Hungry Generations: A Novel"The novel is quite wonderful and, in ways beyond the currently modish usage, magical...bringing into life, with passion and wryness...that incredible Beverly Hills world of European expatriates ." --Thomas Flanagan, "The Year of the French" and other works. "Like a memorable piece of music....The dilemmas and desires of the characters will haunt you." "Hungry Generations" imagines the amazing world of é migré artists who fled from Nazi Europe and settled in Los Angeles. In 1972, the legendary classical pianist Alexander Petrov befriends a young composer Jack Weinstein, who works in the Hollywood studios. Their delving, passionate discussions of music deepen their friendship. Yet Jack finds himself disrupting the balances in Petrov's turbulent family. Each generation here struggles with its hunger for meaning and love in a disastrous time. During their talks, Petrov tells fascinating stories about his é migré friends from the 1940s, including Schoenberg and Stravinsky; Jack's love of their music--and Beethoven's--infuses a piano sonata he composes during the year. Soon these composers enter his Chagall-like dreams, criticizing and blessing his music. The imaginary conversations among historical artists throughout "Hungry Generations" connect it to a rich tradition, including novels by Roland, Hesse, Lawrence, and Mann. |
