This saga of a son of the working class who grows into a piano prodigy is “hypnotically readable . . . The best story I know of in a long, long time” (Vanity Fair). As a boy, Claude Rawlings looks up through the grated window of his basement apartment to watch the world go by. Poor, lonely, supported by a taxi-driver mother whose eccentricities spin more and more out of control, he faces the … control, he faces the terrible task of growing up on the margins of life, destined to be a spectator of that great world always hurrying out of reach. But there is an out-of-tune piano in the small apartment, and in unlocking the secrets of its keys, as if by magic, Claude discovers himself. He is a musical prodigy.
Body & Soul is the story of a young man whose life is transformed by a gift. The gift is not without price—the work is relentless, the teachers exacting—but the reward is a journey that takes him to the drawing rooms of the rich and powerful, private schools, a gilt-edged marriage, and Carnegie Hall. Claude moves through this life as if he were playing a difficult composition, swept up in its drama and tension, surprised by its grace notes. Music, here, becomes a character in its own right, equaled in strength only by the music of Frank Conroy’s own unmistakable and true voice.
Bristling with character and invention, Body & Soul is Dickensian in its range and richness. This is a novel with all the emotional appeal and moral gravity of a classic bildungsroman, but with a tone as contemporary as a jazz riff—an unforgettable achievement by one of the great writers of our time.
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Thoroughly enjoyable read detailing both the reward and disappointment that comes from total commitment to a life’s work, in this case music. Particularly enjoyed the connection between Jazz and classical music. Some details of sexual nature added little to the book, but were a minor diversion. Highly recommended.
About as satisfying a read as possible. I also feel I understand music better now (and I play piano). I found myself slowing down due to reluctance to leave this main character. Simply great.
I own this in hardback and have loaned it out so many times I can’t remember exactly who I insisted read it! I was particularly happy to be able to download it so I don’t have to fret about having it returned.
Actually, I read this years ago and ordered it now to re-read. I have zero musical ability but reading this book gave me a sense of what musicians experience (such as my husband). What a gift!
I listened to this book on audio and really enjoyed the characters, historical aspect, and delving into the world of music.
I know nothing about music but I enjoyed every word and wished this author had lots more books.
The love of music comes across vividly and gives the reader an inside view of the power of music. Anyone who wants to appreciate music should read this book. Anyone who is an artist or composer should read this book. The lessons here can be applied to any artistic field and is inspirational.
although you need an inordinate amy of knowledge about music theory this is still a well written and fascinating…
Literate and
What a wonderful account of the development of an improvised child being given extraordinary breaks to fulfill his potential and bring joy to the world with his talent. One after another person, helps him and he is such a likeable person. One feels he deserves all the breaks he gets. I definitely recommend this excellent book.
This is a “don’t want to stop reading a go to bed book”!
Loved this book!
I found this book to be somewhat difficult to read while at the same time found myself wanting to know what was going to happen next. Some of it is difficult to understand if you are not familiar with reading/composing music but it is not necessary for the story to have those skills. It is a good book and I do recommend it.
A beautiful book.
Wonderful! I learned a lot about music, discovered new words, and thoroughly enjoyed the growth of the main character.
I am torn between appreciation for the author’s wrapping up the conclusion of future events, mainly via parenthesis , and finding them a distracting shortcut.
This was a wonderful description of the building of a great pianist from a musical prodigy.
The boy was very fortunate that first, he had access to a piano, and second, that a talented musician overheard his first efforts and recognized his promise. This musician took him in hand, providing him with a superior instrument and providing his education. His teachers were carefully chosen, often for short periods, to build strengths in specific areas, and then this one was pulled and another introduced, often with no explanation. This taught discipline and obedience, useful traits in music.
I read this book several years ago and have never forgotten it. Yes, I highly recommend it.
Best book I’ve ever read!!