The Novel in the Viola - Softcover

For Mr Rosenblum's List: 'The descriptions of England - as friend, adversary and eventually home - are exquisite. A touching, surprising and satisfying read.' Sadie Jones, author of The Outcast 'Utterly charming and very funny' Paul Torday, author of Salmon Fishing in the Yemen 'An unususal, comedy-rich novel... a treat of a book'. Guardian 'a subtle and moving examination of the dilemma faced by immigrants to modern Britain'. Observer 'Prepare to be seriously charmed'. The Times

In the spring of 1938 Elise Landau arrives at Tyneford, the great house on the bay. A bright young thing from Vienna forced to become a parlour-maid, she knows nothing about England, except that she won't like it. As servants polish silver and serve drinks on the lawn, Elise wears her mother's pearls beneath her uniform, and causes outrage by dancing with a boy called Kit. But war is coming, the world is changing, and Elise must change with it. At Tyneford she learns that you can be more than one person - and that you can love more than once.