“We’re born with a gift,” Anna continued, “and for a while it seems magical and gives us great pleasure, but there comes a time when it no longer satisfies us, except unlike a toy or a dress it’s not something we can just outgrow, because it’s part of us, and when you first begin to understand this, it can feel like a curse, so that you regret having been given the gift in the first place. So even if your voice feels different to you now because of what happened to your parents, that’s the natural order of things, it’s part of the growing up; and though you can never go back, you have the option of really learning how to use it in a way that will still bring you-and countless others-a lot of joy. Because-trust me-most people don’t have it, but it’s through us that they find at least a little piece of it in themselves.”
Juilliard and practice rooms. Opera and Wagner. Tristan and Isolde. Martin and Maria, Leo and Anna, the way that the four of them are inexorably intertwined with each other, and with their music, is what comprises this story.
It is everything I know musicians to be: creative, emotional, unique, insecure and gifted all at the same time.
It is everything I know parenthood to be: divine, despairing, filled with self and filled with sacrifice.
On top of this exists an extraordinary element of surprise; while in some ways I found The Metropolis Case contrived, in others I’m intrigued by the author’s imagination. Surely he understands our human hearts as well as he knows musicians’.
Read an excerpt from The New York Times here. Win a free copy of your own by simply leaving a comment. Name to be pulled on January 27th.
Dolce Bellezza 
Oooh, this sounds really good to me. On the list it goes…
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What an intriguing book… love the book cover! Thanks for the succinct and eloquent review. I'll have to look for it. BTW, thanks for following me on Twitter 😉
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I just picked this one up from the library. I hope I get to read it before the due date. Love the cover.
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I'm glad you're adding it, Becca.Aarti, the cover is a great indication of the combining of the two worlds, or timeframes, especially when it comes to opera. I loved the blend of 1800's with today. I'd follow you anywhere, BTW. ;)Diane, I haven't seen it in the library yet. Hate the pressure of having to get something back soon as I'm feeling with The Russian Winter which I had requested for ages and now is due when Virago Reading Week starts. Too many good things all at the same time.
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The cover of that book speaks to me.
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Lovely review, Bellezza. The element of surprise you mention intrigues me.
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Very intriguing assessment of the book! Thank you so much for being on the tour. I hoped this would be one you'd appreciate and enjoy.
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Bermudaonion and Suko, wish I could fully reveal the reason behind the cover showing two different eras of a city, but alas, I'd spoil the surprise.Lisa, you know my taste very well by now, and I appreciate the books you send my way for review.
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I'd love to win this!
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Would love the chance to read this!
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I'd like to read this – please count me in.
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I'm entering on behalf of my mom, after raving about this she'd love the chance to read it! Great assessment of the book.strandedhero at gmail dot com
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This sounds brilliant. Thanks for including the excerpt from the Times. I subscribe and don't remember reading this.
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Kathleen, how could you possibly see everything in the Times? I wouldn't wonder you'd miss a thing or two! 🙂
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