In this beautifully written and compulsively readable story of love and the mutability of human
relationships pianist Witold's infatuation with Beatriz will change them both. A Sunday Times
Daily Telegraph and Financial Times Book of the Year 'Confirms Coetzee as one of the great
writers of fiction' Observer After his piano recital in Barcelona Witold Walczykiewicz -
white-haired virtuoso controversial interpreter of Chopin - becomes infatuated with Beatriz
his designated companion at dinner. Beatriz a stylish patron of the arts is at first unmoved.
But as the stranger's letters music and poetry flood into her home a dream of love begins
that surprises them both. 'One of the world's most original writers... He is still breaking
new ground at the same time as revealing a funny side' i 'His prose apparently simple is so
perfected at every turn that it is moving to read line after line' Sunday Times
