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The Devil's Dance
The Devil's Dance is a New York Tale about the life and loves of a young concert pianist who ascends from humble beginnings to the pinnacle of the musical world following his masterful debut at Carnegie Hall, when he is not yet 19. With newfound wealth and critical acclaim as "the next Rubinstein", he is drawn into the highlife of the 1950's and joins a jazzy circle of friends that includes Cole Porter, Truman Capote, Chet Baker, and Pete Seegar, among others. But above it all, he is haunted by the mysterious illness of his father that had started with "the fidgets", progressed to involuntary movements of the extremities and body resembling a maniacal dance, and ended in a long, agonizing, helpless descent into insanity and darkness. At his fathers's funeral, he is warned by a half-crazy aunt that their familiy has been cursed by the Devil. The years that follow are prosperous and happy, but at the age of 30 he too is beset with "the fidgets"and learns he has inherited an incurable condition known as "Woody Guthrie's Disease". The manner in which the young artist deals with his fate and the realities of human tragedy are the subjects of this novel.
238 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 30, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
October 25, 2020
Spoilers: Thomas Milhorat does an excellent job of writing brilliant character studies of people put in almost fantastic situations that cause them to question the reality around them.
The previous work of his in which I reviewed was Melia in Foreverland, my favorite book so far this year. In that, a young girl visits an Afterlife in the stars, in which great artists, thinkers, and scientists like Leonardo Da Vinci, Galileo Galilei, and Aristotle live and help her rethink her faith and answer the questions in her life.
This book, The Devil's Dance, gives us a man who gets everything that he ever wanted, then is afflicted with a mysterious illness or curse that causes him to potentially lose everything that he worked for. It's a detailed and lyrical book of a man desperately holding onto his love for music to keep him occupied, bring him recognition, then to hold onto his eroding faculties and sanity.
Harrison "Harry" Braque would be like most people in rural Gravesend Village, Pennsylvania living the life of a farmer or a minor, but he has a genius talent for music, particularly playing the piano. His teacher, Rita Cahill, has taught him everything she knows. He has done well in state and regional competitions. Now is the time for Harry to take his act on the road and continue his studies at Julliard.
Harry wishes that he was leaving a happy home, but unfortunately that is not the case. His father, Andre, has been afflicted with a mysterious illness that his family calls "the fidgets." His body twitched and shook, sometimes causing him to do involuntary things like dancing uncontrollably. Eventually, his faculties and memory went into decline and he was bedridden.
There are many possibilities to Andre's condition: Sydenham's chorea AKA St. Vitus' Dance, Tourette's Syndrome, Parkinson's, Huntington's Disease, or maybe long term complications from when he had influenza as a child after WWI. Later, a cousin produces an interesting theory. At Andre's funeral, she reveals that an ancestor of the Braque family was cursed by the Devil to succumb to what she termed The Devil's Dance. The curse continued through the male line and Andre is the latest victim.
Either way, Harry is of two minds about his opportunity. On the one hand, he is excited about the new world approaching him but on the other hand, he feels guilty about leaving his sick father and patient mother who is caring for her ailing husband. Even though his family and Mrs. Cahill encourages Harry to pursue his dreams, he still worries about his father like a loyal son would.
Harry's journey (and the book's plot) picks up when Harry moves to New York to study and play music professionally. He is surrounded by young people, like Andy Greenwald his roommate, best friend, and clarinetist, who share similar dreams of improving their lots in life. Harry's tough piano instructor, Madame Anastasia Kabelevakoff, mentors and pushes him to play better because she sees talent and potential success in him. (She listens to him play by ear and is impressed but wants him to play "like himself not Kabelevakoff".)
Harry is determined to play his best and when he makes his debut at Carnegie Hall, it is a moment of triumph as he plays in front of his New York friends and the good folks of Gravesend Village. Thankfully, we are spared the cautionary success tale in which the protagonist becomes a snob when he gains ambition. Harry is still the same nice guy in success that he was in poverty, if maybe a little more aware of the world around him.
The 1950's New York milieu is captured with brilliant details of the settings and colorful characters that inhabit it. The characters visit various delis, nightclubs, and concert halls that are always jumping with many famous faces. We also see many important celebrities of the time period like Walter Winchell, Cole Porter, Truman Capote, and Stella Adler. Because Harry appreciates different types of music, he meets various musicians such as folk singer, Pete Seeger, jazz trumpeter, Chet Baker, and classical pianist, Arthur Rubinstein. Rubinstein, in particular, gives Harry some good advice. When people compare him to Rubinstein, the famed pianist says "No you are not the next Rubinstein. You are the next Harry Braque."
Harry also falls in love, twice. His first girlfriend, Anna Alexandrovich, Kabelevakoff's orphaned niece, is a shy young admirer. The two become close and get engaged, but family differencees keep them apart. Harry has better luck with his next girlfriend, Maggie McGuire, a Southern gal who came to New York and Hollywood to become an actress and model. The bit parts dried up and she ended up as a high priced Lady of the Evening.
Both women in Harry's life are well written as women with interesting backstories and are not just set pieces for the men in their lives. Anna is ready to finish her education and live a life beyond marriage, family, and diapers. She doesn't let an accidental pregnancy get in the way of her dreams and rejects Harry's half hearted proposal.
Maggie is also a very strong willed woman who is a good helpmate and lover to Harry. She isn't ashamed of her past occupation and considered it a means to an end. She also appreciates that Harry treats her as an individual and not a slut. The two marry and have two children.
After their marriage, Maggie continues to be supportive to her husband. When Harry succumbs to heroin addiction to keep up with his frequent touring schedules, countless interviews, and sleepless nights, Maggie looks after him as he quits cold turkey.
The heroin addiction and insomnia are the first signs that things are not quite right with Harry. When his hands uncontrollably twitch, Harry panics. His personality undergoes a severe transformation from a bright hopeful prodigy to an anxious bad tempered recluse. He knows what the illness or curse did to his father and doesn't want the same thing to happen to him.
Harry's bout with his genetic illness leads to an ending that is so abrupt that this Reader had to actually ask if there was another chapter that she was supposed to get. Though perhaps we are supposed to be left with the questions that are not answered. As peculiar as it is, the ending is left up to the Reader to their own interpretation, but still a few more pages or one more chapter couldn't have hurt.
Most of all this book reveals the power music has over people. Harry's gift for playing the piano makes him stand out from everyone else in his town. When Harry played Mendelssohn's "The Duet" for his ailing father, it relaxed and soothed him. The music that Harry plays brings him success and when he plays as "the next Harry Braque," he has a legacy that outlives him. He encounters other musicians, like Seeger and Baker whose music allows them to express themselves and say what they really feel. Even at his worst with his addictions and illness, Harry can find solace in the music around him.
The Devil's Dance is the type of books with excellent characters, plot, and setting that plays all the right notes. All of these qualities create an enchanting symphony within this book.
The previous work of his in which I reviewed was Melia in Foreverland, my favorite book so far this year. In that, a young girl visits an Afterlife in the stars, in which great artists, thinkers, and scientists like Leonardo Da Vinci, Galileo Galilei, and Aristotle live and help her rethink her faith and answer the questions in her life.
This book, The Devil's Dance, gives us a man who gets everything that he ever wanted, then is afflicted with a mysterious illness or curse that causes him to potentially lose everything that he worked for. It's a detailed and lyrical book of a man desperately holding onto his love for music to keep him occupied, bring him recognition, then to hold onto his eroding faculties and sanity.
Harrison "Harry" Braque would be like most people in rural Gravesend Village, Pennsylvania living the life of a farmer or a minor, but he has a genius talent for music, particularly playing the piano. His teacher, Rita Cahill, has taught him everything she knows. He has done well in state and regional competitions. Now is the time for Harry to take his act on the road and continue his studies at Julliard.
Harry wishes that he was leaving a happy home, but unfortunately that is not the case. His father, Andre, has been afflicted with a mysterious illness that his family calls "the fidgets." His body twitched and shook, sometimes causing him to do involuntary things like dancing uncontrollably. Eventually, his faculties and memory went into decline and he was bedridden.
There are many possibilities to Andre's condition: Sydenham's chorea AKA St. Vitus' Dance, Tourette's Syndrome, Parkinson's, Huntington's Disease, or maybe long term complications from when he had influenza as a child after WWI. Later, a cousin produces an interesting theory. At Andre's funeral, she reveals that an ancestor of the Braque family was cursed by the Devil to succumb to what she termed The Devil's Dance. The curse continued through the male line and Andre is the latest victim.
Either way, Harry is of two minds about his opportunity. On the one hand, he is excited about the new world approaching him but on the other hand, he feels guilty about leaving his sick father and patient mother who is caring for her ailing husband. Even though his family and Mrs. Cahill encourages Harry to pursue his dreams, he still worries about his father like a loyal son would.
Harry's journey (and the book's plot) picks up when Harry moves to New York to study and play music professionally. He is surrounded by young people, like Andy Greenwald his roommate, best friend, and clarinetist, who share similar dreams of improving their lots in life. Harry's tough piano instructor, Madame Anastasia Kabelevakoff, mentors and pushes him to play better because she sees talent and potential success in him. (She listens to him play by ear and is impressed but wants him to play "like himself not Kabelevakoff".)
Harry is determined to play his best and when he makes his debut at Carnegie Hall, it is a moment of triumph as he plays in front of his New York friends and the good folks of Gravesend Village. Thankfully, we are spared the cautionary success tale in which the protagonist becomes a snob when he gains ambition. Harry is still the same nice guy in success that he was in poverty, if maybe a little more aware of the world around him.
The 1950's New York milieu is captured with brilliant details of the settings and colorful characters that inhabit it. The characters visit various delis, nightclubs, and concert halls that are always jumping with many famous faces. We also see many important celebrities of the time period like Walter Winchell, Cole Porter, Truman Capote, and Stella Adler. Because Harry appreciates different types of music, he meets various musicians such as folk singer, Pete Seeger, jazz trumpeter, Chet Baker, and classical pianist, Arthur Rubinstein. Rubinstein, in particular, gives Harry some good advice. When people compare him to Rubinstein, the famed pianist says "No you are not the next Rubinstein. You are the next Harry Braque."
Harry also falls in love, twice. His first girlfriend, Anna Alexandrovich, Kabelevakoff's orphaned niece, is a shy young admirer. The two become close and get engaged, but family differencees keep them apart. Harry has better luck with his next girlfriend, Maggie McGuire, a Southern gal who came to New York and Hollywood to become an actress and model. The bit parts dried up and she ended up as a high priced Lady of the Evening.
Both women in Harry's life are well written as women with interesting backstories and are not just set pieces for the men in their lives. Anna is ready to finish her education and live a life beyond marriage, family, and diapers. She doesn't let an accidental pregnancy get in the way of her dreams and rejects Harry's half hearted proposal.
Maggie is also a very strong willed woman who is a good helpmate and lover to Harry. She isn't ashamed of her past occupation and considered it a means to an end. She also appreciates that Harry treats her as an individual and not a slut. The two marry and have two children.
After their marriage, Maggie continues to be supportive to her husband. When Harry succumbs to heroin addiction to keep up with his frequent touring schedules, countless interviews, and sleepless nights, Maggie looks after him as he quits cold turkey.
The heroin addiction and insomnia are the first signs that things are not quite right with Harry. When his hands uncontrollably twitch, Harry panics. His personality undergoes a severe transformation from a bright hopeful prodigy to an anxious bad tempered recluse. He knows what the illness or curse did to his father and doesn't want the same thing to happen to him.
Harry's bout with his genetic illness leads to an ending that is so abrupt that this Reader had to actually ask if there was another chapter that she was supposed to get. Though perhaps we are supposed to be left with the questions that are not answered. As peculiar as it is, the ending is left up to the Reader to their own interpretation, but still a few more pages or one more chapter couldn't have hurt.
Most of all this book reveals the power music has over people. Harry's gift for playing the piano makes him stand out from everyone else in his town. When Harry played Mendelssohn's "The Duet" for his ailing father, it relaxed and soothed him. The music that Harry plays brings him success and when he plays as "the next Harry Braque," he has a legacy that outlives him. He encounters other musicians, like Seeger and Baker whose music allows them to express themselves and say what they really feel. Even at his worst with his addictions and illness, Harry can find solace in the music around him.
The Devil's Dance is the type of books with excellent characters, plot, and setting that plays all the right notes. All of these qualities create an enchanting symphony within this book.
April 16, 2020
A poignant tale of pursuing dreams, finding love and gaining courage in the face of a looming tragedy, The Devil's Dance is as much inspiring as it is heartrending. I must say what drew me in initially was the ironic contrast between the title and the art cover. Rarely do I ever chance upon stories that involve musicians and that seemingly dark element evoked by the title made it even more of particular interest to me. It just somehow seemed like the perfect companion when you're on the verge of insanity from being trapped in quarantine.
The novel was moderately-paced, not too fast yet not too slow either, which I think perfectly matched Harry's even temperament and levelheadedness. Perhaps more than the discovery of what the title really meant, it was the ending that hit me with a greater impact. I was left in a daze, pondering over what Harry might have felt during that last part. Nothing is probably more tragic than being unable to live according to your own will. In light of the current pandemic, the worldwide lockdown puts Harry's condition into perspective. Being stripped of our freedom to live normally, albeit temporarily, is already taxing to most of us, but it could be worse for people like Harry. In a sense, he was his own enemy. However, he never blamed anyone or anything, and that's what I found most endearing about him. He came to terms with his tragic fate and worked his way around it for the sake of his loved ones.
Reading this novel at this time couldn't be more timely. I highly recommend it if you want to read something that will make you feel inspired, albeit with a touch of melancholy.
The novel was moderately-paced, not too fast yet not too slow either, which I think perfectly matched Harry's even temperament and levelheadedness. Perhaps more than the discovery of what the title really meant, it was the ending that hit me with a greater impact. I was left in a daze, pondering over what Harry might have felt during that last part. Nothing is probably more tragic than being unable to live according to your own will. In light of the current pandemic, the worldwide lockdown puts Harry's condition into perspective. Being stripped of our freedom to live normally, albeit temporarily, is already taxing to most of us, but it could be worse for people like Harry. In a sense, he was his own enemy. However, he never blamed anyone or anything, and that's what I found most endearing about him. He came to terms with his tragic fate and worked his way around it for the sake of his loved ones.
Reading this novel at this time couldn't be more timely. I highly recommend it if you want to read something that will make you feel inspired, albeit with a touch of melancholy.
February 3, 2021
This book was written like a classic. I became absorbed with the characters and fascinated by the use of historical fiction when minor characters were used. This book had me researching early Jazz musicians and the perils of their lives, not to mention the life of Woodie Guthrie. These characters played a small role, but helped develop the main character even further. By the end of the book I was cheering him on. This is a possible spoiler alert, but if you don't like cliffhangers or creating an ending for yourself, then do not read this book, because there is a cliffhanger for sure. I honestly thought I was missing the last few pages. It haunted me not knowing what happened, but being an optimist, I created a happy ending for our character and moved on. I do recommend this book, but I personally would have liked a heads up on the ending - not how it ended, but that there was definitely a "what in the world?" moment.
I totally would have given this five stars if I had knowledge of a sequel. It just left me hanging too much, and kept me awake working through it all.
I totally would have given this five stars if I had knowledge of a sequel. It just left me hanging too much, and kept me awake working through it all.
November 20, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. I liked the aspect of mystery and drama without it becoming too unrealistic. The author's background as a doctor for many years shines through his writing as everything medically accurate so that only makes the story more saddening and chilling. The ending stuck with me long after reading and I felt a strong connection to the main character despite never knowing someone with his condition in real life.
June 30, 2019
This was an interesting book, even though there isn't a huge amount of detail about the world that Harry Braque becomes a part of. I wasn't too sure that I liked Truman Capote, who was a minor character - he seemed to be one of those underhanded types. I got a copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 20, 2019
This story was so captivating! The characters were deep and relatable! I just fell in love with it right away! This is a book you should not be without! I more than highly suggest this book, it will NOT disappoint!
January 30, 2020
This was such an enjoyable read. From the beginning I knew it would be good. The plot, the writing style, and the author's knowledge and medical background makes it much more accurate and believable. Not to mention, the characters can be relatable. I highly recommend this book.
November 28, 2020
This book is so well researched, and once I got used to the style of writing (rather long winded) I really enjoyed it and learned a lot about 50’s America, it’s music and illness.
The story of Harrison Braque, hailed as the new Rubenstein but it is not to be.
I could visualise New York easily by the writing and attention to detail of the 50’s put me right there in the moment
Extensive knowledge of medicine enabled me to completely understand and feel for Harrison and his family
The story of Harrison Braque, hailed as the new Rubenstein but it is not to be.
I could visualise New York easily by the writing and attention to detail of the 50’s put me right there in the moment
Extensive knowledge of medicine enabled me to completely understand and feel for Harrison and his family
March 6, 2021
All about music and prodigy pianist, Harry
It is an interesting and fast-paced story about a young boy who grows to become a world-famous classical pianist. There are wonderfully detailed passages about well-loved classical pieces. The pianist, Harrison Braque, has been well-portrayed as a loving son, lover and husband in spite of his fame and fortune. The story is set in New York. All main areas and spots of the city, in the fifties, have been singled out and highlighted extremely well. One gets to meet many famous personalities of the time in the story and even read intimate details about some of them.
The book is also about a degenerative neurological disease called Huntingdon’s disease which is a rare genetic disorder of the brain. This unusual and disturbing disease is dealt with in detail. It affects the reader deeply when the admirable Harry Braque starts showing symptoms of this disease and is forced to give up his successful career as a concert pianist and become a teacher instead. That his end is tragic is implied by the author and it is for the reader to draw a conclusion.
There is love and romance too in the book. Harry and Anna, both young, share a special relationship after they leave home to study at university. Later, we see Harry settling down with Maggie and having two beautiful children. Their relationship is special too.
If you are a lover of classical music this book is a must read.
It is an interesting and fast-paced story about a young boy who grows to become a world-famous classical pianist. There are wonderfully detailed passages about well-loved classical pieces. The pianist, Harrison Braque, has been well-portrayed as a loving son, lover and husband in spite of his fame and fortune. The story is set in New York. All main areas and spots of the city, in the fifties, have been singled out and highlighted extremely well. One gets to meet many famous personalities of the time in the story and even read intimate details about some of them.
The book is also about a degenerative neurological disease called Huntingdon’s disease which is a rare genetic disorder of the brain. This unusual and disturbing disease is dealt with in detail. It affects the reader deeply when the admirable Harry Braque starts showing symptoms of this disease and is forced to give up his successful career as a concert pianist and become a teacher instead. That his end is tragic is implied by the author and it is for the reader to draw a conclusion.
There is love and romance too in the book. Harry and Anna, both young, share a special relationship after they leave home to study at university. Later, we see Harry settling down with Maggie and having two beautiful children. Their relationship is special too.
If you are a lover of classical music this book is a must read.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews