Customer Reviews

The Piano: A Novel

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

If you have ever loved someone and couldn't explain your feelings. If you've ever looked into the eyes of someone who says they love you and felt nothing. If you've ever stumbled blindly, or stood in a room screaming but no one paid you a glance, this book is for you. Ada is easy to identify with for any woman who lives with their hearts, and gets slighted for it in the world. She speaks with her soul and with her hands on the piano, and it says more than her tongue ever could.

After I saw the video "The Piano" I wanted read the book. I was very fascinated by the story about Ada's life, or rather her way she started her new life. And the whole life without a word. In the video the features of the people are very important and I wondered how it would be in the book. The language is very poetic! The description of the characters and the surrounding is very exact. You think you can feel her feelings and see what she sees.

i'm still undecided on whether or not i enjoyed the novel, doubtless the film is better than the book (something i don't say very often!) Many are familiar with the plot of the silent Ada and her daughter who arrive in New Zealand taking with them the enigmatic and magnetic piano. Her husband ends up swapping the piano for a plot of land and Ada is forced into giving its new owner (George) piano lessons. However he is content to just let her play...if he can do whatever he wants to her and perhaps she just might get back her piano.
It is an astounding, heart wrenching concept that Campion devours, bringing in a deeper emotional intensity as we finally delve into George's past, why Ada is strangely silent and her husband's incurable loneliness. It is a profound glimpse into the awakening of one Victorian woman's sexual awakening.
BUT...I have a few problems with it, firstly it is too succinct, sometimes a few descriptions and dalliances along the way are a welcome distraction to the sometimes oppressing thoughts that Campion evokes. Secondly it is frustrating that the all encompassing piano is mute throughout the novel, well in the sense that one only hears it through the mind's ear...which is why i woul recommend the movie, as you also get a chance to listen to Nyman's haunting melodies.
but the book, a good foundation if you plan to watch the movie.

Really enjoyed the added info and backstory that a book can give you. It was pretty much the story told in the movie with the added details of how Ada became silent, her early life and how she met Flora's father. These were all questions that I had and they were answered. The book itself was acquired thru a second hand bookstore on Amazon and was not in the best shape but it only cost a penny so...I didn't mind the condition too much. But that didn't take away from the interesting story of Ada McGrath.

A stunning film had a lot to live up to with the post-release novel, but it has done so amazingly. The Piano is a wonderful love story, so very erotic and full of passion, and in-depth enough to satisfy even the most serious reader.

The book is terrific-beautifully written-great plot and thoroughly enjoyable. Condition of book was excellent and delivery was quick and easy.

The Film and Novel are both very good. For those people who loved and lost someone, this story will most definitely be experienced as powerful and very emotional. The story of a bittered woman who has more or less given up on life. In time she finds a new meaning to her life. Finally letting go of the past, temp faith and start a new future. This is definitely one of the best stories I have read and seen !

The piano is such a beautiful, artistic story of the woman whose will is so strong. Love is warm and kind, but at the same time, it is so destructive. Love is like the ocean that we draw from and jump into. This is a perfect novel for women who know the warmth of love; its hope, its faith, and how cruel it can be. I strongly recommed it!

the novel came in pristine condition ..I loved the movie ..the book is an exact replica of the movie ..accept you learn a few new things about Ada McGrath...very pleased with the condition of said novel..A+

I must admit, I truly wanted to like this book. I didn't. A terrific idea for story...a woman who, in theory, is strong and determined but comes off manipulative and selfish. Her life is in reaction to her encounters with various men in her life. Yes, yes...she is tossed to and fro in life (literally and figuratively); she strips away her Victorian veneer (literally and figuratively). She shows real contempt for any and all women she encounters, including her daughter.

I read the book, screenplay and saw the movie - as I said, I really wanted to like this book and wanted to understand what I was missing. In the end, I just didn't care about the main character. Her husband's and lover's motives were better articulated...no pun intended.

Two stars simply because the concept was promising.