Prague Sonata

Pages of a weathered original sonata manuscript are gifted to Meta Taverner, a young musicologist, who is asked to find the manuscript's true owner and make the three-part sonata whole again. Meta sets out on an unforgettable search to locate the remaining movements and uncover a story that has influenced the course of many lives.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 528 pages
Publication date: 07 February 2019
Publisher: Grove Press / Atlantic Monthly Press

Pages of a weathered original sonata manuscript, the gift of a Czech immigrant living in Queens, find their way into the hands of Meta Taverner, a young musicologist whose concert piano career was tragically cut short by an injury. Accompanied by the heartfelt request that Meta locate the manuscript's true owner, a dear Prague friend whom the old woman has not heard from since the Second World War separated them, the gift comes with a profound sense of urgency. The old woman has entrusted Meta with the task of reuniting the three-part sonata, which has been fragmented over time.

Determined to fulfill this noble mission, Meta embarks on an unforgettable journey that takes her far from the bustling streets of New York to the enchanting lands of Dvorák and Kafka. With unwavering determination, she sets out to locate the remaining movements of the sonata and unravel the captivating story that has shaped the lives of countless individuals. As Meta delves deeper into her research, she becomes aware that she is not alone in her pursuit of the music's secrets.

Along the way, she encounters a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique connections to the sonata and its enigmatic history. From seasoned musicians to passionate collectors, each person brings their own perspective and expertise to the quest. Through their interactions, Meta gains a deeper understanding of the sonata's profound impact on the world of music and the enduring power of its melodies.

As Meta closes in on the final movements of the sonata, she discovers that the truth behind its fragmented state is more complex than she could have imagined. The manuscript holds not only the musical composition but also a hidden legacy that spans generations and intertwines the lives of countless individuals. With each step forward, Meta becomes more invested in uncovering the truth and restoring the sonata to its rightful place in history.

In the end, Meta's journey not only brings the three-part sonata back to life but also uncovers a profound lesson about the power of music to heal, connect, and inspire. The manuscript becomes a symbol of hope and resilience, reminding us of the enduring beauty and significance of artistic expression. As Meta returns to New York, she carries with her the memories and lessons learned from her extraordinary adventure, ready to share the sonata's magic with the world.

Weight: 360g
Dimension: 131 x 198 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781611855036
Edition number: Main