Beaulieu Delhomme has found himself in a desperate situation. After failing out of medical school and Conservatory, Delhomme finds some luck as a piano tuner. However, in order to advance his career, Delhomme needs a more consistent income. His prayers seem to be answered when Delhomme is approached by François Vidocq, who asks Delhomme to spy on some of Paris' elite to gauge their feelings towards the Monarchy. To do this, Delhomme must first become the piano tuner for Frédéric Chopin. As Chopin's tuner, Delhomme enters a friendship with the gifted pianist and composer as well as a tenuous relationship with author George Sand. Delhomme is tasked with collecting information from Sand for Vidocq, although the costs to Delhomme keep mounting.
The Education of Delhomme offers part spy thriller, part historical fiction with an intimate look into the lives of Chopin and Sand. Written with a deep appreciation for the artists and music, the emotional connection Chopin had with each piece of music is apparent. The author also has a personal understanding of piano tuning, so the many tedious aspects of Delhomme's profession were easy to understand. Delhomme's character was interesting, he was not instantly relatable or likeable, in a constant struggle for money and not willing to do anything too difficult for it. His character eventually shows growth near the end of the story, only after he is thrown in jail for thwarting a spy mission. George Sand's diary entries are an insightful and delightful addition to the story, rounding out the view of Chopin as well as giving a change of tone to the writing from Delhomme's point of view. The time period of the story also gives a unique view of the Paris Uprising of 1848 through the different political lenses of Delhomme and Sand. One of the small things that did bother me about the book were the chapter titles which seemed more like leftovers from the author's outline.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review .
The Education of Delhomme offers part spy thriller, part historical fiction with an intimate look into the lives of Chopin and Sand. Written with a deep appreciation for the artists and music, the emotional connection Chopin had with each piece of music is apparent. The author also has a personal understanding of piano tuning, so the many tedious aspects of Delhomme's profession were easy to understand. Delhomme's character was interesting, he was not instantly relatable or likeable, in a constant struggle for money and not willing to do anything too difficult for it. His character eventually shows growth near the end of the story, only after he is thrown in jail for thwarting a spy mission. George Sand's diary entries are an insightful and delightful addition to the story, rounding out the view of Chopin as well as giving a change of tone to the writing from Delhomme's point of view. The time period of the story also gives a unique view of the Paris Uprising of 1848 through the different political lenses of Delhomme and Sand. One of the small things that did bother me about the book were the chapter titles which seemed more like leftovers from the author's outline.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review .
