Deep Purple: A Novel

"Deep Purple is a provocative, mischievously humorous new novel from Cuban writer Mayra Montero, author of the highly acclaimed "The Red of His Shadow, among other novels, all translated by Edith Grossman. Distinguished music critic Agustí n Cabá n has written for a San Juan newspaper all his life. Forced to retire, he continues to haunt its offices, encouraged by his former editor. Agustí n is writing his memoirs, and his editor can't wait to read each passionate and titillating installment. For Agustí n, music is indispensable to sexual emotion. In the course of a long career, he seduced the women and men who were among the most brilliant classical musicians in the world. These erotic encounters were shaped by the musical instrument as well as by the performer who had mastered it. The Australian pianist Clint Verret, with whom Agustí n spent three days in the Brown Palace in Denver, offered a passionate and tender interlude. Clarissa Berdsley, the French horn player, was submissive and playful. The flamboyant violinist Manuela Suggia turned out to be a vengeful and demonic lover. Through the adventures of her unusual protagonist, Mayra Montero explores the relationship between exual desire and music. Agustí n Cabá n ultimately finds in that deep and mysterious place that is the core of human sexuality nothing less than the meaning of life.