I was disappointed in this book. I was looking forward to a novel that had lots of musical detail in it and it definitely succeeded there, and the writing about playing was excellent. But the prose surrounding the main plot of the novel was extremely self-conscious, overwrought and annoying. I didn't find much to like in the main character (beyond his talents as a musician, which came across) and couldn't see any reason for this great love that existed between him and Julia. ( )

Great read for anyone who has played been part of a musical ensemble. True-to-life rehearsal conversations, personality conflicts, etc. ( )

Vikram Seth is one of those writers who belong to a different realm altogether. His language flows like a fresh stream -- clear, alive, authentic. Even the most esoteric of subjects becomes engrossing and comprehensible. In this novel, a classical violinist, part of a quartet, is unhappy. Music is the only thing that still keeps him going, and then someone from his past returns into his life and plunges him into a despairing last grasp at love.

You don't have to know anything about quartets or music to be mesmerized by the arrangements, the issues involved in being part of a musical group. Then there is the love story -- the wonderful pain of a second chance that really isn't. And last, the tragedy of losing the ability to do the one thing you were meant to do. All of this comes together in this touching novel. Bravo! ( )

Music is one of the main characters in this novel. It is the connection that runs through the protagonists' life. Sometimes it brings them together, and other times it tears them apart.

Michael Holme is a violinist in a quartet of chamber music. Music is central in his life. In fact it was the one influence that uplifted him from his working class background in Rochdale near Manchester. Yet although quite accomplished as a musician in London, his beloved violin is still one he borrowed from an elderly violinist in his hometown, the woman who nurtured his love and talent for music. Now his life revolves around recreating and re-interpreting classical music with his quartet. And he helps finance his artist's life with the "mutual drudgery" of teaching the violin to an array of students with varied degrees of dedication. The inward and outward order of his life is suddenly brought into chaos after a chance meeting with Julia, the lover he never managed to forget.

The writers describes the emotional journey Michael takes in the space between the absence and resurrection of love, and how this emotional journey exacts a great toll on his career and life.

I enjoyed the treatment of the universal themes of love and loss through the prism of a musician's life. Michael, and to some extent the other musical characters, are naturally intense and they express feelings through their performances, and interactions with each other, and the world. Micheal is hugely flawed and selfish, but his emotions and responses are believable.

Also interesting are the small insights into the chamber music scene. I learned for example, about the unique bond between the musician and his or her instrument. The special piece becomes closer than a lover, and an extension of the self. This bond can sometime become a destructive obsession, as in a scene where two musicians tried to outbid each other on a violin they both coveted. Michael makes for an interesting guide into this whole scene. Because of his background, he was not born into a privileged background that allowed him to enjoy music, he rather met his musical destiny through his elderly friend Mrs. Formby, and his relationship with the art remains one of wonder and discovery. When I got to know him in the novel, I felt that he was still not fully comfortable in his place in this world, as if he expects that his acquired privilege will be taken from him at some time.

This is a bittersweet story of love, loss and redemption, that will speak to human feelings, and sensitivities, not recommended to those who like a roller coaster ride of non-stop action. ( )

(8.5)I really enjoyed this book which I would dub a love story, not just of the human kind. The author conveys his own passion for music through his protagonists and even though my knowledge of classical music is limited, this didn't really diminish my enjoyment. ( )