For music lovers and book lovers alike, The Virtuoso offers complex themes and human emotion with notes of musical comparisons. The protagonist, Isabelle, feels that the violin is an extension of her body. It is her life. Unfortunately, her husband, Howard Miller, a conductor, is the sore spot in her life. His jealousy turns everything into an argument. As his anger and drinking grow deeper, Howard’s manipulation of Isabelle grows darker. Isabelle decides to run away from him but is physically attacked by Howard, resulting in her losing two fingers on her left hand.
When she wakes up in hospital, Isabelle realizes her flourishing music career is over. She does not give up completely on music, though. After battling her depression, she goes to Vienna and writes a feature article about Beethoven. Follow Isabelle on her path of healing and finding a great opportunity to help others through the power of music.
The beautiful reflections on music, on life, on love, flow effortlessly across the page and nestle in your mind as you stop to make your own thoughts.
Highly recommend to any lover of music, character development, and simply good writing.
If you love strong heroines and a wonderful romance this is the book for you! A lot of musical education but not so that it got in the way of the story, more that it bought substance to the background. Marvellous colourful story!
A real page turner - I was given this book so had no idea what to expect when I packed it for my holiday. Wow, I couldn't put it down. Beautifully written, interesting details, great plot. When is the next book coming out? Carol Pickerin
The story line sucks you in to the point you are there. Brilliant book. Well done. The music is so lovely. What a lovely idea to have a piece of music written for the book. Excellent.
I can't believe this is Virginia Burges' first book. I love her professional literary style. The characters, as well as the story, have real depth. A gripping plot with a dark undertone. Can't wait for her next book to come out.
The story and the writing held my attention from first page to last. I learned a few things about Beethoven too. ~ Edward Shannon Jeter
A powerful, beautiful novel, with a page-turning plot and an inspiring heroine. Can't wait for the author's next book!
I am grateful to have met Virginia and to have been part of Isabelle’s story through music. Her novel, The Virtuoso is powerful, beautiful, and very human; and sure to touch many hearts like it did mine.
After a vicious attack ends her professional career as a violinist, Isabelle Bryant must find a new purpose in life that still incorporates her love of classical music. Burges has crafted a compelling story about how one woman turns tragedy into opportunity. (She has also been a classical violinist, so it is no surprise that she discusses music with loving familiarity.) Despite sobering elements, this is ultimately a heart-warming tale about starting again when life seems over. ~ Rebecca Foster
The cover is beautiful. I was surprised at the end of the book by how much I enjoyed it. It was one of those books that was hard to put down, but also; a book I didn’t want to finish too fast. It was a great book. It was written well. Also, not too long. I would definitely re read this book in the future.
Nick Coffer interviews Ginny Burges about her debut novel, The Virtuoso, as well as playing an excerpt from the contemporary classical music soundtrack that was written to accompany the novel.Ginny collaborated with film composer Tim Johnson and violinist Adelia Myslov to create a musical narrative that portrays her heroine and the story.
The music is available on YouTube along with the links to iTunes, Amazon and the streaming services where it can be purchased.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8C92OvwT8Ks
The Virtuoso is featured in a full page of editorial coverage in the Dercember issue of Buckinghamshire Life Magazine.