Suki Koyama, a talented English violinist, grew up in Japan from the age of four. When she returns as an adult to London, her birthplace, to pursue a musical career, she takes with her many influences from her years in Japan – the violin, classical music, poetry, writing, Zen. The two she values most are her violin playing and Zen nature, but on the brink of achieving her dream of success as a twenty-five-year-old soloist tragedy strikes and Suki fears she is losing both. A deepening relationship with enigmatic Rex Curtis intensifies her fear that her true nature is disappearing.
How will she respond?
Suki tells her moving story in lyrical prose, like a concerto in three movements, to compose a stunningly original and thought-provoking meditation on a life guided by the principles of music and Zen practice.
The Zen Violinist resounds with the beauty of a work of art, the wisdom of Zen, and the complexities of love.
Enthralling Poetic Compelling Profound Unforgettable
‘A stunning book exploring the deep connections between the wisdom of zen, the music of a violin, and the beauties and tragedies of everyday life. A beautiful, compelling love story unfolds with slow tenderness; and as Suki, the narrator, reflects on life as it is, rather than as it should be, Diana Janney’s masterpiece becomes a teacher for our time.’
– Professor Mark Williams, co-author of bestselling Mindfulness (over 1.5 million copies sold) and Deeper Mindfulness
‘The Zen Violinist offers a delicately finessed reflection on music and spirituality bound together in a story of love, grief, and self-discovery … Diana Janney throws light on issues and questions central to living a humanly meaningful life.’
– George Pattison, author of Art, Modernity and Faith
