By Natasha Solomons
Published by Sceptre (2 July 2015)
ISBN: 978-1444736397
Publisher's description
Fox, as the celebrated composer Harry Fox-Talbot is known, wants to be left in peace. His beloved wife has died, he's unable to write a note of music, and no, he does not want to take up some blasted hobby.
Then one day he discovers that his troublesome four-year-old grandson is a piano prodigy. The music returns and Fox is compelled to re-engage with life - and, ultimately, to confront an old family rift.
Decades earlier, Fox and his brothers return to Hartgrove Hall after the War, determined to save their once grand home from ruin. But on the last night of 1946, the arrival of beautiful wartime singer Edie Rose tangles the threads of love and duty, which leads to a shattering betrayal.
My verdict
Once again, Natasha Solomons has written a beautiful, heartbreaking novel.
The Song Collector focuses on the story of composer Harry 'Fox' Fox-Talbot.
In the present day, Fox has lost his inner music following the death of his wife, and is struggling to find ways to pass his time. Neither of his daughters has inherited his musical ability, so he is amazed to discover that his troublesome four-year-old grandson is a piano prodigy. As music fills his life again, Fox seeks forgiveness for past mistakes.
In the late 1940s, Fox and his brothers return to the decaying family home after the war, determined to restore it to its former glory. Then Fox falls in love with a woman who isn't his to love.
The Song Collector pulled at my heartstrings with its passion for music and grief for lost loved ones. The prose flowed seamlessly, with beautiful descriptions of Hartgrove Hall and the surrounding countryside. Natasha Solomons has created believable characters with real emotions - in keeping with all her excellent novels so far. As I read the last 30 pages, my eyes were overflowing with tears.
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher through the Lovereading Reader Panel in exchange for an honest review
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