Simon Silber: Works For Solo Piano - Softcover

The publishers are describing this debut as 'a wickedly funny commentary on art, genius, jealousy and failure'. Which it is - to a point. The conceit is very promising: failed philosopher with delusions of grandeur answers want ad for composer seeking biographer. Norman Fayrewether Jr's lumbering commentary on the short life and unperformed music of Simon Silber is, inevitably, lacking in insight, but as he exacts revenge on the now late genius he unwittingly reveals a great deal about himself. Most of the humour within requires a certain level of musical knowledge, but Miller's is a novel you very much want to like. By mid-point, however, there's an inescapable sense that he's trying too hard. And the joke wears thin. Somewhere within lurks a good short story, but the novel hints at interesting things to come.

Christopher Miller was born in New York City and now lives in Vermont. This is his first novel.