The Organist: Fugues, Fatherhood, and a Fragile Mind [Paperback]

A keenly observed, often elegant accounting of the transformative power of art and the limits of knowing others, evenor perhaps especiallythose we feel we should know best. Toronto Star

A son reflects on his complicated relationship with his depressive yet brilliant father.

Harry Abley was a nightmare of a father: depressive, self-absorbed, unpredictable, emotionally unstable. He was also a dream of a father: gentle, courageous, artistically gifted. Mark Abley, his only child, grew up in the shadow of music and mental illness. How he came to terms with this divided legacy, and how he learned to be a man in the absence of a traditional masculine role model, are central to this beautifully written memoir.

This extraordinary story will speak to all those who love music, who struggle with depression, or who wrestle with the difficult bonds of love between a parent and a child.

Mark Ableyis a Rhodes Scholar, a Guggenheim Fellow, a winner of Canadas National Newspaper Award, and the first Canadian recipient of the LiberPress Prize for international writers. He has written six books of non-fiction, four collections of poetry, and two childrens books. Mark lives in Pointe Claire, QC. A keenly observed, often elegant accounting of the transformative power of art and the limits of knowing others, evenor perhaps especiallythose we feel we should know best. [A] remarkably transparent record of a writers lifelong efforts to understand and love his male parent. A fascinating and often beautiful portrait of the fragile psyche of a talented musician. The Organistsintimate scale and unstinting, probing honesty give it what should prove to be&lasting appeal. [A] master class in the delicate art of writing about family.