SOLVED. Novel based on update of Mozart's Cosi Fan Tutti - late twentieth century - romance. [s]

[Jay]

The story is a modern take on Cosi Fan Tutti - Mozart's opera about two pairs of lovers, deceived by the evil Don into swapping partners. It is set in Oxbridge, sometime in the late twentieth century.
The Don becomes a professor [the 'don'] and the Dorabella of the opera becomes Dora. - can't recall how the other names are updated! The lovers are all students at the university.

The basic story follows the story of the opera and is essentially a romance if a tragic one. It's quite a light, enjoyable read and a short one.

There's a lot of descriptions of Mozart's music too so it's a good intro to the opera.

I can't recall anything else but it was really good and I'd love to read it again.
If anyone knows anything please let me know! Thanks.

ps I think it was a fairly well known female author but am not sure!

[Lobstergirl, au gratin]

What year did you read it? Remember the cover?

[Jay]

Thanks...I read it in 1998 - so the book couldn't have been written after that.
There is a book actually called 'Cosi Fan Tutti' by Michael Dibdin, but it's a recent book.

The cover...I think it had violins on it? Or something to do with music anyway...maybe a line of score.

Otherwise it's a blank.

[[deleted user]]

A School for Lovers? According to Amazon reviews, it seems to include a manipulative Oxford don, music students, and a lot of information about the opera.

[Jay]

Hi Sarah - you have got it!! Thank you so much - yes, this book by Jill Paton Walsh is the one I remember - I can't believe you managed to track it down on Amazon, as I searched and searched with no luck!

I'm so pleased and you have made my day!

Jay

[Jay]

ps to Sarah or moderators - how do I now file this under 'SOLVED' ?
Thanks!

[Moloch]

click the link "edit" next to the title of the topic, then select the Solved folder on the drop-down menu, then click "save"

If you want moderators will do it for you when they see your post

[Kris]

Thanks Moloch.

Done. (Note: you need to use the desktop, not mobile, version of the website to see the "edit" link.)

[Jay]

Thanks Moloch and Kris - solved in 24 hours! I am very impressed and will definitely use this brilliant site again.

Jay