The Music Shop

 The Music Shop by Rachel Joyce

Frank owns a rundown music shop on a back street lined with a few more old businesses and dilapidated houses. His suppliers are beginning to avoid him because he refuses to stock CDs, believing the truest sound can only be heard on vinyl. They tell him he soon won't be able to get records and will have to switch to CDs, but Frank is adamant.

Blessed with an uncanny ability to sense what people are feeling and which record would meet their need at that moment in time, he suggests Aretha Franklin to one, something classical for another, or maybe jazz, and he's never wrong. He doesn't make much money, but he likes that he's able to help people 

Also in Frank's out-of-the-way neighbourhood are a funeral parlour run by the Williams Brothers, Mr. Novak's Bakery, Maud's Tattoo Parlour, and the gift shop of ex-priest Father Anthony. Rounding out the cast is Mrs. Roussos, who owns a home on the street and is a frequent visitor to the shop, and Kit, Frank's clumsily enthusiastic young assistant. In flashbacks we are introduced to Peg, Frank's eccentric mother, and learn something of the upbringing that gave him his love for music and explains why he has trouble opening up to people.  

Into this declining neighbourhood comes Ilse, a beautiful woman recently arrived from Germany, who faints outside the music shop window and is taken inside to recover. Once she does, she departs quickly, leaving everyone wondering who she is, where she lives, and why she's here. Though she returns and they get to know her a little, her hesitancy to speak about herself keeps them wondering. and conjecturing. 

With Frank falling for Ilse and a development firm using shady tactics to buy up local properties, things get complicated. Ilse is supposed to have a fiancée back in Germany, but won't talk about him. Some of the shop owners, faced with harassment and even violence, are getting scared and selling out. Frank's shop could be the next target.

This was a touching story with authentic, relatable characters you'd want for friends. Frank and Ilse could be frustratingly reticent - just SAY it for Pete's sake! - but I loved the parts where he spoke about various pieces of music and how to listen to them properly. I want to play some of the ones mentioned and try to hear what he said to listen for. I'm afraid it will be on CDs though. Don't tell Frank.