The Great Passion

This wise, refreshing novel takes us to the heart of Bach's life and work. James Runcie's expert imagination makes his picture of Leipzig specific and convincing, and behind the music's echo lies a touching human story. It offers a glimpse into a world more faithful and attentive than our own, but not alien to us: we listen to music as survivors, the great Cantor says -- HILARY MANTEL A novel which deserves to last and will surely do so. It is surely James Runcie's masterwork, a novel written with love and understanding * SCOTSMAN * In this moving and fascinating portrait of a rare moment in musical history, Runcie turns a legend into a real man, compellingly unveiling the intricate connection between passion, grief and the greatest art. Careful research and beautiful writing make this a memorable and rewarding read -- LUCY JAGO The Great Passion is a novel revering the life and work of JS Bach, as told by a young boy soprano in Leipzig * IRISH INDEPENDENT, BOOKS OF THE YEAR 2022 * This is historical fiction of the highest order ... intricate and accessible * PUBLISHERS WEEKLY, starred review * A delightful novel filled with warmth, music, and an obvious love of Bach * KIRKUS * Praise for James Runcie: 'Runcie has the gift of the born storyteller * DAILY MAIL * Tremendous: shrewd, compelling and full of insight -- WILLIAM BOYD A triumph of inspired imagination * FINANCIAL TIMES * It's a warm, tender novel, brimful of emotion and empathy, as the fascinating characters grapple with faith, feelings and fellowship. But it's Runcie's description of the music that is truly marvellous. Intoxicating, insightful and revelatory, he brilliantly tackles the difficult task of using words to capture the intricacies of Bach's fervent work on the beautiful, groundbreaking masterpiece, St Matthew Passion * DAILY MAIL * Runcie ... has a gift for capturing the past * INDEPENDENT.CO.UK *