Such an appealing story. Knowing next to nothing about pianos and still less about tuning them, I was fascinated by all the detail involved in a piano tuner’s job. What clients mean when they want a ‘bright’ sound, for example, and how people’s perception of sound varies. I was particularly taken with the narrator’s likening of the nuances of tone and pitch to the sounds of the forest he grew up in - many opportunities for gorgeous descriptions here. Interesting, too, are his thoughts on the Ancient Greeks’ ideas about the interdependence of astronomy and music.

‘In a way I could agree, though, how astronomy and music could be considered foundational to understanding the world. You extract some stars from all the countless ones and make them into constellations. Tuning is similar. You select things of beauty that have dissolved into the fabric of the world. You gingerly extract that beauty, careful not to damage it, and then you make it visible.

Seven sounds - do, re, mi, fa, so, la, ti, do, or twelve if you include semitones - are teased out, named, and then they sparkle just like the constellations. And it’s the tuner’s job to pick these out with precision from the vast ocean of sound, arrange them delicately and make them resonate.’

A thoroughly enjoyable book, with a beautiful cover artwork that reflects the story perfectly.

There is something mesmerising about Japanese literature that captures my imagination so effortlessly. The anaolgies used, the descriptive language selected; it all flows so beautifully and naturally that it makes me feel comforted and absorbed at the same time. Such magical work done by Gabriel to maintain the lyricism of the story in the crossover of translation.

A story for piano and music lovers alike. It's the story of Tomura, his desire to become a piano tuner and the perseverance to turn his dreams into reality. If you're a lover of Japanese literature you'll easily be lifted into the narrative and transported away. If you love the piano, your heart will be warmed reading this wonderfully melodic story.

The Forest of Wool and Steel is a book that could be described as a love song to the piano.It is a beautiful and (appropriately) lyrical work that will stir the hearts of piano-lovers everywhere. It is a homage to music, and to the art of perseverance. I loved following Tomura on his journey as he learnt both how to tune a piano and how to believe in himself and find his purpose in life. The story and characters captured my imagination and rekindled my own love for the piano. It's a book I would recommend to all who love music and literary fiction.

A short and powerful translation from the Japanese, following the journey of a young piano tuner and the things he learns along the way.

Melodic and beautiful, I enjoyed this.