The Soloist — Mark Salzman

As an adolescent, Renne Sundheimer was hailed as potentially the greatest cellist who ever lived, touring the world's concert halls and basking in the adoration of his fans and the admiration of critics. But at the age of eighteen, his gift deserted him, and now he makes his living as a cello teacher at a large university in Southern California, hoping that his gift will return.

Suddenly Renne's life changes dramatically when he becomes involved in a murder trial for the brutal killing of a Buddhist monk, and takes on a new pupil -- an unprepossessing nine-year- old Korean boy whose talent, potential and brilliant musicianship remind Renne of his own past. At once enchanting and deeply moving, The Soloist is Mark Salzman's most captivating work to date.