A Steinway on the Beach: Wounds and Other Blessings

Distinguished essayist and novelist Rosenblatt (Cold Moon) partnered with artist Newman to produce this slender, wholly lovely volume of musings and accompanying watercolor paintings. Every page has several, sometimes unrelated anecdotes, memories, or thoughts that loosely follow a theme of viewing the wounds of living as portals to enlightenment. He begins with the odd experience of seeing a whole Steinway piano washed ashore on a beach in New England. Despite the damage, it apparently could be repaired and brought back to use. He notes the beauty of the instrument and recalls playing a similar piano in the past. This instrument becomes emblematic of his experiences and of people he’s met who have endured the pummels of life to emerge with greater insight and grace. This is a volume that can be read in small doses and then pondered. Rosenblatt, now in his 80s, shares a lifetime of wisdom. Newman’s paintings are a perfect complement to Rosenblatt’s thoughts.