Ravel: A Novel

by Jean Echenoz

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Book cover for Ravel

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Ravel is a beguiling and original evocation of the last ten years in the life of the musical genius Ravel, written by novelist Jean Echenoz.

The book opens in 1928 as Maurice Ravel—dandy, eccentric, curmudgeon—crosses the Atlantic abroad the luxury liner the SS France to begin his triumphant grand tour of the United States. A “master magician of the French novel” (The Washington Post), Echenoz captures the folly of the era as well as its genius, including Ravel’s personal life—sartorially and socially splendid—as well as his most successful compositions from 1927 to 1937.

Illuminated by flashes of Echenoz’s characteristically sly humor, Ravel is a delightfully quirky portrait of a famous musician coping with the ups and downs of his illustrious career. It is also a beautifully written novel that’s a deeply touching farewell to a dignified and lonely man going reluctantly into the night.
  • ISBN10 1595586709
  • ISBN13 9781595586704
  • Publish Date 10 May 2011 (first published 30 June 2007)
  • Publish Status Transferred
  • Publish Country GB
  • Imprint The New Press
  • Format Paperback
  • Pages 128
  • Language English