Vintage Vlog: The Gustav Sonata

Chilly Switzerland is the setting this week as I look at the new novel from Rose Tremain, The Gustav Sonata.
You can hear Jen and I talking about books in the last 15 mins or so of this podcast: • BOOKS WITH JEN: Ep 5 |...
What is the difference between friendship and love? Or between neutrality and commitment? Gustav Perle grows up in a small town in 'neutral' Switzerland, where the horrors of the Second World War seem a distant echo. But Gustav's father has mysteriously died, and his adored mother Emilie is strangely cold and indifferent to him. Gustav's childhood is spent in lonely isolation, his only toy a tin train with painted passengers staring blankly from the carriage windows.
As time goes on, an intense friendship with a boy of his own age, Anton Zwiebel, begins to define Gustav's life. Jewish and mercurial, a talented pianist tortured by nerves when he has to play in public, Anton fails to understand how deeply and irrevocably his life and Gustav's are entwined.
Fierce, astringent, profoundly tender, Rose Tremain’s beautifully orchestrated novel asks the question, what does it do to a person, or to a country, to pursue an eternal quest for neutrality, and self-mastery, while all life's hopes and passions continually press upon the borders and beat upon the gate.
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Winners please email: [e-mail]

[@rozibowman5235]

Rose Tremain... Switzerland. .. post war.. what a treat.. will order if not lucky as I am up soon as chooser for our book group. A great way to spend Sunday morning.. listening to someone talk about a good book!

[@camilelanza]

Thank you for this wonderful recommendation, Will. I absolutely love the book. It's probably one of the best books I've read this year. Lots of love from Brazil.

[@sariehopkins2202]

Sounds very intriguing, especially the ending!

[@siobhanhawthorne6711]

Sounds really intriguing. Can't wait to read it!

[@vacheliiyer5723]

Rose Tremain is an author I've never heard of, or even seen in local bookstores here. I'm sure she's there but probably hidden away somewhere instead of proudly displayed at the front. I'd love books set in cold places and the actual storyline sounds right up my alley.

[@NathanJamesReads]

Thank you so much for selecting me, I'm so so excited to read This Too Shall Pass!

[@johnkearney256]

Another great video! My books from Vintage are starting to pile up! thanks for this! :)

[@hannahh2660]

Interesting and not something that I'd immediately be drawn to if in a bookshop, BUT your description has sold it to me! Ha! And I just have to know what this climax and ending is all about now! I'd love to be included in the draw, thanks Will.

[@itshelen1]

I have loved Rose Tremain ever since I did a job swap in New Zealand and had the best book group discussion ever on "The Road Home". My second favourite is "The Way I Found Her". This is how I like to think of Paris in the heat!

[@chrisafiskon]

Incredibly interesting. Do count me in!

[@gluefairy09]

Sounds incredible! Would love a copy!!

[@kelseyhibbitt5904]

this sounds so mysterious!!

[@h.i.m.3200]

Sounds great. I like all things intense.

[@varmagid]

I have Rose Tremain's "Sacred Country" on my TBR. I would love to add this book. Thanks!

[@CurtisBooksandFilms]

Sounds great!

[@juk2023]

sounds brill!

[@INCdruidskills]

Sounds Fascinating, Sign me up!

[@englicanme]

This sounds so good! Sign me up for a copy!

[@imitationoflife7]

I have never read any Rose Tremain but I'm intrigued! I'd love to win a copy

[@chrisa31]

Sounds fascinating, would love to win a copy!

[@StanGeorgiana]

I read some books that had male friendships, but this one sounds like there is more. Also, I do like Switzerland so maybe this is the book for me. Please count me in ;)

[@Lionheart5375]

Am I too late? I hope not cause this sounds like a book I would love to read - I am intrigued! I'd love to win a copy :)

[@randallisreading4561]

Yes please I would love to win! It's my birthday soon and books make the best presents!

[@angelexittheatre]

I've never read anything by Rose Tremain actually. Sign me up.

[@19Billebob94]

I passed last week's giveaway because I'd like to read it in the original language, but this time I'm really intrigued by the mystery within this novel! Please enter me for the giveaway!

[@mayanksaharan9951]

Win me something!!

[@Robeeh2]

Sounds like a writer I should read...

[@carodecarlo]

Hi Will, hope you're having a fantastic week! This book sounds very good. Please enter me in the giveaway :)