Title: Violin
Author: Anne Rice
First published January 1, 1997
289 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9788466302203 (ISBN10: 8466302204)
Rating: 3.33
Overview
Anne Rice’s Violin is a haunting tale of music, passion, and obsession. The novel follows the enigmatic Triana, a woman with a deep love for music, and the tormented ghost of the fiddler Stefan.
Stefan’s magic violin draws Triana into a dangerous game of seduction and madness, but she refuses to succumb to his dark charms. As Triana fights to resist Stefan’s pull, they both find themselves trapped in a terrifying supernatural world.
Violin is a gripping story full of drama, history, and romance that only Anne Rice could deliver. With her signature style and unparalleled storytelling, Rice takes readers on a journey they will never forget.
About the Author
Anne Rice, a prolific and beloved American author, has left a lasting legacy behind her. Known for her ability to weave tales of the supernatural, historical events, love and loss, existentialism, and the human experience, she has captured the hearts and imaginations of readers all over the world.
Her most famous works, The Vampire Chronicles, have sold nearly 100 million copies and have made her one of the most widely read authors of the modern age.
Rice was married to poet Stan Rice for 41 years until his passing in 2002. She used a pseudonym for her more adult-themed works, including those that feature elements of sado-masochism.
Sadly, Anne Rice passed away on December 11, 2021 from complications related to a stroke. She was 80 years old at the time of her passing.
Despite this great loss, her contributions to literature will continue to inspire and captivate readers for generations to come.
Editoral Review
Anne Rice’s Violin is a haunting tale of grief, obsession, and the supernatural. Published in 1997, this novel falls under the genre of gothic horror, which is Rice’s forte.
Rice is best known for her Vampire Chronicles series which includes Interview with the Vampire, The Vampire Lestat, and The Queen of the Damned. Her writing style is characterized by lush descriptions, intricate characterizations, and an exploration of moral ambiguity.
The plot of Violin revolves around a world-renowned violinist named Triana who is grieving the loss of her mother and husband. When she receives a mysterious package containing an antique violin, she becomes entranced by it and begins to have visions of a ghostly figure.
The figure turns out to be Stefan, the former owner of the violin, who was a 19th-century composer and vampire. As Triana becomes more obsessed with the violin and Stefan, she begins to lose her grip on reality and descends into madness.
Rice’s depiction of Triana’s grief and obsession is both chilling and empathetic. She captures the nuances of grief, such as the guilt and regret that come with losing a loved one.
Rice also explores the theme of addiction, as Triana becomes addicted to the violin and Stefan. The novel is set in both contemporary San Francisco and 19th-century Vienna, which adds to the haunting and atmospheric tone of the story.
Rice’s descriptions of both settings are vivid and immersive.
One of the strengths of Violin is Rice’s ability to create complex and flawed characters. Triana is a sympathetic protagonist, but she is also deeply flawed and makes questionable decisions.
Stefan, the vampire, is a fascinating character who is both charming and sinister. Rice’s exploration of the relationship between Triana and Stefan is both disturbing and captivating.
However, the pacing of the novel can be slow at times, and some readers may find the supernatural elements to be too far-fetched. Additionally, the novel can be graphic and disturbing at times, which may not be suitable for all readers.
Overall, Violin is a beautifully written and haunting novel that will appeal to fans of gothic horror and Rice’s other works. It is a meditation on grief, addiction, and the supernatural, and Rice’s skillful storytelling and intricate characterizations make it a memorable read.
I would recommend this book to fans of gothic horror and supernatural fiction. It may also appeal to readers who are interested in exploring themes of grief and addiction.
However, I would caution readers who are sensitive to graphic or disturbing content.
Rating: 4/5 stars. While the pacing can be slow at times, the quality of writing and character development make this a standout novel in the genre of gothic horror.
