The Piano Tuner: A Novel by
,
Published January 3, 2023, Arcade
My rating: 5 stars
All through the book, I struggled to find out the real reason a musical prodigy would fail to realize his potential as a pianist and instead devote his life to tuning pianos used by famous concert pianists.
The mystery is still up in the air, but there are hints throughout the book of boyhood poverty, lack of family support and interest, his uncomely appearance, and above all, the failure of others to carry out their vague promises or hints of help for his personal future.
Disappointment is the theme of this complex character, who seems to put himself at a lower lever in all aspects of his life, romantic and otherwise.
Also an unreliable narrator, he shows us his world through his ideas of concert pianists, musicians, fame, and tuning versus playing the piano. We must make up our own minds about this fascinating yet unnerving character and what his interactions with well known musicians, teachers, and would be patrons really show.
All through the book, I struggled to find out the real reason a musical prodigy would fail to realize his potential as a pianist and instead devote his life to tuning pianos used by famous concert pianists.
The mystery is still up in the air, but there are hints throughout the book of boyhood poverty, lack of family support and interest, his uncomely appearance, and above all, the failure of others to carry out their vague promises or hints of help for his personal future.
Disappointment is the theme of this complex character, who seems to put himself at a lower lever in all aspects of his life, romantic and otherwise.
Also an unreliable narrator, he shows us his world through his ideas of concert pianists, musicians, fame, and tuning versus playing the piano. We must make up our own minds about this fascinating yet unnerving character and what his interactions with well known musicians, teachers, and would be patrons really show.
What are you reading this week?
Memes: The Sunday Post hosted by The Caffeinated Bookreviewer. Also, It's Monday: What Are You Reading, and Sunday Salon, Stacking the Shelves, Mailbox Monday
Interesting. It's always illuminating to read about someone who doesn't maybe live up to what we would think they should. Someone with a ton of talent who maybe chooses a different path...
ReplyDeleteThis was the piano tuner, for sure.
DeleteIt's an interesting idea for a novel. Why would a musical prodigy end up choosing to work as a piano tuner rather than a pianist?
ReplyDeleteThe author must have done a good job for you to rate the novel so highly.
The book won several prizes in his home country, Taiwan.
DeleteDo you think the author failed at explaining why a gifted pianist would become a piano tuner? Or do you think it was supposed to be suspenseful?
ReplyDeleteHe certainly had me guessing, to the end, so it wasn't suspenseful, but his character was definitely of interest.
DeleteThis is very interesting. I'm always curious as to why people with talent don't always rise to their potential.
ReplyDeleteThis is one man's intriguing view of his own talent.
DeleteI like the unique premise for this novel. And I love that I'm finding so many unusual books through your blog recently. Have you read Fish Swimming Through Dappled Sunlight? It's translated from Japanese also and seems to have sort of the sensibility of some of the books you've been reading lately. I think you might enjoy it. Have a terrific week - happy reading.
ReplyDeleteTerrie @ Bookshelf Journeys
https://www.bookshelfjourneys.com/post/sunday-post-37
Fish Swimming through Dappled Sunlight is on my shelf waiting to be finished. Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for the visits.
DeleteSounds like an interesting book overall. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteAn unusual Taiwanese writer and book. Thanks for visiting, Mark.
DeleteWhat an intriguing book! If the narrator is unreliable, maybe he is exaggerating how likely he was to succeed as a virtuoso. I know that many music students of great promise don’t end up in music at all, or else end up in some sort of support role like this one. I think I need to read it and find out.
ReplyDeletebest… mae at maefood.blogspot.com
He was told by his teachers while quite young at school, that he was a prodigy, Mae. But his family was not interested in following up. One of his teachers pushed him to study further. He was unreliable, in my opinion, in his attitudes to other people, but not in this.
DeleteI'm intrigued by the concept of this book. Great review!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Yvonne. It gives you lots to think about.
DeleteIt almost sounds a bit depressing...a musical prodigy not playing any more, but you gave it 5 stars so it must not be that sad of a book?
ReplyDeleteIt's definitely sad, Lark.
DeleteInteresting premise. I was a music minor in college and while I was not very talented I love the music. The point is if I was talented I might not want it to be my job, rather just enjoying the music. Because if it was my job, I might lose the pure love of the music.His work would keep him near the music without the stress of performance?
ReplyDeleteAnne - Books of My Heart This is my Sunday Post
He did say that tuning an artist's piano brought him closer to the music than playing.
DeleteI'm not familiar with this book, but ti sure sounds interesting. Unreliable narrators keep you guessing...
ReplyDeleteStill trying to figure him out.
DeleteWhat a beautiful cover! Glad to hear it was a 5 star read!
ReplyDeleteI couldn't decide if the piano tuner was or was not in love with this pianist and music teacher he worked for.
DeleteDoesn't sound like my sort of book but it does sound intriguing. Come see my week here. Happy reading!
ReplyDeleteIf you like literary fiction, this is for you. This one is more complex than regular books.
DeleteThis sounds like a very moving and thought provoking book. I have been wondering about it and am so glad you reviewed it here. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us!
ReplyDeleteHope you get a chance to read it and share your thoughts
DeleteOoh, I haven't read much from Taiwan!
ReplyDeletehttps://wordsandpeace.com/2023/02/12/sunday-post-78-02-12-2023/
I've read Ed Lin who writes mysteries set in Taiwan.
DeleteSounds interesting!
ReplyDeleteJill
All The Books I Haven't Read
It is!
DeleteHmm... not sure how I feel about this book but yet I'm intrigued since you gave this a 5-star rating.
ReplyDeleteIt's a little challenging, for sure. But a good one.
DeleteSeems like an unusual character - underestimating himself in each realm hmm
ReplyDeleteSad character overall, but he does have his passion in tuning pianos.
DeleteLove love love unreliable narrators.
ReplyDeleteI had questions about his views of people and the world, so I called him unreliable. Is he really, though?
DeleteOh, this one sounds interesting! I'm trying to read more translated fiction, so I'll be adding this one to my list! - Melinda @ A Web of Stories
ReplyDeleteIt's a good one to add!
DeleteBurton & Wilson, The Piano Craftsmen Was Founded By Robert A. Burton In 1951. The Wilson Family Joined The Firm In 1975.
ReplyDelete