Henry Handel Richardson 
Maurice Guest 
Passion, Pursuit, and Piano: A Musical Romance in 19th Century Leipzig

Henry Handel Richardson’s ‘Maurice Guest’ is a complex and evocative novel that delves into the themes of love, ambition, and the struggles of artistic pursuit. Set in the music scene of 19th century Leipzig, Germany, the novel follows the story of Maurice Guest, a talented young pianist from Australia, as he navigates his way through the challenges of pursuing a music career in a foreign land. Richardson’s prose is both lyrical and introspective, capturing the emotional turmoil and conflicts of the characters with precision and depth, making the reader emotionally invested in their journeys. The novel is a powerful exploration of passion, sacrifice, and the price of pursuing one’s dreams in the face of societal expectations and personal desires.