A life out of tune

Brodie Moncur, the protagonist of William Boyd's 2018 novel Love Is Blind, has perfect pitch, leading to a successful career as a piano tuner in late 19th century Europe when the piano industry is highly competitive and live musical events are a prime source of entertainment. He proves much less capable of keeping his own life in tune, especially after Lika Blum walks into it.

Brodie is hired by John Kilbarron, a gifted pianist, to tour with him and keep his pianos in perfect condition for his own needs, complicated by the fact that Kilbarron has a weak right hand that requires keys sensitive to the lightest touch. Brodie falls in love with the pianist's Russian mistress, Lika, who wants to become a great opera singer but lacks the necessary talent. Kilbarron mostly ignores her, making it possible for her and Brodie to begin a secret affair.

The bigger problem proves to be Malachi Kilbarron, John's brother, who manages the pianist's career and includes keeping an eye on Lika as one of his responsibilities. Strangely Lika seems more connected to and more fearful of Malachi than John, yet she declines to tell Brodie why. And she refuses to marry him when they finally are able to run away together.

A further complication is that Brodie develops tuberculosis, at a time when that is a death sentence.

Brodie has opportunities to retreat to a simpler life in a warm climate that would be better both for his health and his peace of mind. But, as Boyd's title reminds us, love is blind, and our young piano tuner gives up financial success, takes part in a duel and flees from country to country to escape his pursuer, all for the love of Lika.

The reader knows all this cannot possibly end happily, but it makes compulsive reading. Boyd's novels are always a pleasure.