First published 1986
In 1920s Lancashire, young Ernest navigates the vibrant world of silent cinema pianists. As he comes of age, Ernest finds himself drawn into the bawdy, tender piano-playing community, where he must confront the realities of his past. Burgess's autobiographical novel brims with the music, laughter, and bittersweet beauty of growing up in a vanished era.
Genres: literary-fiction, historical-fiction, 20th-century, coming-of-age, music, family-drama
Vibes: atmospheric, bittersweet, intimate, lyrical
Tropes: coming-of-age, found-family
Setting: England, Lancashire
Period: 1920s
Mass Market Paperback · Pocket Books (Mm)