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An equal music

First published 1999 · 400 pages

A deeply romantic and poetic exploration of haunted memories, rekindled passion, and the uniting power of music.

What it feels like

This novel offers a steady, deeply romantic reading experience steeped in the evocative atmosphere of the international classical music scene. The prose is poetic and immersive, wrapping the reader in a magical yet haunted mood as it moves through the enchanting backdrops of Venice and Vienna. It explores the emotional weight of memories, the complexities of a rekindled romance, and the profound ways art can both unite and divide people. The narrative builds a passionate but melancholic tension as hidden truths slowly come to light. It is a perfect match for readers who love earnest, atmospheric fiction that intertwines the devotion of gifted musicians with the devastating beauty of lost love found again.

Mood
  • haunted
  • magical
  • melancholic
  • passionate
Tone
  • romantic
  • earnest
  • evocative
  • poetic
Pace
steady
Themes
lost love rekindled · the power of music · haunting memories · hidden secrets · artistic devotion
The writing
Poetic and evocative, crafting a brilliant and immersive portrait of the international music scene.
The arc
Moves from haunted longing through a passionate, magical reunion to a devastating confrontation with hidden truths.
Who it's for
Readers who crave deeply romantic, atmospheric fiction centered around classical musicians and the complexities of rekindled love.
Content notes
  • infidelity
  • secrets

About the book

The author of the A Suitable Boy returns with a powerful and deeply romantic tale of two gifted musicians. Michael Holme is a violinist, a member of the successful Maggiore Quartet. He has long been haunted, though, by memories of the pianist he loved and left ten years earlier, Julia McNicholl. Now Julia, married and the mother of a small child, unexpectedly reenters his life and the romance flares up once more.

Against the magical backdrop of Venice and Vienna, the two lovers confront the truth about themselves and their love, about the music that both unites and divides them, and about a devastating secret that Julia must finally reveal. With poetic, evocative writing and a brilliant portrait of the international music scene, An Equal Music confirms Vikram Seth as one of the world's finest and most enticing writers.

Description from Open Library.

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