In this beautifully written and compulsively readable story of love and the mutability of human relationships, pianist Witold's infatuation with Beatriz will change them both. A Sunday Times, Daily Telegraph and Financial Times Book of the Year‘Confirms Coetzee as one of the great writers of fiction’ ObserverAfter his piano recital in Barcelona, Witold Walczykiewicz – white-haired virtuoso, controversial interpreter of Chopin – becomes infatuated with Beatriz, his designated companion at dinner. Beatriz, a stylish patron of the arts, is at first unmoved.