BOOK REVIEW
Love is Blind
Author: William Boyd
Synopsis:
Set at the end of the nineteenth century, William Boyd’s heart-stopping new novel follows the fortunes of Brodie Moncur, a young Scottish musician about to embark on the story of his life.
When Brodie Moncur accepts a position in a Paris store he feels his life is now beginning.
He has been raised in a home where he and his siblings have lived in fear of a tyrannical clergyman father whose religious beliefs have been frightening and disturbing.
Brodie, as a musician and piano tuner, has been working in a piano store in Edinburgh and is highly respected. The company which owns the store also has a store in Paris and it is here that Brodie finds his new life – and his life long love.
As fate would have it, Brodie is introduced to a famous pianist, John Kilbarron, and this meeting changes his future. Kilbarron is very impressed with Brodie’s as a piano tuner and commands his presence at all his concerts. This relationship also sparks an obsessive love affair with Lika Blum, a beautiful Russian soprano. Lika has been ‘in the company’ of Kilbarron for some years so when she and Brodie find their attraction to each other is ‘non negotiable’ they must live a life of secrecy.
John’s brother, Malachi, comes into the equation and presents all kinds of issues, some dangerous, for both Lika and Brodie. Consequently, Brodie needs to leave Paris but this is not the only reason for his disappearance. He has been diagnosed with tuberculosis and has been advised to seek a warmer climate. He heads for the south of France and spends some time there, resting and healing.
Meanwhile, Lika has been touring in Scandinavia and she and Brodie have been corresponding on a regular basis.
One century moves into another and Brodie’s health has improved but he is now being pursued all over Europe by Malachi and a dark chapter unfolds with him fleeing Europe and culminating in fatal consequences.
This story is one of perseverance revealing strength of character and loyalty. When reading this I felt sorrow, frustration and admiration for a young man whose life was dictated by a passion on many levels. It is an interesting read and a little ‘left of field’ I would say for William Boyd.
ROSALIE HOWARTH
Author: William Boyd
Synopsis:
Set at the end of the nineteenth century, William Boyd’s heart-stopping new novel follows the fortunes of Brodie Moncur, a young Scottish musician about to embark on the story of his life.
When Brodie Moncur accepts a position in a Paris store he feels his life is now beginning.
He has been raised in a home where he and his siblings have lived in fear of a tyrannical clergyman father whose religious beliefs have been frightening and disturbing.
Brodie, as a musician and piano tuner, has been working in a piano store in Edinburgh and is highly respected. The company which owns the store also has a store in Paris and it is here that Brodie finds his new life – and his life long love.
As fate would have it, Brodie is introduced to a famous pianist, John Kilbarron, and this meeting changes his future. Kilbarron is very impressed with Brodie’s as a piano tuner and commands his presence at all his concerts. This relationship also sparks an obsessive love affair with Lika Blum, a beautiful Russian soprano. Lika has been ‘in the company’ of Kilbarron for some years so when she and Brodie find their attraction to each other is ‘non negotiable’ they must live a life of secrecy.
John’s brother, Malachi, comes into the equation and presents all kinds of issues, some dangerous, for both Lika and Brodie. Consequently, Brodie needs to leave Paris but this is not the only reason for his disappearance. He has been diagnosed with tuberculosis and has been advised to seek a warmer climate. He heads for the south of France and spends some time there, resting and healing.
Meanwhile, Lika has been touring in Scandinavia and she and Brodie have been corresponding on a regular basis.
One century moves into another and Brodie’s health has improved but he is now being pursued all over Europe by Malachi and a dark chapter unfolds with him fleeing Europe and culminating in fatal consequences.
This story is one of perseverance revealing strength of character and loyalty. When reading this I felt sorrow, frustration and admiration for a young man whose life was dictated by a passion on many levels. It is an interesting read and a little ‘left of field’ I would say for William Boyd.
ROSALIE HOWARTH
