Book 1 of "Trio", which forms the greater part of this novel, is set in the Northumberland countryside, in the years leading up to the Second World War. Its narrative style, however, seems to hark back to an earlier age. In its story of a young widower rediscovering life and love through friendship and music, it reminded me, say, of Thomas Hardy's novels. Domestic tragedies and occasional joys experienced within a small community play out against a global backdrop, whilst the countryside, with its cycle of seasons, serves as a constant reminder of the metaphysical.

The pastoral scenes are lovingly drawn and the story unfolds in a gentle and understated way as new relationships blossom and grow, accompanied by the classical music of the "Hepplewick Trio" which gives the novel its title. There are few narrative thrills and frills - except perhaps for the "postscript-style" Book 2 which I initially found disconcerting and then rather "contrived" when compared to the natural flow of Book 1.

Don't let this comment put you off the novel, though - it's a worthy addition to the select tradition of books inspired by or featuring music. ( )

Book 1 of "Trio", which forms the greater part of this novel, is set in the Northumberland countryside, in the years leading up to the Second World War. Its narrative style, however, seems to hark back to an earlier age. In its story of a young widower rediscovering life and love through friendship and music, it reminded me, say, of Thomas Hardy's novels. Domestic tragedies and occasional joys experienced within a small community play out against a global backdrop, whilst the countryside, with its cycle of seasons, serves as a constant reminder of the metaphysical.

The pastoral scenes are lovingly drawn and the story unfolds in a gentle and understated way as new relationships blossom and grow, accompanied by the classical music of the "Hepplewick Trio" which gives the novel its title. There are few narrative thrills and frills - except perhaps for the "postscript-style" Book 2 which I initially found disconcerting and then rather "contrived" when compared to the natural flow of Book 1.

Don't let this comment put you off the novel, though - it's a worthy addition to the select tradition of books inspired by or featuring music. ( )