Two-Part Inventions

Schwartz (Ruined by Reading) ushers readers into the competitive world of classical music—and vividly illustrates the temptations wrought by its pressure. When they first meet, Suzanne and Philip are promising young pianists. Suzanne possesses both the talent and the motivation to make it as a professional musician; Philip does not, and, realizing this himself, becomes a sound engineer and producer. When Suzanne’s desire to be seen comes up against a paralyzing stage fright, her career falters. Years later, however, now married to Philip, Suzanne records for his label; what she may or may not realize is that he alters her imperfect playing, splicing in bits of other pianists’ superior recordings. Based on a true story, Schwartz’s novel raises questions about the thin line dividing the drive to achieve from the willingness to deceive. Although the narrative initially places equal weight on Suzanne’s and Philip’s stories, it eventually shifts almost entirely to Suzanne’s point of view, resulting in an uneven perspective. Still, the novel offers an intriguing window into the closeted, incestuous world of classical music, where enforced camaraderie and intense competition reside in uncomfortable proximity. Agent: Peter Matson, Sterling Lord Literistic. (Nov.)