Dvorak in Love FROM THE CRITICS
Publishers Weekly
A foreigner's love affair with America is the central subject of this engaging new novel by the expatriate Czechoslovakian author ( The Bass Saxophone. In an elliptical style familiar to readers of his previous books, Skvorecky builds a polyphonic account of the famous composer's two trips to the United States in the 1890s, orchestrated by the sharply individual voices of various Americans who met him. The result is an affectionate yet not uncritical portrait of a raw, often brutal country that nonetheless offers previously undreamed-of opportunities to the immigrants who have arrived on its shores. Dvorak'sand Skvorecky'spassionate love for black American music makes him sharply aware of the terrible injustices the U.S. has still not redressed, but the novel's conclusion seems to be that personal initiative and creativity will someday defeat the forces of racism and oppression. This is perhaps not quite as major an effort as the magnificent Engineer of Human Souls, but Skvorecky's warm humanism and robust appreciation of ordinary people's unique individuality are as appealing as ever. (February 11)
Library Journal
Antonin Dvorak's stay in New York and Spillville, Iowa, in the 1890s is the focus of this biographical novel by Skvorecky, the author of the acclaimed Engineer of Human Souls ( LJ 7/84). The narrative moves effortlessly back and forth in time and between Bohemia and the United States, as the Czech composer's students, acquaintances, and family members relive their memorable encounters with him. What emerges from these sometimes diffuse reminiscences is not a satisfying portrayal of the enigmatic Dvorak, however. Instead, we get vivid glimpses of much less interesting members of his circle and of end-of-the-century culture. Still, music lovers will find here many fascinating details about Dvorak and the profound influence his American experience had on his music. Marie Bednar, Pennsylvania State Univ. Libs . , University Park
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