The Piano Maker by Kurt Palka *****

A short but powerful novel set mainly in a small French town in the Annapolis Velley, but also in France, and northern Alberta. Hélène Giroux is a piano builder, as well as an accomplished pianist, who suddenly appears in this small town, where the cathedral houses the very piano that her family had built for many years back in France. It is obvious from the beginning that Hélène is trying to put her past behind her, and the author very skillfully gives us readers little bits of information about her past. The story moves back and forth from one time and location to another, as it builds in tension, yet we know all the time that Hélène is a good person. 

It took me only two days to read this, and never once did my interest weaken. SO nice to read a book (by a man no less) that only says what is absolutely necessary and does it expertly and movingly.

Could be a Book Club nomination for another year!