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The Soloist
As a child, Renne showed promise of becoming one of the world's greatest cellists. Now, years later, his life suddenly is altered by two he becomes a juror in a murder trial for the brutal killing of a Buddhist monk, and he takes on as a pupil a Korean boy whose brilliant musicianship reminds him of his own past.
284 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1994
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About the author
Mark Salzman
36 books226 followersMark Salzman is an award-winning novelist and nonfiction author who has written on a variety of subjects, from a graceful novel about a Carmelite nun’s ecstatic visions and crisis of faith to a compelling memoir about growing up a misfit in a Connecticut suburb – clearly displaying a range that transcends genre. As a boy, all Salzman ever wanted was to be a Kung Fu master, but it was his proficiency on the cello that facilitated his acceptance to Yale at the age of 16. He soon changed his major to Chinese language and philosophy, which took him to mainland China where he taught English for two years and studied martial arts. He never gave up music, though, and Salzman’s cello playing appears on the soundtrack to several films, including the Academy Award-winning documentary Breathing Lessons: The Life and Work of Mark O’Brien. He has also played with Yo-Yo Ma and pianist Emanuel Ax at Lincoln Center. Salzman’s unusual combination of talents – as both a well-known author and a concert-proficient cellist – led to a feature profile about him in The New Yorker magazine. He was also recently presented with the Algonquin West Hollywood Literary Award.
A number of Mark Salzman’s books have been chosen for “book in common” reading programs by more than a few schools and universities for their elegance, humor, and portrayal of our shared humanity. His first memoir, Iron and Silk, inspired by his years in China, was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in nonfiction and received the Christopher Award. His book True Notebooks is a fascinating look at his experiences as a writing teacher at Los Angeles Central Juvenile Hall, a lockup for violent teenage offenders. Salzman is also the author of the memoir Lost in Place: Growing Up Absurd in Suburbia, and the novels The Laughing Sutra, The Soloist, and Lying Awake. Common to each of his works is a theme of how people struggle to reach an ideal but often fall short, and the quiet change that takes place in facing the discouragement and the possibility of never achieving their goal. Salzman writes with gut-wrenching honesty and unalloyed warmth, combined with a sharp sense of humor.
A number of Mark Salzman’s books have been chosen for “book in common” reading programs by more than a few schools and universities for their elegance, humor, and portrayal of our shared humanity. His first memoir, Iron and Silk, inspired by his years in China, was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in nonfiction and received the Christopher Award. His book True Notebooks is a fascinating look at his experiences as a writing teacher at Los Angeles Central Juvenile Hall, a lockup for violent teenage offenders. Salzman is also the author of the memoir Lost in Place: Growing Up Absurd in Suburbia, and the novels The Laughing Sutra, The Soloist, and Lying Awake. Common to each of his works is a theme of how people struggle to reach an ideal but often fall short, and the quiet change that takes place in facing the discouragement and the possibility of never achieving their goal. Salzman writes with gut-wrenching honesty and unalloyed warmth, combined with a sharp sense of humor.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 310 reviews
February 16, 2017
I've been in a musical mood lately. From a piano shop in Paris to a life of Beethoven (which is slow-going and a bit frustrating so far but still...Beethoven!) to Mark Salzman's novel about a child prodigy cellist and what happens to him when he loses the desire to play.
Well, that is not exactly right. When we meet Reinhart Sundheimer he has not 'concertized' for many years, but he still practices daily, trying to recapture the magic of earlier years. But he lost the desire to play, the love for playing long before the story begins.
Then comes jury duty; and a gifted student. How will these two influences affect our
narrator's life?
The courtroom drama was interesting, and certainly brought up many topics that could be discussed (hopefully calmly) in a discussion group. But while I was fascinated by the trial, I was enchanted by the story of Kyung-hee. I learned new music along with him, (thanks to YouTube) and came away with a greater appreciation for both Bach and the cello.
My mother was a music major in college, and played string bass in the El Paso Symphony Orchestra back in the late 70's. She plays cello for fun now, and although she complains that it is not really her instrument, she enjoys her practicing. I am going to take her this book. I think she will
understand Salzman and his love for music, although she might get a bit lost during that trial. I know I did a time or two.
Well, that is not exactly right. When we meet Reinhart Sundheimer he has not 'concertized' for many years, but he still practices daily, trying to recapture the magic of earlier years. But he lost the desire to play, the love for playing long before the story begins.
Then comes jury duty; and a gifted student. How will these two influences affect our
narrator's life?
The courtroom drama was interesting, and certainly brought up many topics that could be discussed (hopefully calmly) in a discussion group. But while I was fascinated by the trial, I was enchanted by the story of Kyung-hee. I learned new music along with him, (thanks to YouTube) and came away with a greater appreciation for both Bach and the cello.
My mother was a music major in college, and played string bass in the El Paso Symphony Orchestra back in the late 70's. She plays cello for fun now, and although she complains that it is not really her instrument, she enjoys her practicing. I am going to take her this book. I think she will
understand Salzman and his love for music, although she might get a bit lost during that trial. I know I did a time or two.
September 13, 2024
Reinhart “Renne” Sundheimer, now in his early thirties, had been a child prodigy cellist. As a child, he and his mother moved to Germany so he could study with a famous retired musician. Tutored from an early age, his whole life revolved around practicing and giving concerts. When he was eighteen, his musical gift abruptly vanished, leaving him to struggle with what to do with his life while waiting for his gift to return.
There are two main storylines. One is the story of his life, including his previous experiences in classical music, current job as a music teacher at a university, and initial contact with a Korean child with a similar musical gift. The other is the present-day story of Renne’s selection as a jurist for a murder trial in which the insanity defense is employed.
It examines the role of pressure in life. Renne’s confidence is undermined once he gets out of the child prodigy phase – where he had received constant praise and felt he could do no wrong – and his adult self in which he becomes self-conscious and pressured to take the master cellist’s place in music. The legal case involves pressure to change a strongly held belief. The interactions with the Korean child involve dealing with a family situation quite different from his own. These new experiences provide an opportunity to break out of his self-imposed limitations.
I loved this book. I recommend it to those with a background in or love of classical music or those who have known people with extensive musical gifts. I read it straight through and had trouble putting it down. It is a ultimately a positive story of (eventual) self-acceptance.
There are two main storylines. One is the story of his life, including his previous experiences in classical music, current job as a music teacher at a university, and initial contact with a Korean child with a similar musical gift. The other is the present-day story of Renne’s selection as a jurist for a murder trial in which the insanity defense is employed.
It examines the role of pressure in life. Renne’s confidence is undermined once he gets out of the child prodigy phase – where he had received constant praise and felt he could do no wrong – and his adult self in which he becomes self-conscious and pressured to take the master cellist’s place in music. The legal case involves pressure to change a strongly held belief. The interactions with the Korean child involve dealing with a family situation quite different from his own. These new experiences provide an opportunity to break out of his self-imposed limitations.
I loved this book. I recommend it to those with a background in or love of classical music or those who have known people with extensive musical gifts. I read it straight through and had trouble putting it down. It is a ultimately a positive story of (eventual) self-acceptance.
March 16, 2016
Renne Sundheimer was a child prodigy. His instrument of choice was the cello. Unfortunately, his gift deserted him at the age of eighteen never to return. He spent his life attempting to rekindle what he had lost until he was selected for jury duty. The trial made him open his eyes to what he had been missing in life and where he truly stood. The book is a slow read and drags in certain parts. But, it is a good story of overcoming a life disappointment and finally move on. Even, if it takes sixteen years.
Quote:
But Judge Davis had warned us that the defendant did not have to testify, and Ms. Doppelt had made a point of informing us that sometimes it serves justice better to let the evidence argue on behalf of the accused rather than the other way.
Quote:
But Judge Davis had warned us that the defendant did not have to testify, and Ms. Doppelt had made a point of informing us that sometimes it serves justice better to let the evidence argue on behalf of the accused rather than the other way.
April 12, 2011
A very disappointing effort from Salzman. The plot is enticing: Reinhardt, a child prodigy cellist, loses his gift and spends years trying to get it back so he can live the life of a concert musician. After a decade of futile practice, he is asked to tutor another child prodigy; sullen, withdrawn nine-year old wunderkind Kyung-Hee. And if Salzman had just stayed with that, I think he would have written a fine book. There is the possibility of youth vs. age, the teacher craving the talent the student possesses, the cultural conflict of east vs. west (Reinhardt was born in New York, traveled Europe as a child and lives in Los Angeles while Kyung-Hee is from a traditional Korean family). Additionally, there is the opportunity to write about classical music and how elusively beautiful it is. That's what I was expecting.
Instead, in addition to working with Kyung-Hee, Salzman has Reinhardt serving on a jury in a murder trial; a Zen student has killed his master. Salzman memorably wrote about the Far East in "Iron and Silk" and honestly, I thought perhaps Reinhardt would be exposed to Zen wisdom during the trial which in turn could help him become a better teacher or resolve the endless search for his talent. But no, Salzman has him serving on this particular trial because... he's serving on a trial.
While serving on the jury, the virgin Reinhardt develops a serious crush on a married fellow juror and like the trial itself, the reader is left wanting for why this particular plot point is meaningful. There are also several flashbacks to Reinhardt's childhood which, unfortunately, have the same effect.
All of this makes for a very frustrating read, not because the book is difficult to follow but because the book does not inspire. Much of this has to do with Salzman's choice to write the book in the first person voice of Reinhardt. The choice works in the opening pages when Reinhardt details his early fame and sudden loss of his gift but the remaining pages are a chore because Reinhardt is not an easy character for the reader to attach or, frankly, to even like. At least for this reader, there is no satisfying resolution to any of the plot-lines.
I had a lot of fun reading "The Laughing Sutra" and I'm looking forward to reading "Iron and Silk." I'm sorry to say that this is a book I wish I never opened.
Instead, in addition to working with Kyung-Hee, Salzman has Reinhardt serving on a jury in a murder trial; a Zen student has killed his master. Salzman memorably wrote about the Far East in "Iron and Silk" and honestly, I thought perhaps Reinhardt would be exposed to Zen wisdom during the trial which in turn could help him become a better teacher or resolve the endless search for his talent. But no, Salzman has him serving on this particular trial because... he's serving on a trial.
While serving on the jury, the virgin Reinhardt develops a serious crush on a married fellow juror and like the trial itself, the reader is left wanting for why this particular plot point is meaningful. There are also several flashbacks to Reinhardt's childhood which, unfortunately, have the same effect.
All of this makes for a very frustrating read, not because the book is difficult to follow but because the book does not inspire. Much of this has to do with Salzman's choice to write the book in the first person voice of Reinhardt. The choice works in the opening pages when Reinhardt details his early fame and sudden loss of his gift but the remaining pages are a chore because Reinhardt is not an easy character for the reader to attach or, frankly, to even like. At least for this reader, there is no satisfying resolution to any of the plot-lines.
I had a lot of fun reading "The Laughing Sutra" and I'm looking forward to reading "Iron and Silk." I'm sorry to say that this is a book I wish I never opened.
June 3, 2009
I really liked this book. I was drawn to it originally at the thrift store because it had a musical title and a picture of a cello on the cover. The description sounded good, so I picked it up. It turned out to be a quiet book that was immensely touching. It has three strands that are all woven together to form the full picture of a man coming to grips with his past and present and weaving them together to face his future. It is written in first person and vignettes of Renne's past as a child prodigy are interspersed with his present as a cello teacher of another prodigy and his involvement as a juror on a murder trial. All these stories combine to help him re-invent himself as a man and as a musician and it was an interesting journey. His descriptions of music and playing an instrument were deep and profound and I really enjoyed his wisdom and view of music.
February 3, 2016
This is a novel (not to be confused withh the true story that has been made into a movie starring Jamie Foxx and Robert Downey Jr).
It is an incandescent work about personal growth. Renne is a former musical child prodigy now teaching music at a university - too young to be a retired concert soloist, too old to still be a virgin.
It is an incandescent work about personal growth. Renne is a former musical child prodigy now teaching music at a university - too young to be a retired concert soloist, too old to still be a virgin.
August 24, 2011
4 stars for the beautiful references to music and its impact in our lives. How grateful I am to have music and music performance present in my life.
December 17, 2023
New favourite.
February 9, 2013
"...I've decided that we all crave a sense of dignity in our lives, but most of us find it an elusive goal." This is one of Reinhart Sundheimer's reflections on life and on himself. The Soloist is an endearing story that tells the tale of a man who hit his prime as a child. A musical prodigy, Reinhart was a world-class cellist from a young age. He was nurtured and encouraged (albeit a bit harshly when it came to his mother) -- and, sadly, isolated. He was kept away from age-mates so that he could cultivate his talents, and adults had no interest in socializing with him on his level. He faced incredible pressure in the form of promises that all his hard work would only make him better and more desirable and the center of friendships and admiration as an adult. To his utter dismay, the intense pressure only served to stifle him and render him unable not only to form friendships but even to play the cello publicly.
Reinhart's loneliness is both reduced and intensified the summer he is summoned to jury duty and simultaneously is hired to teach a young prodigy. Salzman tells a beautiful story that easily warms the reader's heart toward Reinhart. The storyline follows Reinhart as he teaches his young student, reflects on the murder trial for which he is serving on the jury, and as he forms a tentative friendship with one of the members of the jury. Following Reinhart through these separate but interwoven plot lines lends a degree of depth to the story that leaves the reader feeling satisfied.
The Soloist would have been worthy of five stars in this reviewer's opinion but for one glaring problem. Salzman doesn't appear to have thoroughly researched the issues of the defendant on trial. The man has made an insanity plea. Salzman establishes that he is without a doubt schizophrenic. The question at hand for the jury to decide is not whether the defendant is schizophrenic but whether he can be deemed criminally insane. This could have made for an interesting story; however, it seems as though Salzman is entirely unaware of what Schizophrenia actually is. The defendant's behavior is described, experts testify that he has schizophrenia, but, unfortunately, very little of what is portrayed actually relates to schizophrenia.
The portrayal of schizophrenia is indeed poorly done. However, Reinhart is a well-developed character, and Salzman tells the majority of the story in such a way that the reader is likely to be charmed. Reinhart Sundheimer is easy to like, and Salzman tells his story in a satisfying manner.
Reinhart's loneliness is both reduced and intensified the summer he is summoned to jury duty and simultaneously is hired to teach a young prodigy. Salzman tells a beautiful story that easily warms the reader's heart toward Reinhart. The storyline follows Reinhart as he teaches his young student, reflects on the murder trial for which he is serving on the jury, and as he forms a tentative friendship with one of the members of the jury. Following Reinhart through these separate but interwoven plot lines lends a degree of depth to the story that leaves the reader feeling satisfied.
The Soloist would have been worthy of five stars in this reviewer's opinion but for one glaring problem. Salzman doesn't appear to have thoroughly researched the issues of the defendant on trial. The man has made an insanity plea. Salzman establishes that he is without a doubt schizophrenic. The question at hand for the jury to decide is not whether the defendant is schizophrenic but whether he can be deemed criminally insane. This could have made for an interesting story; however, it seems as though Salzman is entirely unaware of what Schizophrenia actually is. The defendant's behavior is described, experts testify that he has schizophrenia, but, unfortunately, very little of what is portrayed actually relates to schizophrenia.
The portrayal of schizophrenia is indeed poorly done. However, Reinhart is a well-developed character, and Salzman tells the majority of the story in such a way that the reader is likely to be charmed. Reinhart Sundheimer is easy to like, and Salzman tells his story in a satisfying manner.
May 2, 2013
This book was very interesting and loveable at the same time. It's hard not to read the whole book in one sitting. This non-fiction story will keep you wanting more and more. Steve Lopez the author as well as the protagonist in the story does a great job of portraying the connection between Nathaniel and himself, describing the severity of homelessness in Los Angeles, and re creating an inspirational story that actually happened.
As I started to read the book I could see right away that something special was going to be created between the friendship of Nathaniel and Mr. Lopez. Lopez starts off by just wanting to write a story about Nathaniel but much change occurs when he really gets to know about him as a person and his past. Mr. Lopez turns almost into a father figure for Nathaniel. Nathaniel even says that he is God in one point of the story. Lopez transforms the feeble homeless man into someone that can now control himself and practice music in a dignified manner. The connection between the two men is amazing and it was very cool to see how it progressed in the story.
Once I read about Lamp and the dangerous streets that surround Los Angeles I was flabbergasted. All I have ever heard about California is great stuff such as beaches, Casinos, and Kobe Bryant. Little did I know there were so many deaths going on in the homeless areas in so little of time. This book really enlightened me on the reality of homeless living and how dangerous it is. Mr. Lopez has a terrible experience on the streets of Los Angeles when he was trying to find Nathaniel, which made me never want to go where he was.
The story that Steve Lopez creates in "The Soloist" is amazing. When you think about it, it must be very hard to write about his own life and the struggles he had to overcome with connecting to Nathaniel. He does a great job of keeping the story realistic and believable. At times I read things that made me wonder why he never just quit on Nathaniel being as hard to deal with as he was throughout the book. He must have had a lot of courage too not only write this book but to deal with Nathaniel as well.
Overall I would give this book four stars. It's a very fast read that can take your life over if you really get into it. The book made me feel happy when I finished it knowing that I can make a difference in someone’s life if I really show compassion just like Mr. Lopez showed to Nathaniel. Read it!!!
As I started to read the book I could see right away that something special was going to be created between the friendship of Nathaniel and Mr. Lopez. Lopez starts off by just wanting to write a story about Nathaniel but much change occurs when he really gets to know about him as a person and his past. Mr. Lopez turns almost into a father figure for Nathaniel. Nathaniel even says that he is God in one point of the story. Lopez transforms the feeble homeless man into someone that can now control himself and practice music in a dignified manner. The connection between the two men is amazing and it was very cool to see how it progressed in the story.
Once I read about Lamp and the dangerous streets that surround Los Angeles I was flabbergasted. All I have ever heard about California is great stuff such as beaches, Casinos, and Kobe Bryant. Little did I know there were so many deaths going on in the homeless areas in so little of time. This book really enlightened me on the reality of homeless living and how dangerous it is. Mr. Lopez has a terrible experience on the streets of Los Angeles when he was trying to find Nathaniel, which made me never want to go where he was.
The story that Steve Lopez creates in "The Soloist" is amazing. When you think about it, it must be very hard to write about his own life and the struggles he had to overcome with connecting to Nathaniel. He does a great job of keeping the story realistic and believable. At times I read things that made me wonder why he never just quit on Nathaniel being as hard to deal with as he was throughout the book. He must have had a lot of courage too not only write this book but to deal with Nathaniel as well.
Overall I would give this book four stars. It's a very fast read that can take your life over if you really get into it. The book made me feel happy when I finished it knowing that I can make a difference in someone’s life if I really show compassion just like Mr. Lopez showed to Nathaniel. Read it!!!
August 21, 2008
Warning: Do not even think about reading this if you are not heavily into classical music/musicians, and the process of of the classical concert
A friend lent me his copy for the book's paradoxical trial of a young man convicted of killing his Zen master. Sunheimer, a cellist since youth, is one of the jury members. The chapters in the jury room are a rehash of "Twelve Angry", as it could be told by Henry Fonda's character's inner monologue. Even a few of the less savory characters are cliches from from that great film, and when the protagonist references Fonda's character as similar to his own, the charade becomes transparent.
But, if only for the many and intelligent sections of the book espousing Sundheimer's music student days under the suspected Nazi, von Kempen, I was tempted to give this book at least another star. His descriptions of the tribulations of the child prodigy, and his heartbreaking inability, at age eighteen, to play in front of an audience, are inescapably wonderful. Several times during the reading, I had to put the book down and play some notes on the piano, to try and experience all the beauty that Sundheimer has lost through psycho-somatic regression.
The writing is spare; the book goes on far too long, but if you are even half-assedly interested in great music, read it for the spellbinding emotions of performing and listening to pure music.
A friend lent me his copy for the book's paradoxical trial of a young man convicted of killing his Zen master. Sunheimer, a cellist since youth, is one of the jury members. The chapters in the jury room are a rehash of "Twelve Angry", as it could be told by Henry Fonda's character's inner monologue. Even a few of the less savory characters are cliches from from that great film, and when the protagonist references Fonda's character as similar to his own, the charade becomes transparent.
But, if only for the many and intelligent sections of the book espousing Sundheimer's music student days under the suspected Nazi, von Kempen, I was tempted to give this book at least another star. His descriptions of the tribulations of the child prodigy, and his heartbreaking inability, at age eighteen, to play in front of an audience, are inescapably wonderful. Several times during the reading, I had to put the book down and play some notes on the piano, to try and experience all the beauty that Sundheimer has lost through psycho-somatic regression.
The writing is spare; the book goes on far too long, but if you are even half-assedly interested in great music, read it for the spellbinding emotions of performing and listening to pure music.
October 23, 2017
This book had a great line up - A virtuoso musician, Buddhism and a Buddhist retreat, an interesting court case, and a man's frustrations with his life and lack of achievement as he gets older, an awkward relationship with a woman; What could go wrong?
It is entertaining and it keeps you turning pages and wanting to come back, but it felt a tiny bit contrived in its effort to create some grandiose epiphany for the main character toward the end. I like to analyze fiction by how "real" it feels, especially through its integration of style and plot, and use of description. This book draws you in with a continual hum of relatable thoughts and ideas from a somewhat neurotic but very believable character. Unfortunately, it felt just a tiny bit "pre-meditated" in its effort to draw all elements to a close in the last few chapters. Still a good book (3 stars), but it had the potential to be far greater.
It is entertaining and it keeps you turning pages and wanting to come back, but it felt a tiny bit contrived in its effort to create some grandiose epiphany for the main character toward the end. I like to analyze fiction by how "real" it feels, especially through its integration of style and plot, and use of description. This book draws you in with a continual hum of relatable thoughts and ideas from a somewhat neurotic but very believable character. Unfortunately, it felt just a tiny bit "pre-meditated" in its effort to draw all elements to a close in the last few chapters. Still a good book (3 stars), but it had the potential to be far greater.
May 16, 2022
Despite the fact that this was a thought-provoking read, I appreciated Salman’s Lying Awake much more. I didn’t see the connection the author was attempting to draw between the trial and the protagonist’s loss of musical ability. More than once I wondered if this was a book about mental illness. But that suspicion was never clearly confirmed. By the end of the book, I found myself questioning what meaning there was to be uncovered here. Ultimately I didn’t come up with much.
December 8, 2024
fun, easy read. Not too stimulating, but the author tells a really interesting story about the development of his relationship with the cello tied into his experience in jury duty. I'm glad a read it - a nice, feel good story that I found relatable and would encourage anyone to read if they want something refreshing.
Now, time to lock in on Gotham
Now, time to lock in on Gotham
December 13, 2023
What an interesting read, I enjoyed the steady pace of the two intertwined stories. It felt like a quiet, almost gentle, reflection on his inner journey towards insight on the way he moved through the world. I also enjoyed his character studies on the other jurors. A satisfying end with a few memorable thoughts.
June 8, 2024
Pretty good, I liked the dual story lines of the trial and his cello playing. The ending was kind of unsatisfactory though, especially the trial. I also didn't love the narrative voice, just the way he was so focused on appearance and 'charm'. However, it wrapped up nicely and I liked the conclusion on the cello.
April 11, 2023
3.5/5. I had a terrible time relating to Renne, the protagonist.
September 21, 2012
I would have liked to give this book a 3.5 star rating. It wasn't solidly good (which I require for 4 stars), but it wasn't just mediocre, there were a few good passages and it was certainly entertaining enough.
Renne was an interesting narrator; he is removed from society and despite being mid-30s has the voice of a 60-something. He spends lots of time thinking about people and interactions and mourning his inability to create relationships since losing his ability to play, but he also enjoys his solitary life. We have completely trite: "I'll be thirty-six years old this spring, which is young for a retired concert soloist but old for a virgin." coupled with: "As a rule, I try to avoid talking wiht anyone about the collapse of society. My own view is that apathy is an acceptable, if not admirable, stance because it actively reduces frustration and despair and to that extent makes the world a better place."
I found Renne's tone to be appealing most of the time. The story was compelling and quick-enough paced to keep the reader entertained and moving throughout.
I was a bit annoyed that Salzman felt he had to bring Nazi Germany into the book. Certainly von Kempen's career (and its termination) is relevant to Renne's life, but it felt like a cheap shot added to the mix of other things discussed.
The main focus is on happiness and the pursuit thereof. As we watch the trial unfold and see Renne empathize with Phillip, the reader is treated to several great passages. When Renne says,"Enlightenment, salvation, finding your 'true self'--it all sounded too grandiose, hopeful and vague at the same time to be believed." the irony of course is that Renne looks for just that in music and until the end of the novel is unable to see that he has spent half of his life waiting for this enlightenment (that he once had) to return. I really thought that the parallels between Renne's musical quest and Phillips Zen training were remarkable.
Similarly, in the description of Zen teaching we have "Most people resent the fact that they cannot always do what they like. Some days even the most privileged of us feel we have no freedom at all." This is so absolutely true and is a perfect description of the human condition. We are always looking for more and better and different; feeling satisfied or accepting a moment is difficult for all of us. The best antidote that I know of is attributed to Gandhi here as "'Satisfaction lies in the effort, not in the attainment.'"
While following Renne on his journey to rediscovering his self, we hear a lot about "paying attention and feeling more involved in your ordinary life, with all its limitations and shortcomings." Finally, Renne argues that "the larger picture is overrated." Ironically enough, this replicates his father's earlier answer to the question about the difference between optimist and pessimists: "when somebody gets born, it's like he got pushed off the top of one of those ski-slope places. There's only one way to go, and that's down. Optimists are the people who face backwards; they're looking up, but trying real hard not to notice that up is getting farther away. Pessimist are facing the direction they're going.' 'So what are you, Dad?' 'I'm not looking.'"
Finally, there was a line in the trial about understanding insanity that I simply liked: "The line between an irresistible impulse and an impulse not resisted is probably no sharper than the line between twilight and dusk." I don't know that resisting impulses is easy for any of us, and certainly after succumbing to any impulse we like to think that it was irresistible, rather than not resisted.
Overall, it is a good read, but nothing spectacular.
Renne was an interesting narrator; he is removed from society and despite being mid-30s has the voice of a 60-something. He spends lots of time thinking about people and interactions and mourning his inability to create relationships since losing his ability to play, but he also enjoys his solitary life. We have completely trite: "I'll be thirty-six years old this spring, which is young for a retired concert soloist but old for a virgin." coupled with: "As a rule, I try to avoid talking wiht anyone about the collapse of society. My own view is that apathy is an acceptable, if not admirable, stance because it actively reduces frustration and despair and to that extent makes the world a better place."
I found Renne's tone to be appealing most of the time. The story was compelling and quick-enough paced to keep the reader entertained and moving throughout.
I was a bit annoyed that Salzman felt he had to bring Nazi Germany into the book. Certainly von Kempen's career (and its termination) is relevant to Renne's life, but it felt like a cheap shot added to the mix of other things discussed.
The main focus is on happiness and the pursuit thereof. As we watch the trial unfold and see Renne empathize with Phillip, the reader is treated to several great passages. When Renne says,"Enlightenment, salvation, finding your 'true self'--it all sounded too grandiose, hopeful and vague at the same time to be believed." the irony of course is that Renne looks for just that in music and until the end of the novel is unable to see that he has spent half of his life waiting for this enlightenment (that he once had) to return. I really thought that the parallels between Renne's musical quest and Phillips Zen training were remarkable.
Similarly, in the description of Zen teaching we have "Most people resent the fact that they cannot always do what they like. Some days even the most privileged of us feel we have no freedom at all." This is so absolutely true and is a perfect description of the human condition. We are always looking for more and better and different; feeling satisfied or accepting a moment is difficult for all of us. The best antidote that I know of is attributed to Gandhi here as "'Satisfaction lies in the effort, not in the attainment.'"
While following Renne on his journey to rediscovering his self, we hear a lot about "paying attention and feeling more involved in your ordinary life, with all its limitations and shortcomings." Finally, Renne argues that "the larger picture is overrated." Ironically enough, this replicates his father's earlier answer to the question about the difference between optimist and pessimists: "when somebody gets born, it's like he got pushed off the top of one of those ski-slope places. There's only one way to go, and that's down. Optimists are the people who face backwards; they're looking up, but trying real hard not to notice that up is getting farther away. Pessimist are facing the direction they're going.' 'So what are you, Dad?' 'I'm not looking.'"
Finally, there was a line in the trial about understanding insanity that I simply liked: "The line between an irresistible impulse and an impulse not resisted is probably no sharper than the line between twilight and dusk." I don't know that resisting impulses is easy for any of us, and certainly after succumbing to any impulse we like to think that it was irresistible, rather than not resisted.
Overall, it is a good read, but nothing spectacular.
December 2, 2016
I was disappointed in this. Either I was missing something, or it did not hang together too well. Parts of it were lovely, parts just hung there not attached to the whole.
It's the story of a cellist, a childhood prodigy who lost his ability to play in public. We meet him when he is in his thirties. But it's also the story of the murder trial of a mentally ill guy who killed a Buddhist monk. The cellist is on the jury. And it's also the story of a doomed affair with a married juror. And also of the adult cellist's attempt to mentor another young prodigy. See what I mean?
Salzman went into too much detail about things that were really tangential -- like the jury selection process and the testimony -- and not enough detail in the areas that could have carried the story, like his childhood and music. In fact he could have dumped the whole jury & trial and probably would have had a better story. More inner musings from the protagonist might have helped me connect with him more.
If you like classical music, it's worth the read, though. It was OK, but did leave me unsatisfied.
It's the story of a cellist, a childhood prodigy who lost his ability to play in public. We meet him when he is in his thirties. But it's also the story of the murder trial of a mentally ill guy who killed a Buddhist monk. The cellist is on the jury. And it's also the story of a doomed affair with a married juror. And also of the adult cellist's attempt to mentor another young prodigy. See what I mean?
Salzman went into too much detail about things that were really tangential -- like the jury selection process and the testimony -- and not enough detail in the areas that could have carried the story, like his childhood and music. In fact he could have dumped the whole jury & trial and probably would have had a better story. More inner musings from the protagonist might have helped me connect with him more.
If you like classical music, it's worth the read, though. It was OK, but did leave me unsatisfied.
November 7, 2019
Reinhart Sundheimer was a child-prodigy cellist who lost his talent as a teenager - the story begins with him as an adult, where he becomes a juror for a murder trial involving the death of a Zen monk.
As a classical musician, I enjoyed the musical references that were so eloquent and succinct, which was clearly an influence of Mark Salzman's own musical background. The way he described the mind of a classical musician was highly believable and there were many quotes I loved throughout the book. However, one negative I found was with the dialogue with Kyung-Hee, the 9 year-old Korean boy who becomes Reinhart's student, which was quite stilted and he didn't really sound like a child.
The other parts of this book deals with the murder trial and it was a fascinating look into the process of deciding whether the murderer was guilty or not guilty on grounds of insanity.
If you like classical music or are a musician, I think this book is definitely for you!
As a classical musician, I enjoyed the musical references that were so eloquent and succinct, which was clearly an influence of Mark Salzman's own musical background. The way he described the mind of a classical musician was highly believable and there were many quotes I loved throughout the book. However, one negative I found was with the dialogue with Kyung-Hee, the 9 year-old Korean boy who becomes Reinhart's student, which was quite stilted and he didn't really sound like a child.
The other parts of this book deals with the murder trial and it was a fascinating look into the process of deciding whether the murderer was guilty or not guilty on grounds of insanity.
If you like classical music or are a musician, I think this book is definitely for you!
August 17, 2019
This novel is almost entirely inner monologue, the narrating detailing his current experiences providing lessons for a young talented cellist, his experience serving on a murder-trial jury, and to a slightly lesser extent, describing his experiences as a child-prodigy cellist and how, instead of improving to virtuoso status, he lost his gift and fell into relative obscurity. Big picture moral is that perfection is the enemy of the good, but inter-twined throughout are little lessons and observations about what it is to set goals and expectations, build relationships, and actually LIVE one's life. While this book could be taken as self-indulgent, I found the depiction of the story soothing and thoughtful, which provided space for my own thoughts to fill in the open spaces as good thinking room that wasn't too heavy-handed.
July 26, 2011
Great book! A child prodigy cellist loses his ability to perform due to a too perfect ear after he turns 18. He thinks of himself as a failure although he teaches both in college and cellist students. Not only do we learn of his odd upbringing with tutors as well as famous cellists for teachers but also the result being a difficulty relating to others. He is asked to teach another child prodigy, age 9, at about the same time as he is chosen for jury duty for a murder trial in which a psychotic man kills his Buddhist teacher during a retreat. Consequently, this book, written by a cellist, teaches about music, composers, Buddhism, mental health and learning to accept oneself. Highly recommended!
June 2, 2019
I wish I could give this book six stars! It was written in 1994 and I think I read it first 10-15 years ago. I have thought about it many times since. It is about a child prodigy cello player who looses his musical ability due to a hearing change and he spends his whole life trying to once again become a master of the instrument. He is now 36, a college music professor, and still hopes to play the cello professionally. He is stuck. And then he gets called to jury duty and his life and his thoughts take a shift. His description of his jury duty responsibility is one of the most beautiful things I have read. I am going to keep the book because I think I will read it again a few years down the road.
November 4, 2011
From the back of the book: As an adolescent, Renne Sundheimer was hailed as potentially the greatest cellist who ever lived...But at the age of 18, his gift deserted him, and now he makes his living as a cello teacher...Suddenly Renne's life changes dramatically when he becomes involved in a murder trial for the brutal killing of a Buddhist monk, and takes on a new pupil--an unprepossessing 9-year-old Korean boy whose talent, potential, and brilliant musicianship remind Renne of his own past.
From me: It's been a very long time since I read this book. I recall it being an easy read, not bad, but nothing too demanding or impressive. However, Salzman remains a favorite author.
From me: It's been a very long time since I read this book. I recall it being an easy read, not bad, but nothing too demanding or impressive. However, Salzman remains a favorite author.
April 11, 2020
I have no idea where this book came from, but there it was on my to-be-read bookcase. And it was well worth the wait. I’m not sure I would have appreciated reading this whenever it was purchased even half as much as I did this week. I know so much more about cellos, Bach, and Zen Buddhism now than I did back then so there was more to smile about and enjoy. I especially loved the little stories about Bach. The protagonist is a failed child prodigy who is called upon to serve jury duty around the same time that he agrees to tutor another child prodigy. Through the process of determining the accused’s innocence or guilt and assessing his student’s talent he is forced to examine his own life.
April 15, 2020
I enjoyed reading Salzman’s Iron and Silk several years ago and hoped I would similarly enjoy The Soloist that showed up in my Little Free Library. I became very engaged with the numerous themes in the story: Renne’s loss of connection to his stellar cello career, his deep conflicts while being on a jury panel judging the insanity defense of a young man, the presentation of Zen Buddhism (is it really crazy making?!!), a brief romance forcing him to address his relationship issues, and his connection as a teacher with a young cello prodigy, similar to his own path.
There was nothing to not like about this well-written and designed book.
There was nothing to not like about this well-written and designed book.
September 9, 2012
I don't know what Salzman set out to do but whatever it was, I think he failed. The main character is unsympathetic in the way a person might be when he's always been told he's brilliant and special and he turns out not to be. In that way, Salzman succeeds in creating him. Then again, it's hard to care about his feelings and experiences because he's so self-centered. Not an easy book to like and, with a slapped-on ending, an unsatisfying read.
Petrea Burchard
Camelot & Vine
Petrea Burchard
Camelot & Vine
March 31, 2014
I was well on my way to giving this book five stars. Alas! The ending was not as satisfactory to me as I had hoped it would be. I'm not sure what I was looking for - perhaps a more explosive epiphany like a grand final movement in an impressive symphony? I wasn't let down by any means, I was simply hoping for, well, more.
My ability to identify and understand this character is what brought me such joy in reading this novel. I'm pleased I tried it out.
My ability to identify and understand this character is what brought me such joy in reading this novel. I'm pleased I tried it out.
September 17, 2018
A beautifully written book about a man that was a child prodigy musician that performed in all the best concert halls before he lost his gift at age 18. He becomes a teacher and the book is about two life changing events - he is called for jury duty in a murder case and he begins teaching another prodigy cello player. He gains meaningful insights and finds peace with his life and the man he has become.
December 23, 2015
I thought this book was disjointed, had no purpose to the plot. I hated the main character-he was so self-absorbed and judgemental yet so flawed and unable to function in his own life. The whole jury duty side story had no point whatsoever- or maybe just to prove he was as annoying to everyone else on the jury as he was to the reader! Skip this one!
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