'The Piano Man's Daughter' by Timothy Findley is a poignant tale of Lily Kilworth, a woman plagued by illness and madness, whose life unfolds through the eyes of her son, Charlie. The narrative spans generations, delving into Lily's tragic past, her mother's sacrifices, and the mysterious identity of Charlie's father. Set in Canada from the late 1800s to World War II, the story weaves through Lily's struggles, her relationships, and the haunting legacy of her family.
Findley's writing style immerses the reader in the atmospheric setting of 1890 to 1920 Canada, creating a bond with the characters through intimate storytelling that reveals their human complexities and secrets. The novel captures the emotional journey of Lily and Charlie, exploring themes of love, loss, family wounds, and the search for identity amidst madness and despair.
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Triggers and content warnings include themes of mental illness, trauma from epilepsy, and implications of familial neglect and abandonment.
From The Publisher:
Narrated by Charlie Kilworth, whose birth is an echo of his mother's own illegitimate beginnings, The Piano Man's Daughter is the lyrical, multilayered tale of Charlie's mother, Lily, his grandmother Ede, and their family. Lily is a woman pursued by her own demons, "making off with the matches just when the fires caught hold," "a beautiful, mad genius, first introduced to us singing in her mother's belly." It is also the tale of people who dream in songs, two Irish immigrant families facing a new and uncertain future in turn-of-the-century Toronto. Finally, it is a richly detailed tribute to a golden epoch in our history and of a generation striking the last, haunting chord of innocence.
The Piano Man's Daughter is a symphony of wonderful storytelling, unforgettable characters, and a lilting, lingering melody that plays on long after the last page has been turned.
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