Salt Spring Reads is an online book club/review. For this column I try to find books that you might love to discover, books with a Salt Spring connection. Reviewed books are available at the Salt Spring Library and in local bookstores. Feel free to share your comments to discuss this book online with others.
Ann Erikssonâs latest title, The Performance, was launched at the Salt Spring Public Library. I wasnât able to attend the launch but the cover looked intriguing. Indeed, once I started to read this novel, I couldnât put it down.
The fictional story is spellbinding and very well written. Placed mostly in Manhattan, the main character is Hana Knight, a young and brilliant pianist. The story of her success and blossoming career in New York is pleasant enough. But new layers of intriguing are added when a homeless woman enters Hanaâs life. Fascinated by the seemingly worthless lives of those who have lost homes and family, the author takes us into the world of the homeless, living right next to the rich and famous.
Skillfully woven together, the story takes us back to Vancouver, BC where Hana grew up, to her family and a father who is not dead. I wonât give away the plot because this is a gripping story of human frailness and bonds, well told by a writer living right here on Thetis Island. I canât wait to read her other award winning books, including Falling From Grace.
The Performance, Ann Eriksson
Douglas & McIntyre,
ISBN 978-1-77162-125-0
Margriet Ruurs is a Salt Spring Island author of over 30 books. Her latest title Stepping Stones, A Refugee Familyâs Journey, is a Canadian bestseller.