Ariane's brother, an equally talented musician whose psychological "bunker" or retreat from the world becomes a central mystery. His story is described through "seven tableaux" of genius and exile. Thematic Analysis
A prestigious conductor who sacrificed everything—including his family's well-being—to reach the peak of the musical hierarchy. Opus 77 Alexis Ragougneau epub
The narrator and a world-class pianist known for her technical perfection. She struggles with the shadow of her father’s influence. The narrator and a world-class pianist known for
The story begins at the funeral of the family patriarch, , a world-renowned and tyrannical conductor. Instead of a traditional funeral march, his daughter Ariane , a gifted pianist, performs Shostakovich’s Opus 77 . This performance serves as a gateway into the family's past, revealing a legacy of obsession and emotional trauma. Key Characters Instead of a traditional funeral march, his daughter
by Alexis Ragougneau is a critically acclaimed novel that explores the destructive power of musical perfectionism and family dysfunction. The book, which was a finalist for the Prix Femina 2019 , centers on the Claessens family and is structured around Dmitri Shostakovich’s Violin Concerto No. 1, Op. 77. Narrative Synopsis
Published by Editions Viviane Hamy . Adapted editions are also available for readers with visual impairments (large print).
Critics describe the book as having the rhythm of a thriller, using an "inquieting and breathless" tempo to reveal family secrets. Availability and Formats