A contemporary French novel that is at once suave, droll and dry. It isn’t a spoiler to say that we learn that our central character is going to die a violent death in twenty-two days (it’s mentioned in the third sentence). What follows is the tale of alcoholic French classical pianist, his death and (ultimately) his afterlife, Piano is a charming (if somewhat odd) novel.

Imagine an episode of The Twilight Zone infused with a heavy dose of French existentialism and you will have some idea of this book. The dénouement is heartbreaking, with an emotional pull rarely achieved in the genre (at least to this reader). Questions of religion, free will and morality underplay the narrative, but delivered with the lightest touch and making this an enchanting read.

Bizarre, incredibly playful and yet remarkably grounded, Piano is a very enjoyable novel. Highly recommended.