In lockdown, I sought elegant romantic fluff and in “The Lost Love Song,” by Tasmanian author Minnie Darke, I stumbled on just what I needed. The novel’s plot conceit is revealed in its title: a famous pianist composes a love song that then begins a life independent of her, across oceans and cultures and times. If that sounds twee, the author transcends the genre through strong writing with a robust authorial voice, through a revolving set of vibrant characters, and through a plot that might seem destined for a romantic climax but twists and turns. This is delectable writing to be devoured in one lockdown-conquering sitting.
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