The Piano Teacher
by Janice Y.K. Lee
The Piano Teacher by Janice Y.K. Lee holds a mixed reviews rating of 3.32 out of 5, based on 16.2K reader ratings. First published in 2008. The book spans 328 pages.
About The Piano Teacher
Exotic Hong Kong takes center stage in this sumptuous novel, set in the 1940s and '50s. It's a city teeming with people, sights, sounds, and smells, and it's home to a group of foreign nationals who enjoy the good life among the local moneyed set, in a tight-knit social enclave distanced from the culture at large. Comfortable, clever, and even a bit dazzling, they revel in their fancy dinners and fun parties. But their sheltered lives take an abrupt turn after the Japanese occupation, and though their reactions are varied -- denial, resistance, submission -- the toll it takes on all is soon laid bare. Enter Claire Pendleton from London. Months after her husband is transferred to Hong Kong in 1951, she accepts a position as a piano teacher to the daughter of a wealthy couple, the Chens. Claire begins to see the appeal of the sweltering city and is soon taken in by the Chen's driver, the curiously underutilized Will Truesdale. A handsome charmer with a mysterious limp, Will appears to be the perfect companion for Claire, who's often left to her own devices. But a further examination leaves her with more questions than answers.An intricately woven tale of lives changed by historical events, Lee's debut brings this hothouse flower of a city alive with passion, and imagines characters both unforgettable and tragic.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Author | Janice Y.K. Lee |
| Published | 2008 |
| Pages | 328 |
| Genres | Historical Fiction, Fiction, Romance, Fiction, Music |
| Average Rating | 3.32 / 5.00 |
| Total Ratings | 16,172 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What genre is The Piano Teacher?
The Piano Teacher is categorized as Historical Fiction, Fiction, Romance, Fiction. Its primary genre classification is Romance.
Is The Piano Teacher worth reading?
Based on 16.2K reader ratings, The Piano Teacher has an average score of 3.32 out of 5.00, which is considered "Mixed Reviews."
How many pages is The Piano Teacher?
The Piano Teacher has 328 pages.
Who wrote The Piano Teacher?
The Piano Teacher was written by Janice Y.K. Lee. It was first published in 2008.
What is the ISBN for The Piano Teacher?
The ISBN-13 for The Piano Teacher is 9780670020480.0.
Data sourced from community book ratings and reviews. Last updated: April 15, 2026
