Sonata for Miriam

by: Linda Olsson

Published by: Penguin Books

Reviewed by Elizabeth Bright

Sonata for Miriam haunts me today and I finished the book over a week ago. Its taken time to be able to absorb the story and the messages–and write about it. The pain of loss, consequences and the determination to discover the past is part of Adam Anker’s grief and recovery.

Adam Anker lost his only daughter, the last of his family. He was visiting a war memorial museum in New Zealand the day she died. At the museum, Adam discovered the photograph of a man with his name (he was born Adam Lipski).

Adam mourned his daughter for a year and then left Waiheke Island in New Zealand and returned to where his life began, in Krakow, Poland. He wants to find out who Adam Lipski was and what relationship, if any, he was to him. In Krakow, Adam meets Moishe Spiewak (he knew Adam Lipski and his family). As the friendship between the men grows, Adam learns about his family. But his journey to discover his past has really only begun. Adam makes the decision to see a woman he hasn’t spoken to in two decades.

Linda Olsson gives us a startling glimpse into the life of a man with unfinished business. While it is a novel about loss and consequences, it is truly filled with light and hope. The words are arranged beautifully and contain their own rhythm and meaning, like music.

Sonata for Miriam is one of the best books I’ve read thus far in 2009.

Armchair Interviews says: A must read. Book clubs will surely enjoy reading and discussing Sonata for Miriam.

Author’s Web site: http://www.LindaOlsson.net