Violists

"Violists" by Richard McGowan is a story set in the early 1990s that follows characters wrestling with who they are, what society expects of them, and the demanding world of music. The story kicks off with Gretchen Haviland, a librarian in her late twenties, questioning her life path, particularly her choice to stay single to maintain her freedom. As she deals with her job and worries about getting older, she finds herself drawn to Bridwell, a young professor. Their relationship slowly unfolds through meetings at the library, eventually leading to coffee and meaningful talks. The story also focuses on Jurgen, a gifted violist hunting for a job after his orchestra falls apart, highlighting the tough reality for musicians trying to make it. The beginning of the novel sets the scene for exploring themes of love, dreams, and the human desire for connection against the artistic backdrop.