A Minor: A Novel of Love, Music & Memory

by Margaret Ann Philbrick

Clive Serkin, a teenage piano prodigy, seeks victory at the Tchaikovsky Piano Competition in Moscow, and enlists the help of world-renowned pianist Clare Cardiff. She becomes his mentor and teacher, and even though she is more than twice his age, Clive finds himself falling in love with her. After Clare is diagnosed with early-onset dementia, Clare s estranged husband Nero takes her away from Clive to pursue further medical testing. Clive is faced with the challenge of traveling to Moscow and performing at the competition without his beloved mentor. Ultimately, he must discover if the music they share is enough to keep them together."

Genres: Music

ebook

First published April 1, 2014

About the author

Margaret Ann Philbrick is an award winning poet and author. Her new art heist novel, House of Honor - the Heist of Caravaggio’s Nativity has been described by Midwest Book Review as an “Exquisite dance between cultures, underworld influences, and art world politics that will thoroughly immerse readers.” Her first novel, A Minor: A Novel of Love, Music, and Memory received critical praise from Kirkus as an “emotional story with nuanced characters that breaks the mold.” She is the contributing editor of Everbloom: Stories of Deeply Rooted and Transformed Lives, a collection of essays and poetry for women by women. Her poems and articles have been featured in numerous anthologies and publications, including Christianity Today, Relevant, The Redbud Hyphen, and Patheos. Her Christmas book, Back to the Manger, created in collaboration with her mother, has become a holiday classic. Margaret is a founding member of the Redbud Writers Guild NFP and a member of the Door County Published Author Collective. You can connect with her via her website, www.margaretphilbrick.com, on Instagram @margaretannphilbrick and at www.whostolethepainting.com

Reviews

[Clif Hostetler · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novel features a unique blending of piano music with the emotions of love and memory. A successful female concert pianist secretly begins giving supplemental piano lessons to a young and gifted pianist. This young prodigy is inspired not only by the teacher's insightful instructions, he has also developed feelings of love for his teacher.

A unique feature of this book is that the ebook edition has links to many piano songs mentioned in the narrative. (Not all e-readers can open the link. I had to go to the publisher's website of play the music.)

Unfortunately, the piano teacher develops early onset Alzheimer's disease at about the same time as when young pianist qualifies for the International Tchaikovsky Competition. She is unable to join him at the competition, and he's not certain he can do his best without her presence.

I'll not say what happens at the completion, however I will mention a very touching scene near the end of the book when the student visits his former teacher at a memory care center. She doesn't remember her student, but she can still play repertoire from her younger years. They are able to play familiar songs together on the piano. This scene is an emotional one because there's nothing sadder than losing a loved one to dementia. It's also fascinating that musical skills learned in younger years often remain in these cases.

[Katie Augustine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one of the most compelling, thought-provoking books I have ever read. From beginning to end the reader is swept up into the book. The characters are very well-developed, and we as readers experience a deep look into both Clare and Clive, and also Nero. I have the book and the kindle version, and while I like paperback better, the kindle version comes with the soundtrack. This is amazing and I wish more books had this cutting-edge feature. The music really reflects the feelings of the characters at the exact right moments. I would recommend this book to anyone.

[Claire · Rating 1 out of 5]

I received A Minor as part of a Goodreads giveaway.

When I entered this giveaway, I was unaware this was Christian fiction. Nothing on the book/giveaway page or in the book's description alerted me to this fact and, had I known it, I would not have entered. I would strongly encourage Goodreads publishers and/or authors to mark faith-based books as such. As someone who is happily non-religious, I have no interest in being converted to any religion, and so any book that tries to do that generally only serves to annoy me. Annoyed readers don't tend to lead to good reviews.

Regardless, I read the book anyway. Clare Cardiff, a gifted middle-aged musician, returns to the Midwest from New Hampshire to teach music after separating from her husband Nero. There she meets teenager Clive Serkin, a piano prodigy who she soon falls to coaching for the prestigious Tchaikovsky Piano Competition in Moscow, despite his parents' doubts and preference for another instructor, an old family friend. As they study, the Clare and Clive find themselves increasingly fascinated with each other, despite their age gap, her marriage, and their very different backgrounds. But as their friendship grows and the competition approaches, Clare is diagnosed with early onset dementia and Clive returns to take her home to the East Coast for treatment, and Clive must compete without the woman he has grown so close to.

At the risk of being called a Christian-basher, there were a whole raft of other issues I had with the book aside from the evangelistic themes. First of all, the blossoming romance between a 50ish year old woman and a 17 year old squicks me out. Nothing ever "happened," but I will never understand how two people at such completely different life stages could have any sort of functioning relationship. Does it happen every once in a long, long while? Sure, I guess, maybe. But generally, someone's being taken advantage of. Nero was a total loon. The dialogue was stilted and unrealistic. The editing was shoddy, with lots of typos. Despite the book being told largely from Clare's point of view, I never really understood what her feelings for Clive actually were. The issue of Clive's Judaism was dealt with very inelegantly, with the author banging you over the head with it. Long story short, Clive's parents begin to look like caricatures. Clare's sister's family, supposed to be the perfect models of Christian goodness, were insufferable Mary Sues. To her credit, the author did seem to know a lot about both dementia and music; the latter aspect of the story is what drew me to enter the giveaway in the first place, but the final product did not satisfy me.

[Rox Burkey · Rating 4 out of 5]

'A Minor' is a poignant story that intertwines the lives of two piano prodigies, one young and one at the height of her success. Clive Serkin's father has conducted musical performances throughout the world. Clare Cardiff finds herself at a life crossroads and takes a break from her grueling piano performance schedule. She moves into the same town as her sister and decides to teach, with Clive as her first pupil. Their relationship blossoms as she guides him through his musical journey, while also imparting life lessons learned throughout her extensive career, such as the importance of perseverance, the value of patience, and the beauty of self-expression. The novel explores themes of music, memory, and the deep emotional connections that arise from artistic expression.

Margaret Ann Philbrick leverages beautifully crafted prose, although portions seemed repetitive of several interactions between Clare and Clive in the transitions between sections. Listeners will enjoy 'A Minor' as it delves into the complexities of human interactions in the face of success and defeat. Clare's character portrayal vividly illustrates the details of her life and music through the highlights of her accomplishments and dialogue. Clive learns how to pour his heart and soul when he plays pieces under Clare's tutelage. Those who may not have a strong interest in music will enjoy following Clive's journey, filled with personal triumphs and heart-wrenching moments.

The flawless audio performance by Adam Blamford brings to life the story and characters. The audiobook features renowned piano pieces, such as Beethoven's 'Moonlight Sonata' and Chopin's 'Nocturne in E-flat Major', interspersed within the narration, making it a unique experience. There were no issues with the audio version.

Overall, 'A Minor' weaves engaging plotlines, good characters, and familiar musical references and will appeal to a broad audience, particularly resonating with music lovers. Purchase of the novel benefits research into young adult memory loss. From this perspective, ‘A Minor’ serves as a celebration of the transformative power of music, illustrating how it can bridge gaps and foster understanding among individuals facing various struggles.

[Elizabeth Daghfal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first purchased Margaret Ann Philbrick’s novel A Minor when writing a post on music therapy. I heard there were helpful references in the back. But it didn’t take me long to get wrapped up in the characters and their heartbreaking tale. The story, written in the older omniscient view, reminds me of Jane Eyre or Wuthering Heights, not surprising with Mrs. Philbrick’s background as an English teacher. It is not an easy story to read—it would not be true to life if it were. But the beautiful language sings with the music flowing from the pages. If you have loved—and lost—someone who has been ravaged by dementia, this narrative will speak to your heart.

[Brenda Dickenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is truly a love story of music as it reaches the soul.

A love of music and growing in your own confidence and abilities as your teacher is losing touch with reality because of dementia is a beautiful woven story of love and devotion .

[Joan Brasaemle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the book, as I love the music. I would recommend it to anyone who loves the music, stories about musicians, and piano competitions such as the one described.

[Eileen Dandashi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clare Cardiff, a beautiful, talented woman of 50, was the pivotal character in this rather emotionally complex read. She touched two lives most deeply, her husband, Nero, and her piano student, Clive Serkin, who was destined to win the much coveted Tchaikovsky Piano Competition, held in the Great Hall of Moscow every four years. Fictitious main characters, the setting is authentic. It was apparent that author Margaret Ann Philbrick did her homework researching on many levels.

Nero, Clare’s husband, after 30 years of marriage and not able to tap into his own talent of pottery making, had asked for a divorce. Nero comes to the conclusion life with or without Clare is intolerable. Nero, I don’t believe is healthy mentally blames Clare for not being able to carry their babe to term. Full of hurt and jealousy, he is in the intolerable position of not really being a partner within the marriage – just a chauffeur. But for those 30 years he had served her well.

Clare escapes into her music, being a person who knows many languages and commits her music to memory easily. Clare turns to Nero when she needs him, when she finds she has severe medical issues. Nero takes her back to the farm and further testing. He cares, yet has a volatile, emotional temper which very often verges on abuse. After Clare left him, he began morose and had a macabre attachment to a piece of pottery he created. Suffice it to say, their relationship was a painful, complicated one.

Clare meets Clive Serkin when she separates from Nero for a time to give them a chance to understand what they want. Just 17, a Jew who has wandered from his roots somewhat, lives in a Jewish community and whose father is a famous symphony director. Rather than continue with her concert circuit with Nero, she settles into a university setting to teach piano.

Upon meeting Clive, they connect, both musically and spiritually. She decides to pass the wand to this talented young man, teaching him what she knows. The connection grows into a close friendship, bonding through the talent and love of playing piano. She instills in Clive something he had lacked in his interpretation of music previously. And once he connected with this concept, he had people weep listening to him play for his hands spoke the contents of his heart.

Clare loved him as a son she never had. Clive loved her as a young boy on the cusp of truly being a man, yet innocently. It was very sweet and tender worthy of many tears. Again, the author depicted this relationship perfectly–innocent with the purist of love.

Clive had wonderful family support Clive. Spiritually, his old teacher and the Rabbi and yes, even Clare balance what this young man needed.

One point I haven’t mentioned is Clare is faced with losing all, she has been diagnosed with early on-set dementia. To a concert pianist this is devastating.

Are you an aspiring concert pianist or an artist of another media? You will love this story.

I know you will enjoy this book. It is not the typical read. As I write this review two days after I’ve finished it, I shed tears for the absolutely emotional rollercoaster Clive endured and as a reader I did, too. I connected most closely with all these characters. I will always remember this wonderful book. Ms. Philbrick, I bow to your inspiration and handling of a most delicate story.

[Mary Woods · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first thing I must say about this book, is that you absolutely have to listen to the music. Whether you're reading the hard format or the e-book, use the links provided to pull up all the beautiful piano pieces which weave this story together (I can particularly recommend the Tchaikovsky Concerto No. 1--but listen to them all). Ms. Philbrick has given us readers a unique glimpse into her creative process, and the emotional enhancement the music gives to the story is not to be missed.

A Minor is a tale of many loves. It opens with the estranged love of concert pianist Clare Cardiff and her husband Nero, who decide to separate temporarily for artistic reasons. While Nero stays in New England, hoping to excel at his potter's wheel out of his wife's shadow, Clare goes out to the Chicago suburbs to teach and re-group. There she discovers a new love in her student Clive Serkin, an exceptionally talented young pianist. Sensing greatness in him, she points him toward the prestigious Tchaikovsky Piano competition in Moscow. But just as Clive is becoming to her the son she never had, Clare discovers that she is developing early-onset dementia. While Nero takes her back to New England for medical testing, Clive--who has fallen innocently but deeply in love with her--must find strength in his music to go on to the international competition alone.

All through this tapestry of loves pulses the love of music--the characters' and the author's. Ms. Philbrick has a lovely and knowledgeable way of describing music in words, which anyone, not just musicians, can appreciate. However, this translation of one art form into another still leaves something to be desired, which is why you must listen to the music. It's wrapped up inseparably with the story.

Ms. Philbrick handles all her characters gracefully, especially the relationship between Clare and Clive which is most prominent in the book. Some of the secondary characters could have been more rounded out, with, however, the notable exception of Nero--the most troubled and complex figure in the story. Although possessive to the point of violence, he really does love Clare, and his greatest regret is the child they never had together. His tragic attempt to survive without her, only to lose her again to dementia, adds a dark but enriching note to the story.

Ms. Philbrick's prose style matches the formality and elegance of the classical music she describes. The only place this was a drawback was in the dialogue. While I understand the author's desire for beauty and integrity in the whole book, I feel she could actually better accomplish this through more natural dialogue. When even commonplace exchanges between characters were written in a formal style never used in real life, I found it distracting and distancing. The eloquent dialogue did work, however, in the passages where the characters were deeply discussing music--an appropriate context.

Overall, a graceful first novel and a unique literary-musical experience, A Minor will appeal to lovers of all things beautiful.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Margaret Philbrick’s recently-released book, A Minor, provides an intimate view into the life of a prodigious classical musician in love with an older, married woman (his piano teacher) who is suffering from early-onset dementia. Margaret’s knowledge of music and her ability to authentically voice the emotions of an angst-ridden teenaged boy are impressive, as is the way she has knit the viewpoint of a variety of players into her novel. Her character-types are wide ranging, and she handles each masterfully.

The protagonist of A Minor is the young Clive Serkin, a soon-to-be world renown pianist of the highest magnitude. Clive, however, is not just a musician: he is a teenaged boy in love with his piano teacher, Clare Cardiff, who just so happens to be old enough to be his mother, married, and falling victim to dementia. If that weren’t complicated enough, there are also issues such as faith, coming of age, familial relationships, an abusive marriage, and mental health to contend with. The complexities are many, and the reader may find herself wondering just how Margaret will manage to tie it all together at the end.

I won’t spoil the ending for anyone, but I will say that I was pleased that Margaret did not fall into the trap of a tidy ending. The reader will be satisfied by A Minor’s conclusion, that’s true, but she will also be left contemplating the questions Margaret raises throughout the book.

Some of these questions will pertain to faith as Margaret weaves both Judaism and Christianity into what I expected to be a “Christian only” novel. Each religion is handled with love, respect, and understanding, and adds depth to each character and causes the reader to reflect on how our faith is, should be, or could be applied to our daily lives and decision-making processes.

Also adding depth is the way Margaret has used a work of fiction to bring such an important topic to light: music therapy.

I am a proponent of medication where medication is needed, but also an advocate for exploring complimentary or alternative modes of therapeutic intervention. I have seldom seen this subject be so integral to a book’s plot (treating dementia), and the through line of music’s importance to our emotional well-being is, I think, unique.

That said, one does not need to be a classical musician, or even a lover of music, to appreciate this book; a reader can find other means by which to buy into the young protagonist. But, if you are a lover of classical music, then you’re in luck—the novel comes with a soundtrack! It’s well worth a listen, and will help you appreciate Margaret’s fine work all the more.

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, I play the piano. I've played the piano since I was 7, so they cover had me immediately. And then the descriptions of the music are sublime. I didn't have a chance to listen to the music which is linked up with the e-reader versions (my nook doesn't have that capacity), but given the professional and creative depth of description I think it would have added to the reading experience and I wish I would have made more of an effort to look that music up.

I had dreams of winning competitions like the ones Clive is working towards. I had dreams of being a professional pianist like Clare. And inspiring students on. So a large part of the plot appealed to me.

I will say that there were parts that were far fetched for me. Mainly, Clare's relationship with her husband and his imbalance (don't want to give away too much). However, Clare and Clive's relationship is beautiful in and of itself.

I recommend A Minor - especially for music lovers.

[Afton Rorvik · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this coming-of-age novel about a young man and his piano teacher. The beautifully written storyline and well-developed characters pulled me in immediately, but so did the music embedded in my eBook version. I could actually listen to the music the author described. This would be a great book to discuss in a book club, especially among music lovers and those who have a loved one with memory issues. The author's research about how music speaks to the soul and to the brain of patients will memory loss issues informs this delightful work.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A Minor" starts out as a comfortable, easy read. The characters soon become woven into each others' lives in surprising twists and turns. The concluding chapters draw empathy as Clare, Nero, and Clive face the realities and struggles of dementia. A very real treatment of this issue. Highly recommend!

[LeAnne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting premise. The author used the old-fashioned omniscient POV, but I think the story would have been more powerful if she had stuck with Clare, Nero and Clive and felt them deeply. Jumping from head to head kept me from really feeling at home with any character. The e-book includes recordings of the pieces mentioned. So much fun to click and listen as I continued reading.

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

AWESOME!!! =D

[Robyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wheaton IL author. had a lot of music info, but I didn't care for the book.

[Marsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Endearing, light story.