I’ve read Findley before: Pilgrim and The Wars. Although this title sounded a little too Hallmark-ish  for my taste, I gave it a shot on the strength of his other books (not to mention my love for pianos).

The novel felt painfully average. It was easy to read, with a good mystery element in it. Furthermore, there are some haunting characters and heart-breaking moments that linger after the novel has been returned to the shelf. However, it didn’t compare to the other Findley novels I’ve read.

I know this book is brilliant—at least that’s what the critics say. I just can’t pretend to like it because it was nominated for a Giller prize.

If I want tortured family, I’ll choose The Corrections over the Kilworth family any day.

Findley, Timothy. The Piano Man’s Daughter. Harper Collins, 1995.