Book Review: Love is Blind by William Boyd

Love is Blind by William Boyd is a captivating and beautifully written novel that explores the complexities of love, music, and the human spirit. Set in the late 19th century, the story follows the life of Brodie Moncur, a gifted Scottish piano tuner, as he navigates through the highs and lows of his personal and professional life.

The novel begins in Edinburgh, where we are introduced to the young and passionate Brodie. He works for Channon & Co., a prestigious piano manufacturer, and quickly establishes himself as a skilled tuner. Brodie’s talent catches the attention of John Kilbarron, a famous Irish pianist, who offers him a job as his personal tuner. This opportunity takes Brodie on a journey across Europe as he accompanies Kilbarron on his concert tours.

Boyd beautifully captures the essence of music in his writing, describing the magic and power it holds over people. The descriptions of Brodie tuning pianos and the intensity of the performances are vivid and immersive, allowing the reader to truly feel the emotions and energy of the music. Through Brodie’s experiences, we witness the transformative power of music and its ability to connect people across cultures and languages.

However, Love is Blind is not solely about music. At its core, it is a story about love and its many forms. Brodie’s life becomes entangled with that of Lika Blum, a Russian soprano, and they embark on a passionate and tumultuous affair. Boyd masterfully portrays the complexities of their relationship, showing the intensity of their love and the challenges they face due to their different backgrounds and circumstances.

The characters in Love is Blind are richly developed and incredibly realistic. Brodie is a compelling protagonist, with his flaws and vulnerabilities making him relatable and endearing. Lika, on the other hand, is enigmatic and complex, adding depth to the narrative. Supporting characters such as Kilbarron and Brodie’s brother, Malachi, also contribute to the richness of the story, each with their own unique personalities and contributions to the plot.

Boyd’s prose is elegant and evocative, painting vivid images of the settings and characters. His attention to detail is impressive, whether it’s describing the grandeur of a concert hall or the streets of Paris. The narrative flows seamlessly, effortlessly transporting the reader from one scene to another, while keeping them engaged and invested in the story.

One of the standout aspects of Love is Blind is Boyd’s ability to weave historical events into the narrative. The novel takes place during a time of great social and political change, with events such as the construction of the Eiffel Tower and the outbreak of World War I serving as a backdrop to the characters’ lives. Boyd incorporates these events seamlessly, giving the story a sense of authenticity and grounding it in its historical context.

Overall, Love is Blind is a mesmerizing and emotionally resonant novel that explores the complexities of love, music, and the human spirit. William Boyd’s exquisite prose and richly developed characters make for a compelling and immersive reading experience. Whether you are a fan of historical fiction or simply appreciate beautiful storytelling, this novel is sure to captivate and leave a lasting impression.