The book is loosely based on Goldworthy's daughter Anna's piano lessons with Russian emigre pianist Eleonora Sivan (born 1941),[1] who had moved to Adelaide in 1981 as a refugee.[2]
The protagonist, a boy called Paul Crabbe, is taught piano by his teacher (or maestro), Eduard Keller. Paul dislikes his teacher at first, but by the end of the book has grown to appreciate him dearly. Paul slowly comes to realisation that he is now learning from the maestro, and his talent starts growing day by day. Paul learns the limits of his own musical ability through Keller, but he also grows to understand himself and Keller enough to write the novel. He also has a loving relationship with his sweetheart, Rosie.
