The Lost Pianos of Siberia

The Lost Pianos of Siberia by Sophy Roberts is an extraordinary journey through the vast and unforgiving landscape of Siberia, revealing a hidden history of music, culture, and human resilience. This captivating narrative takes readers on a quest to uncover the story of pianos scattered across Siberia, once the prized possessions of Russian nobility and now relics of an era long past. Each of these pianos holds a piece of history, echoing tales of exile, survival, and the indomitable spirit of those who brought music to one of the world's most remote and inhospitable regions.

Siberia's history is traditionally one of exiles, bitter cold, and suffering. Yet, there is another tale to tell. Dotted throughout this remote landscape are pianos created during the boom years of the nineteenth century. They tell the story of how, ever since entering Russian culture under the influence of Catherine the Great, piano music has run through the country like lifeblood. How these pianos travelled into this snow-bound wilderness in the first place is remarkable. That they might still be capable of making music in such a hostile landscape is nothing less than a miracle.

The Lost Pianos of Siberia is more than just a book about musical instruments; it is an evocative exploration of Siberia's cultural heritage and the enduring power of art in the face of adversity. Sophy Roberts brings to light the fascinating history of these pianos, weaving together the stories of those who played them, transported them, and cherished them. Her narrative traverses two centuries of Russian history and spans eight time zones, covering an eleventh of the world's land surface.

Roberts' prose is rich and evocative, painting a vivid picture of Siberia's stark beauty and its harsh realities. As she delves into the lives of the people connected to these pianos, she uncovers profound humanity in the last place on earth you might expect to find it. This is a story of passion, perseverance, and the universal language of music that transcends cultural and geographical boundaries.

A critically-acclaimed Sunday Times and Spectator book of 2020, The Lost Pianos of Siberia introduces a major new literary voice. It is an absorbing story about a piano hunt—a quixotic journey through history that reveals an unexpected musical legacy. This book offers a unique perspective on Siberia, challenging the conventional narratives and showcasing the resilience of culture and the power of music in even the most challenging environments.