author of Iron & Silk, an account of his two years in China; Lost in Place, a memoir; and the novels The Laughing Sutra, The Soloist, and Lying Awake. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife, the filmmaker Jessica Yu, and their daughter, Ava.