Type: Historical Fiction
Publication Date: March 14, 2023 (English), August 19, 2019
Links: Goodreads/Amazon/Bookshop/Storygraph
Content Warnings: Separation from Parent (Death Implied), Police Brutality, Grief, Racial Slurs, War/Violence
This book is a beautiful exploration of music, love, and connection through both conflict and time. Rei/Jacque’s long journey to heal after his traumatic separation from his father and homeland through music and a broken violin is poetically tragic and hopeful. Though the story seems like it will be rather straightforward at first, it soon becomes clear that it will be a unique exploration of ideas through the characters’ experiences. Despite that, the story is well balanced and nothing overstays its welcome. Though some readers might find it a little long-winded, I thoroughly enjoyed this piece and would recommend it to any lover of music.
What started as a peaceful night of friendship and music turns into Rei’s worst nightmare as the Japanese military police barge in and take Rei’s father away. This fateful night in 1938 was the last time Rei ever saw him. With nothing but father’s smashed violin, Rei leaves for France with his father’s friend to start a new life. Despite spending his life studying music and becoming a luthier, Rei still hasn’t been able to come to terms with his past or repair the hopelessly damaged violin. But when a violinist with connections to Rei’s past shows up in 2003, it might just be the opportunity Rei needs to truly heal.
This story is beautifully poetic while also being very direct in its commentary on conflict, connection, community, and so much more. Going in, I thought this book to be more character focused and in a sense it was, but it definitely departs from what you might expect. In a way that is similar to The Alchemist by Paolo Coelho, it is more about the philosophy and messages shared through Rei’s experiences rather than focusing on Rei’s deep personal development. I love books that manage to take me on that kind of journey and this one was an unexpected treat. The fact that so much of it is centered around music made it all the more delightful.
Rowan Hill 