Soundless

by Lysa Williams

From dark and humble beginnings, a master musician rises to take the world by storm. Nick Raze, a violin virtuoso, exists at the height of popularity, while his life remains a well-protected mystery. A year of artist-in-residency in Chicago introduces him to a man who offers him his first friendship and a woman who offers him his first taste of love. Now Nick must make a choice to fight against the bonds of his past in order to escape the isolation of his heart. This is the sensitive, sometimes painful look at the life behind the media hype and the heart behind the music.

MP3 CD

First published October 21, 1998

Reviews

[Jaimie · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were moments when this book was very difficult to read- not due to editing errors but due to the difficult subject matter. Many controversial issues are presenting in this peice of literature. William effortlessly takes the reader on a journey through a man's life. She poses hard questions regarding the depth of personal hurt and the relevence of community. I found myself engrossed in the main character, Nick. He both astounded me and broke me heart.

If I could change anything about the book, I would certainly change the ending. It felt rushed and was emotionally lackluster. Other than that, be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster ride. You'll laugh, you cry, and ultimately... you be rendered 'soundless'.

[Cristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Work of fiction about a violin soloist living in Chicago. Beautifully written, but explicit in many places. Psychologically heavy. Like "The Great Gatsby" meets "A Child Called 'It'" meets "Deliverance." A true work of art despite the difficult subject matter, but it comes with a warning to unsuspecting readers: be prepared for just about anything.

[Eleanore June · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my very favorite books. Excruciatingly difficult to read in parts because the hero suffers so greatly and in so many ways. But well worth suffering through with the hero.

The friendship that grows between Nick and Peter is simply wonderful and a true friendship like this between men is something I've rarely read about and sincerely enjoyed.

The audiobook version is especially lovely with a fantastic reader.

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have listened to this book (I've only ever found it in audio book format) at least a dozen times. It is far and away one of the best stories I've ever heard. It is heartbreaking and warming at once and all the characters are so real - it's almost like watching a play. I can not recommend this book enough.

[Melinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Listening to this now. Not what I expected and really makes you think, not a light read. The reader of this book, Christopher Lane is outstanding. It was overly long, frustrating, but interesting characters.

[Cathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first three quarters were excellent. And then it descended into chick lit clichés and I couldn't wait to get to the end. The ending was abrupt and made little sense. Just seemed as if the author was as fed up with the story as I was.

[Alana A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

So tender and complex. I'm still processing. Without spoiling, my gut reaction to the ending was "What?? No, you don't get it!" Then I realized his healing is a journey and still full of misconceptions and untruths. There is hope he will eventually understand.

[Terri · Rating 2 out of 5]

Listened to this book while driving all over South Texas. Couple of surprising plot twists and disliked the ending.