Classical music

by Joy Cowley

Delia and Bea are sisters, but never close. Delia lives a glamorous life in New York and Bea is thousands of miles away in New Zealand, playing the role of dutiful daughter. The warmth and intimacy of sisterhood always eludes them. When Delia rushes home for their father's funeral there is an opportunity to spend some time with Bea, but they move in orbit around each other, both recalling grievances and hurts, neither prepared to confront their needs. But as the day of the funeral passes,memories are memories of their mother and her passion for music, memories of a magical summer and a man they had all loved.

216 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

About the author

Cassia Joy Cowley is a New Zealand author best known for her children's fiction, including the popular series of books Mrs. Wishy-Washy.

Reviews

[Kate McDougall Sackler · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a book about two sisters from New Zealand, one lives in the USA, who come together when their father dies. It is also the story of how their dad’s best friend fell out of their lives. I found it extremely annoying that one of the sisters never finishes her sentences.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book by a New Zealand author is delightful. It tells of two sisters who get together for the their fathers funeral. One lives a sophisticated life in New York while the other, has stayed in New Zealand looking after their parents and belongings - they rarely see each other and are not close.

It discusses sisterhood, friendship and memories. Only 200 pages, and I really enjoyed it. Joy Cowley is a prolific and award-winning children's author; this is her 6th adult novel . . . I'm going to read more of them.

[Kathryn Fathers · Rating 4 out of 5]

interesting. humans can be so strange

[zespri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Joy Cowley is a well known New Zealand author perhaps better known for her children's books. All young kiwis have been introduced to Joy Cowley at school, as she is a prolific writer of school readers.

Delia and Bea are two sisters who have never been close. One sister is living in New York, the other living in New Zealand when the novel opens. Their father's death throws them together again, and as they gingerly attempt to breach the gap of the years they discover that their shared history provides enough to bring them together again.

A simple tale, with enjoyable New Zealand references of the '50's.

[Sawhira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating!

Structure is well thought through.
Chapters alternate between sisters perspectives.
One sister doesn't finish her sentences.
Their identities as adults are obviously shaped by their family of origin.
Artistic expression, sexuality, spirit of place, loneliness and connectivity are all explored naturally in the narrative.

I really enjoyed it and would recommend it for book clubs. Much to discuss.

[Georgie · Rating 2 out of 5]

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[Ann Durham · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining and heartfelt novel about two sisters who have taken very different paths.