When in
Rome, violinist Julia buys an antique book with Gypsy music. In it she finds
the notes for an unusual and fascinating waltz. After returning home, she plays
the piece called “Incendio” – fire - and soon after strange things start happening.
First, her three-year-old daughter stabs the cat, then she even injures her own
mother. Examinations of the girl lead to nothing, but there must be a
connection to the piece and its history. Parallel to this, Gerritsen narrates
the story of violinist Lorenzo and cellist Laura who fall in love with each
other while rehearsing together. But times are hard for Jews in WW II Italy,
and thus there is not much hope for this young love. The two stories are
interconnected and this link will pose a serious danger for Julia.
A stunning
novel, which is less based on the thrill the readers of Gerritsen’s novels know
well, but on the fine tones that music creates. There is suspense – even a lot
of it – you want to know why the little girl behaves in this strange way and how
the music could have triggered this behaviour. At the same time, the story
based in war Venice was to me much more appealing, to see how the common
passion for music can link to people and create a bond which lasts beyond
death. Action comes up at the end of the story which solves all mysterious in a
believable and comprehensible way.
I have read
several of Gerritsen’s novels, but I definitely liked this one best because it
is a perfect combination of historical events, the power of music as a very
strong theme and mysteries which a waiting to be solved.
