A review by punchofwishes
A Simple Scale by David Llewellyn

4.0

Read for a book club, this was a really interesting story. Told from three perspectives in three different times, the focus lies on two composers and their intertwined history. Sergey, a Russian composer who’s story is told backwards starting with his return from the gulag all the way to the start of his originally promissing career. Sol, an American composer who gets targeted by McCarthyism and whose complicated relationships cause a lot of trouble in his life. Natalie who in late 2001 is one of the caretaker’s of aging and dementia affected Sol, coming in contact with Sergey’s grandson who claims Sol stole a composition of his grandfather. This is a complex and emotional story with a destinct solemn atmosphere. Two of the three narrators are mlm and the amount of terrible things they experience related and unrelated to their sexuality is quite notable. Having read a bit about McCarthyism as well as anti-gay activity in the United States, I really loved how direct and impactful this book tackles these issues as well as other political and social topics. Sometimes I did get a little confused if a chapter was from Sergey or Sol’s point of view and Natalie was definitely the least interesting character. I still really enjoyed this book!