An Equal Music

by Vikram Seth 

This book had been recommended by Blanka; she considered it a good read, well written, and something to take your mind away from wars and such… 

It was generally liked by the group, though some were disappointed in that they had expected a different sort of novel from the author of “The Suitable Boy” and instead got a book that had nothing to do with India; one would not have guessed it had been written by an Indian writer: its setting and characters are very English…

The book did not really lend itself  to a “great” discussion, except perhaps about the mental state of the narrator and his obsessive love for Julia, and the ambiguous ending of the story – did he or didn´t he return to playing in the quartet. 

Still, the main theme (and merit) of the book – the love of music and the complexities of performing it (a violinist himself, the writer provides an excellent insight into what it is like to be a member a violin quartet)  – lead to a lively exchange of experiencies and memories connected with music. Especially Anne was moved by the scenes situated in Venice.

The only one not present at this lunch at Paulette´s (moved from June to July) was Susan, but this is what she said in her mail: 

„Dear Blanka, 

Thank you for your suggestion of the book. Very well written indeed, I liked the book. Music and love story, what else to ask more.  

It happened to be the right book in the right moment. I was reading the book while listening to the "queen Elisabeth piano contest" in May. I remember once I stopped reading, to watch what I was hearing, the musician was by chance "Lukas Vondracek".  

The nature was very well painted as well and it happened to be in May during their fugue to Venice. At the start it was hard to imagine an Indian writer behind the narrator (English musician). His knowledge of music is so accurate. 

Contrary to you I did like both lovers, their character and behavior was so real. 

Isn't love by itself a madness ?“Susan

Blanka