A Greater Monster

Literary Nonfiction. In this remarkable, quietly piercing book-length rumination, Adam Miller demonstrates all the necessary assets of a first-rate personal essayist: an elegant prose style, acute observational powers, humanity, curiosity, erudition, humor, modesty and honesty. Whether he is writing about Bach, Bruce Chatwin, the shenanigans of his students, the marketing of classical music, his down-and-out biological painter-father and his worldly, successful stepfather, a collapsing marriage, a lame party of academics, his aching love for his children, or simply the signs he sees in passing on the road, he finds a way to engage us utterly. He is extraordinarily good company, and a good man (claims of monstrosity aside). Highly recommended for anyone who values literary intelligence and the twisty-turning adventures of an unfolding consciousness.