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A short time ago, I needed some diagnostic work done at my local hospital. The doctor involved and I had a very wonderful conversation regarding classical music, recordings, performers, etc., and what came out of this talk was his recommendation of several books that he thought I would enjoy. Well, one of these books was this one, and I must say that "my new musical friend" that I spoke with during these procedures, was spot on in all of his suggestions, but particularly this truly lovely story. We are taken into a very private world of a small, nearly invisible wonderland of used pianos, waiting to be re-built, restored, and recycled back out into the world of those who love the instrument for what it is, what it does, and history of individual instruments, etc., and how lives of individuals are changed through this process. I would be remiss if I did not say that this small book is truly one of the very finest volumes that I have ever had the pleasure to read (in this case a paperback edition....but I am currently seeking an original first edition hardback for my library). This is one truly touching, enlightening, and entertaining view of the Paris neighborhood that Mr. Carhart lives in, and photographic clips from his childhood, his private life, interaction with many others, and, of course, his learning about, getting to know, and "histories" of the many instruments he comes to see in this shop. Woven in also are interpersonal stories of many interesting and wonderful characters...people one would truly love to know in one's own life, etc. I cannot recommend this book too highly....it is one of a very few truly truly wonderful pieces of writing and story telling that I have come across in many years....do yourself a truly wonderful favor, and get a copy of this book and nourish your inner soul with this marvelous story. Personally, I wish I had the financial resources and the connections necessary to get this book made into a movie...what a wonderful story to bring to the cinematic screen for the enjoyment of all, not just the music lovers who would simply be blown away with it, but everyone interested in good storytelling, character development, and, of course, historical documentation....especially seen through the very special vision of Thad Carhart. Who knows, perhaps someone with this ability might read this review and take my suggestion seriously and create a film that would certainly be a great credit to the film industry (if, of course, they follow the book and do not "re-write" as often happens...this book is a perfect jewel as it sits, and it would be a shame to change any part of it).Read full review
If you are a piano player or even a piano enthusiast..you will love this short novel. The writer seems to express what most piano lovers experience anytime we come across one of these beautiful wooden whales...the personality under each lid , the smell of aged spruce, the tired ache of a very old piano..all the things and more that a life most pianists will have and continue to experience ..all in a short story well put together.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
If you ever took piano lessons as a kid, you'll enjoy this book (even if you didn't enjoy your piano lessons!). I checked this book out from my local library as my husband and I are planning a trip to France, and we like to read books about our destinations. But it was so much more than just a book about Paris and the French, as the author gets below the surface of French culture through his attraction to a small piano shop on a back street in Paris. There is fascinating information about the history and business of pianos, as well as interesting thoughts and observations about why we love or hate to play them. As my mother was a piano teacher by vocation, and my brother is a piano tuner and rebuilder, I'm inextricably tied to pianos, but this book helped me clarify my own sometimes ambivalent relationship with them. I enjoyed the book so much that I wanted to have my own copy to share with others.Read full review
Beautiful read about piano. I lent mine to my piano teacher and she liked it, too. So much that I haven't seen it since.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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