Plot Summary

An Equal Music

Vikram Seth
Guide cover placeholder

An Equal Music

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1999

Book Brief

Vikram Seth

An Equal Music

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1999
Book Details
Pages

400

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

London, Vienna • 1990s

Topic
Publication Year

1999

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

An Equal Music by Vikram Seth follows Michael Holme, a violinist in the successful Maggiore Quartet, who rekindles an affair with his former lover, Julia McNicholl, only to discover she is going deaf. Balancing his deep connection with Julia and the demands of his music, Michael faces personal and professional turmoil, culminating in a performance that forces him to confront his past and future.

Melancholic

Bittersweet

Emotional

Romantic

Nostalgic

Reviews & Readership

4.0

11,062 ratings

64%

Loved it

26%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Vikram Seth's An Equal Music is celebrated for its exquisite portrayal of classical music and its emotional depth. Readers praise the detailed depiction of musicians' lives and the authenticity of the musical experiences. However, some criticize its overly sentimental tone and the protagonist's relentless obsession. Overall, it's a poignant exploration of art, love, and loss.

Who should read this

Who Should Read An Equal Music?

An ideal reader for Vikram Seth's An Equal Music is someone who appreciates intricate, character-driven narratives with a strong musical element. Fans of Ian McEwan's Atonement or Kazuo Ishiguro's The Remains of the Day will revel in Seth's exploration of love, loss, and the profound connection human beings share through the arts.

4.0

11,062 ratings

64%

Loved it

26%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

400

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

London, Vienna • 1990s

Topic
Publication Year

1999

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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