The Zen Violinist is the compelling new novel by Diana Janney, author of A Man of Understanding, the Runner-up in The People's Book Prize.


Suki Koyama, a talented English violinist, grew up in Japan from the age of four. When she returns as an adult to London, her birthplace, to pursue a musical career, she takes with her many influences from her years in Japan - the violin, classical music, poetry, writing, Zen. The two she values most are her violin playing and Zen nature, but on the brink of achieving her dream of success as a twenty-five-year-old soloist tragedy strikes and Suki fears she is losing both. A deepening relationship with enigmatic Rex Curtis intensifies her fear that her true nature is disappearing.

How will she respond?

Suki tells her moving story in lyrical prose, like a concerto in three movements, to compose a stunningly original and thought-provoking meditation on a life guided by the principles of music and Zen practice.

The Zen Violinist resounds with the beauty of a work of art, the wisdom of Zen, and the complexities of love.