In the early period, he falls deeply - and futilely - in love with his oldest brother's wife to be, a popular singer called Edie Rose. In the present time, we learn that Harry actually married Edie after all, and that she has recently died.
His grief initially permeates this part of the story until he is revitalised by discovering that his very young grandson, Robin, is a child prodigy on the piano. Harry and his two older brothers have lived their early lives out in the aristocratic family home.
Now, after the war, it's in danger of falling down. Part of the story relates to their varying attempts to rescue the home and its estates; part of it is concerned with the way in which place has a valuable hold on our lives, and yet can also be a constraint.
Music is deeply ingrained in the story, both in terms of serious composition and the collection of soon to be forgotten folk songs. Conductors, orchestras, singers and pianists float through its pages, and there are some wonderful (and occasionally improbable) performances of music.
The way in which life impinges on a musician's ability to work surfaces continually. But the book is also about family and its ties and loves, forgiveness, nature, grief, and much more.
Full of charm, wit and humour, with solidly drawn characters, this is an entertaining read on a number of levels.
Mike Crowl is a Dunedin writer, musician and composer.
