The Lyre of Orpheus

The third volume of the Cornish trilogy revolves around the staging of an unfinished opera by a 19th century composer. ``Packed with interesting details of opera history and production, boasting some new, eccentric characters, and pulling together Davies's various themes in a harmonic resolution, the novel should satisfy those who will settle for intelligent observations and playful allusions rather than dramatic momentum , '' reported PW. 100,000 first printing. (Jan.)