On My Bookshelf

The Piano Maker written by Kurt Palka is the suspenseful story of  Hélène Giroux, a widow with a mysterious past. Hélène arrives in a small town on the southwestern shore of Nova Scotia, well dressed and driving an elegant car, with all of her belongings in the backseat. It is clear from the outset that she is also carrying a secret... It is the winter of 1933 and after exploring St. Homais and finding an old Molnar piano in the local church, Hélène decides to make the small town her home. Her family manufactured Molnar pianos in France for three generations before the war, and she is thrilled to once again have a Molnar to play. As she tries to make new friends and fit into the local community by taking the job of pianist for the local parish, rumours and questions begin to surface. Where has she come from? What is in her past?
Palka has written a compelling story, keeping the reader engaged until the final page. He gradually reveals Hélène's difficult history, from her involvement in the family piano-making business and the loss of her soldier husband, to a relationship with a suitor/business partner which leads her on a journey with a fateful ending.When she is confronted by the local police, past and present collide and she must face her secret once again...
I thoroughly enjoyed this book; I thought it well written with attention to detail and imagery. It flows easily from present to past and I felt I knew Hélène, a character of great strength and courage. I'll be checking out another novel by Palka - has anyone read Clara?

Peace,
Linda

"I'm the kind of girl who fantasizes about being trapped in a library overnight." ~Fangirl, Rainbow Rowell