An Equal Music

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The violinist hero of Vikram Seth's third novel longs for secret harmonies but finds himself frustrated in London, ten years after a key disaster. Michael Holme is irritated by his beautiful young girlfriend and colleagues in the Maggiore Quartet, feeling like he's playing second fiddle in life. A chance encounter with Julia, a pianist he loved and lost in Vienna, brings him unexpected joy, but her situation and a potential career-ending secret threaten their reunion. The novel, though shorter than Seth's A Suitable Boy, offers rich complexities and lyrical depth without veering into cliché. Michael's emotional struggles resonate, especially when he reflects on the inadequacy of his feelings for Julia. The narrative captures the tensions and joys of collaboration within the quartet, likening it to various relationships, from marriage to a self-destructive priesthood. The significance of music is profound, with the length of Schubert's Trout Quintet and the discovery of a rare Beethoven piece adding to the richness. Michael's longing extends to his beloved Tononi violin, which he cannot truly possess. Seth masterfully keeps readers engaged, weaving a tale that spans London, northern England, Vienna, and Venice, ensuring that few will remain indifferent to its emotional resonance.