By John Coetzee
A pianist falls grandly, helplessly in love in this elegant new novella from the twice-Booker Prize winner.
The Pole tells the story of Witold Walczykiewicz, a vigorous, white-haired pianist who becomes infatuated with Beatriz, a stylish patron of the arts, after she helps organize his Barcelona concert.
The inexhaustible palette of sensations
Although Beatriz, who is married, is initially unimpressed by Wittold, she soon finds herself pursued and ineluctably swept into his world. As he sends her letters, extends countless invitations to travel, and even visits her husband’s summer home in Mallorca, their unlikely relationship blossoms, though only on her terms.
As the power struggle between them intensifies – Is it Beatriz who limits their passion by controlling her emotions? Or is it Witold, trying to force into life his dream of love?
Evocative of Joyce’s ‘The Dead’, The Pole is a haunting work, evoking the inexhaustible palette of sensations, from blind love to compassion’ (El País) typical of Coetzee’s finest novels.
About the author
John M Coetzee’s work includes Waiting for the Barbarians, Life & Times of Michael K, Boyhood, Youth, Disgrace, Summertime, The Childhood of Jesus and, most recently, The Schooldays of Jesus.
He was the first author to win the Booker Prize twice and was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2003.
- PUBLISHER | Penguin Random House SA |
- ISBN | 9781787304062 |
- Recommended Retail Price | R350.00 |
- Classification | Novella |
