About this book

"Sydämet : Kertomuksia" by Maila Talvio is a collection of short stories written in the early 20th century. The book appears to probe the inner life of “hearts,” dwelling on art, love, suffering, and the quiet heroism of ordinary people. Its opening tale centers on touring pianist Heinz Blume and his wife Marianne in a northern provincial town, exploring the ecstasy and pain of performance, the strain on family, and the audience’s hungry devotion. Expect intimate, psychologically attentive vignettes set against a vivid social milieu. The opening of the collection follows a single concert night that swells from backstage nerves into public rapture. Pianist Heinz Blume, oversensitive to his instrument, quarrels about playing a Steinway, then—urged by his calm wife—moves the hall with Chopin and Beethoven, igniting fervor among townspeople: a weary schoolmaster, an aged doctor adrift after an accident, a garrulous impresario, a hopeful young composer, and civic notables. After an awkward celebratory supper, talk of his “insured” hands, and tender, practical goodbyes, Marianne departs before dawn with their three small children. Left alone in the icy street, Blume slips, suffers a head injury, and is carried to care as the town hums with alarm and rumor—an abrupt break that lays bare the fragility behind the evening’s triumph. (This is an automatically generated summary.)