Orfeo
Orfeo
Book Brief
Beta400
Novel • Fiction
United States • 2010s
2014
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In Richard Powers' novel, Orfeo, a composer named Peter Els explores the intersection of music and science. When his home laboratory attracts the attention of Homeland Security, he is propelled into an unexpected journey that intertwines his past compositions with a quest for artistic and personal redemption. The narrative delves into themes of creativity and freedom.
Contemplative
Melancholic
Emotional
Bittersweet
Mysterious
Reviews & Readership
7,744 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Orfeo by Richard Powers intertwines music and science through the tale of an avant-garde composer. Critics praise the novel's intricate narrative and exploration of art and biotechnology's intersections. However, some find the prose dense and the pacing uneven. Overall, Orfeo offers a provocative meditation on creativity and freedom.
Who Should Read Orfeo?
A reader captivated by the intersection of music, science, and existential inquiry, akin to enthusiasts of The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt and The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera, will relish Richard Powers’ Orfeo. Its lush prose and intricate themes appeal to those seeking profound, intellectually stimulating narratives.
7,744 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Orfeo by Richard Powers is named after Orpheus, a legendary musician, poet, and prophet in ancient Greek religion, known for his ability to charm all living things and even stones with his music.
The novel was a finalist for the 2014 National Book Award in Fiction, showcasing the critical acclaim Richard Powers often receives for his literary work.
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Powers, who is known for integrating themes of science and music in his narratives, explores the intersection of biochemistry and avant-garde music in Orfeo.
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400
Novel • Fiction
United States • 2010s
2014
Adult
18+ years
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