The Poet at the Piano - Michiko Kakutani
The Poet at the Piano: A Novel of My Mother's Life
A sweeping and intimate portrait of a remarkable woman and her lifelong love of music
In this mesmerizing novel, Michiko Kakutani brings to life the story of her mother, Hiroko, a gifted pianist who sacrificed her own musical ambitions to raise a family. Set against the backdrop of twentieth-century Japan and America, The Poet at the Piano is a moving exploration of the power of music, the complexities of family, and the resilience of the human spirit.
A gifted pianist with a promising future
Hiroko is born into a wealthy family in Tokyo in the early 1900s. She shows a prodigious talent for the piano at an early age, and her parents encourage her to pursue a career in music. Hiroko studies at the prestigious Tokyo Music School, where she meets her future husband, a young composer named Jiro.
A love of music that transcends time and distance
Hiroko and Jiro marry and have two children, Michiko and her brother, Koji. Hiroko continues to play the piano, but her career is put on hold when the family moves to America in the 1950s. Jiro gets a job as a professor at a university in New York City, and Hiroko becomes a stay-at-home mom.
The sacrifices of a mother
Hiroko loves her children dearly, but she also misses her music. She finds solace in playing the piano at home, but she never performs in public again. As Michiko and Koji grow up, they come to understand the sacrifices their mother has made for them. They are grateful for her love and support, and they are inspired by her strength and resilience.
A story of love, loss, and redemption
The Poet at the Piano is a beautifully written and deeply moving novel that tells the story of a remarkable woman and her lifelong love of music. It is a story of sacrifice, love, and redemption that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.
Why you should read The Poet at the Piano
- It is a beautifully written and deeply moving novel that tells the story of a remarkable woman and her lifelong love of music.
- It is a story of sacrifice, love, and redemption that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.
- It is a must-read for anyone who loves music, family, or history.