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An Equal Music

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An Equal Music

By: Vikram Seth
Narrated by: Alan Bates
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About this listen

Michael is a violinist from Rochdale. He plays in a trio in Vienna with Julia, a pianist, and they are much taken with each other. But the trio splits up and they go their separate ways. One day in London, from the top of a double-decker bus, Michael catches a glimpse of Julia. They eventually meet up, and she tells him that she is contentedly married and has a child. Michael persuades her to visit Vienna and Venice with him. He discovers that Julia has become deaf, though her deafness comes and goes. When Michael reads a letter from Julia to her husband, he realises that Julia is never going to give herself to him.

©2005 Vikram Seth (P)2011 Orion Publishing Group Limited Contemporary Fiction Genre Fiction
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I read this years ago & think I enjoyed it more when I was younger. The narrator seemed too old for the main character (who is in his 30s). Instead of seeming neurotic & a self-absorbed man-child, he came across as priggish and fussy. When I was younger it seemed a story of lost love, now (reading it at 50) all I seem to notice is the passive aggressive selfishness & whining. The music is a beautiful backdrop & definitely adds to the story. And the story in itself is quite good - just with unlikeable characters!

The narrator didn't fit the character

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I read this book when I was young. and possibly immature romantically. the language and the connection to music is nothing short of inspiring. the character is nuanced and no one escapes flaws or shortcomings. incredibly well written story about something deeply troubling and concerning. the music and the poetry are amazing. but I can't help but feel that it's romancing the pains and insecurities of the characters.

poetic agony

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I nearly gave up on An Equal Music. The protagonist, Michael, is quite unlikeable and frequently finds himself in morally gray situations with his love interest, Julia. Perhaps a reader with a greater appreciation for classical music might find this a more enticing and poetic portrayal of forbidden love, but unfortunately, that was not the case for me.
My rating: 3/5

Not my cup of tea

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Alan Bates was a very good narrator making the characters come alive and the musical inserts furthered the experience.

Good story with music accompaniment

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Melodious memories of music to embrace the past. Interaction of the musicians …. and the emotional love of being loved, yet heartbroken loss,when left only with the memories of “it’s better to have loved and lost, not to have loved at all”. I know all about that.

Every word a heart beat.

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